NRCS Invites Proposals for 2018 Conservation Innovation Grants

DAVIS, Calif., Feb. 23, 2018 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Up to $375,000 is available for one- to three-year grants. The maximum award amount for any project will not exceed $75,000 in FY 2018. Proposals are due by April 17, 2018.

CIG is a voluntary program to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. The proposed projects should augment existing NRCS technical tools (planning, assessment and/or delivery) to better facilitate conservation on farms and ranches.

In 2018 NRCS California is prioritizing proposals that improve the “technical toolbox” to address the following on-farm resource concerns: soil and water quality, wildlife habitat, water conservation, forest health, air quality, waste recycling and energy conservation. Applicants are encouraged to explore the full program announcement to better match their proposals to these needs. Please see www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ca/programs/financial/cig/

Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process and in 2018 will not include a pre-proposal process.  Eligible applicants include state and local government, nongovernment organizations, Tribal governments, eligible private business and individuals. Applicants may contact Erik Beardsley at Erik.Beardsley@ca.usda.gov for more information.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on April 17, 2018. Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov. In addition, a PDF of the complete application must be emailed to Erik.Beardsley@ca.usda.gov. Both submissions must be received by the submission due date.

Contacts: Anita Brown, Public Affairs Director (530) 792-5644
Alan Forkey, Farm Bill Programs Manager (530) 792-5653

NEWS RELEASE

Upper Feather River Solicitation for Implementation Projects

By the Upper Feather River Integrated Regional Water Management Group

The Upper Feather River Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) has opened a solicitation for its Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan implementation projects. The purpose of the solicitation is to perform periodic updates to the IRWM Plan implementation project list. Projects should address adopted Plan goals and objectives, California Water Plan resource management strategies, and Department of Water Resources’ priorities for projects. Projects developed through this process will undergo a review and selection process for inclusion in the IRWM Plan as implementation projects, which will then be eligible for future Department of Water Resources IRWM grant funding opportunities. Benefits of having a project included in the IRWM Plan also extend to supporting other local and regional efforts to secure competitive statewide grant funding.

Application forms and information are available at (http://featherriver.org/documents/). This is an open solicitation with RWMG review and consideration scheduled to occur quarterly. In order for projects to be eligible for the next Department of Water Resources IRWM implementation grant, projects should be submitted for inclusion in the Plan now. Project applications may be submitted at any time and will be considered for inclusion in the Plan at the next RWMG meeting, which will be posted on the calendar.

The Upper Feather River (IRWM) Plan was updated and accepted by the Department of Water Resources in December 2016 after a two-year process involving extensive input from residents, Tribes, and water managers in the region. The RWMG, which is the governing body responsible for updating and implementing the Plan, is committed to ensuring that the region remains active in the California Water Plan and IRWM Program. Please see our website for further information on the program, news, and upcoming meetings (http://featherriver.org/).

Questions may be directed to Uma Hinman at UFR.contact@gmail.com or (916) 813-0818.