Coastal

 

To provide technical and financial assistance to partners to implement voluntary coastal habitat protection, restoration, and improvement projects that benefit federal trust species, including species listed as threatened or endangered, migratory birds, interjurisdictional fish, and certain marine mammals. Coastal habitats include, coastal wetlands, estuaries, watersheds, and shorelines, and near shore habitats like seagrass beds and coral reefs. Our conservation investments benefit coastal-dependent species, coastal communities and their economies, and provide recreational communities.

Active 15.630 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of The Interior B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2017 The Program restored/enhanced 50,410 upland acres, 16,376 wetland acres, and 108 stream miles. The Coastal Program completed 234 project accomplishments in FY17
Fiscal Year 2018 The Program restored/enhanced over 50,000 upland acres, 7,800 wetland acres, nearly 70 stream miles, and 8 fish passage structures.
Fiscal Year 2019 In FY 2019 the program completed 165 projects that restored or protected more than 55,135 upland acres, 28,790 wetland acres, 53 river and shoreline miles, and 9 fish passage structures.
Fiscal Year 2020 186 applications received and 186 awards issued.
Fiscal Year 2021 151 accomplishments with 113 distinct partners; 14,070 coastal upland acres protected; 1,858 coastal upland acres improved; 8,111 coastal wetland acres protected; 7,040 coastal wetland acres improved; 19 stream miles protected; 15 stream miles improved.
Fiscal Year 2022 160 applications and 160 awards (estimate).
Fiscal Year 2023 160 applications and 160 awards (estimate).
Fiscal Year 2024 160 applications and 160 awards (estimate). Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act—Cooperation of agencies (16 U.S.C. §661), Fish and Wildlife Act—Community partnership enhancement (16 U.S.C. §742f(d)); Inflation Reduction Act - Weather Events (Pub. L. 117-169 [H.R. 5376], §60302, 136 STAT. 2079); Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58 [H.R. 3684] 135 Stat. 1389) Federal, State, interstate and intrastate agencies; local and tribal governments; public nonprofit institutes and organizations (such as conservation organizations, watershed councils, land trusts, schools and institutions of higher learning); U.S. territories and possessions; private landowners including individuals and businesses. Federal, state, interstate and intrastate agencies, tribes, local governments; public nongovernmental organizations (such as conservation organizations, watershed councils, land trusts, schools and universities); U.S. territories and possessions; private landowners, including individuals and businesses. Not applicable. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. After a project has been designed and the cost calculated, the local Coastal Program coordinator will be able to inform the respective cooperator(s) whether or not the Service will provide technical or financial assistance. When the cooperator has signed a cooperative agreement work can begin on the project. The Service reimburses the landowner after the project is completed. After a project has been designed and the cost calculated, the local Coastal Program coordinator will be able to inform the respective cooperator(s) whether or not the Service will provide financial assistance. When the cooperator has signed a cooperative agreement work can begin on the project. The Service reimburses the landowner after the project is completed. September 30, 2023. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, however, applications received after June 1st may be deferred for consideration in a future fiscal year and are not assured funding in the FY23. Not applicable. Not applicable. None. However, project partners may request additional projects on their lands. All projects must benefit Federal trust species and be cost effective. Project selection occurs at the field level. See the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in http://grants.gov for more details. Funds are used for habitat assessments, planning, and coastal habitat protection and restoration on public or private lands. The Coastal Program is geographically limited to 24 high priority areas. These are Gulf of Maine, Southern New England/New York Bight, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Albemarle/Pamlico Sound, South Carolina Coast, Northeast Florida, South Florida/Everglades, Tampa Bay, Florida Panhandle, the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Texas Coast (Northern), Texas Coast (Southern), Great Lakes (Northern), Great Lakes (Southern), San Diego Bay, San Francisco Bay, Humboldt Bay, Central California Coast, Oregon Coast, Puget Sound, Alaska (South East), Alaska (South Central), and the Pacific Islands. Performance Reports: Performance reports are required. Recipients must monitor and report on project performance in accordance with the requirements in 2 CFR 200.329. A final performance report is due within 120 calendar days of the award period of performance end date, unless the awarding program approves a due date extension. The FWS details all reporting requirements including frequency and due dates in Notices of Award. Not applicable. Records must be maintained separately for each project in accordance with 2 CFR 200. