REGION 6 FISHERIES CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

THIS IS THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT. The Region 6 US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program and its partners recognize that we share responsibilities for managing and conserving fish and other aquatic resources, and success is contingent on partnerships that cut across jurisdictions. The Region 6 Fisheries Program embraces a balanced approach toward aquatic resource stewardship that recognizes a need to conserve and manage self-sustaining populations and their habitats while providing quality recreational fishing. Region 6 covers the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. Proposals will only be considered for projects within these states. Proposals may include but are not limited to: Assessment, Planning and Coordination, Implementing and Evaluating Water Quantity, Water Quality, Fish Passage, In-stream and Riparian Habitat, Introduced Species (including Aquatic Nuisance Species), Introgression, and culture aspects of brood stock development, production and re-introduction. Project proposals requested between $1,000 and $50,000 are most attractive. There is no required match, however 50 percent cost share is highly encouraged. Project ranking criteria include: ecological benefits for Federal trust species, minimum costs to the Service for operation and maintenance, current scientific knowledge and proven technology, and addressing objectives outlined in approved management plans. Projects must comply with all applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and Local regulations. Benefits of collaborative interagency efforts and partnerships for aquatic resources will be: Improved status of populations and habitats; Enhanced recreational opportunities; Improved partnerships and decreased duplication of efforts; Activities will be consistent with the US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program Vision. Assistance can only be provided on a cost recoverable basis. The Region 6 Fisheries Program staff reviews and approves project proposals and their associated budget upon receipt of a completed application. Decisions on funding a proposal are usually made no later than 180 days after receipt of the proposal. However, funding opportunities may present themselves at a later opportunity at which time projects may be reconsidered. Projects will be reviewed to determine how well they address the fisheries program priorities outlined above, including relevance to fish conservation plan priorities, conservation and management priority species, and the fish conservation activities listed above. Projects will also be evaluated for their biological and statistical soundness, feasibility, geographic scope of applicability, and cost effectiveness. Projects may also be evaluated and reviewed by outside sources, including but not limited to other appropriate federal staff at national and regional levels, state and local government employees, and other individuals with project area expertise, before selection is approved, to insure cost effectiveness, biological and statistical methodology, and feasibility. Although cost sharing and funding match are not a requirement, projects involving partners from other agencies and organizations who provide matching funds, in-kind services, materials, and equipment may be given greater consideration for funding than similar projects that do not include partner resources. Application packets are accepted throughout the fiscal year (1 Oct – 30 Sept) and are reviewed upon receipt. Once a proposal is accepted and mutually agreed upon deliverables and funding are approved, a formal agreement is written. Upon signing of the agreement by both parties, work may begin. Based upon the USFWS Program Officer determination, some agreements may be issued with a period of performance of up to five years. Subject to availability of funds, funding on some agreements may be increased during the life of the agreement. No advance of funds is available. All awards for assistance are subject to availability of funds. All unselected applications will be discarded on 9/30/11 and a new announcement will be posted in October.Each application will be evaluated based on the criteria below and according to its relevance to current R6 Fisheries project priorities. Additional information will be solicited from applicants who meet the most relevant priority needs with request for more specific criteria once received.Significance: The extent to which the project, if successfully carried out, will make an original and important contribution to the Fish and Wildlife Service Mission and the public. Approach: The extent to which the concept, design, methods, analyses, and technologies are properly developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project. Feasibility: The likelihood that the proposed work can be accomplished within the proposed budget by the technical staff, given their experience and pexpertise, past progress, available resouorces, and institutional/organizational commitment.

Note any unusually high or low cost-effectiveness. All questions are to be submitted in writing via email to the contact below, please include the funding opportunity number in the subject line. Pre-applications are to be submitted. Detailed applications will be requested by invitation only. Click on "Full Announcement" to see the attached Application Instructions for further guidance.