null
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Sept. 30) – The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) announces the opening of the 2017 Coldwater Conservation Grants Program. The program provides two grant opportunities which help to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems.
The two grant opportunities are:
Planning Grant - designed to help develop a conservation plan that identifies the threats to the health of local coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout as well as the opportunities for habitat restoration and conservation within those watersheds. The information and analysis can be used as a catalyst for more comprehensive planning or for development of watershed improvements projects. Planning grants average approximately $5,000.
Implementation Grant - designed to provide funding for projects recommended in a completed conservation plan or other approved plan such as a Rivers Conservation Plan. Proposed projects must enhance, conserve or protect the coldwater stream for which the coldwater conservation plan or similar document was originally completed. Implementation grants average approximately $7,000.
Applications will be accepted through Dec. 16, 2016. Additional information, including the applications for both grants, can be found at www.coldwaterheritage.org.
The Coldwater Heritage Partnership urges watershed associations, conservancies, conservation districts, municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply.
The partnership provides technical assistance and funding support for the evaluation, conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. Grants will be awarded for project proposals that outline planning strategies and define implementation projects that best conserve and protect Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries.
In addition to its grant program, CHP strives to foster greater public understanding of watershed characteristics and how they affect coldwater ecosystems; identify special areas of concern, such as areas with exceptional water quality and high potential for impacts; and provide technical assistance and financial opportunities to organizations dedicated to protecting coldwater ecosystems.
The CHP is a cooperative effort among the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU), the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.
###
CONTACT:
Tali MacArthur - Program Director, (814) 359-5233 or info@coldwaterheritage.org