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Assistance available October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023; funds must be expended within 2 years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Program obligates funds and sends a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award. Program obligates funds and sends a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award. See http://www.fws.gov/coastal for contact information and addresses. Chris Darnell
Branch of Habitat Restoration
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
5275 Leesburg Pike MS NWRS
Falls Church, VA 22041 US
chris_darnell@fws.gov
Phone: 703-557-8163 https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal 14-1611-0-1-302 (Cooperative Agreements) FY 22$6,000,000.00; FY 23 est $6,000,000.00; FY 24 est $6,000,000.00; - Range is $5,000 to $50,000. Not applicable. Fiscal Year 2017 The Program anticipates funding projects that help protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats that benefit Federal trust species. Burnet Bay Wetlands Restoration Project: The Burnet Bay Wetlands Restoration project implements the highest priority action item (HP-1: Restore, create, and protect wetlands) in The Galveston Bay Plan, the comprehensive conservation and management plan for Galveston Bay. The Burnet Bay Wetlands Restoration Project will provide 35 acres of estuarine intertidal habitat for finfish and shell fish, help improve water quality in the affected area, and protect the existing shoreline of Burnet Bay from wave energy generated by ship wakes from the nearby Houston Ship Channel. These marsh habitats provide important nursery grounds for recreationally and commercially important aquatic species such as Gulf menhaden, sand seatrout, Southern flounder, red drum, bay anchovy, and other marine forms to develop into juveniles. Several species of birds also utilize the wetland habitat created in the project including: brown and white pelicans, black skimmers, several tern and gull species, as well as a bald eagle. MacDill AFB Living Shoreline Creation Project: The goal of this project was to reduce erosion and stabilize the shoreline at MacDill AFB in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Watch, in partnership with MacDill AFB and the Department of Defense completed this project to create a living shoreline on the base, which is one of the goals outlined in the CCMP (Changing the Course Management Plan). The project created .66 acres of estuarine oyster reef habitat by building 1,350 linear feet of oyster shell communities using 137 tons of fossilized oyster shell. The project restored .92 acres of salt marsh habitat by planting 1,000 linear feet of Spartina alterniflora at two to three foot intervals within the intertidal zone. Salt marsh is a biological filter for runoff, aides in the uptake of excess nitrogen loads, provides a natural erosion barrier for upland habitats, and serves as a habitat for numerous shorebird and other organisms. Zis-a-ba Estuary Habitat Restoration Project: Originally tidal wetlands, the project area has been diked and farmed for more than 100 years. This project restored tidal and riverine influence by removing the majority of the perimeter levee and associated tide gate, improving a levee on the south side to protect the adjacent property owner, and permanent protection of the property. To restore tidal influence to the 88 acre estuary (inside the dike), tidal channels were excavated across the interior of the site to encourage natural tidal channel development while protecting infrastructure that traverses the property. The nearly 7,000 feet of perimeter dike was then removed. The project was designed to restore estuary rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids, especially Endangered Species Act listed Chinook and bull trout populations of the Stillaguamish and Skagit Rivers. The restoration of tidal wetlands inside the project area is specifically called for in the Puget Sound Chinook Recovery Plan.
Fiscal Year 2018 Example 1: The Coastal Program partnered with federal, state and tribal agencies to improve fish and wildlife habitat on public coastal waters in the state of Wisconsin by planting native wild rice. The reestablishment of wild rice in this area led to improved habitat and forage quality for water-birds and waterfowl like ducks, geese, swans and other migratory birds, and has reduced the impact of invasive plant species, namely the purple loosestrife. This project area is open to public hunting, fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation which will benefit from these efforts that restore and enhance healthy natural resources and habitat. Example 2: The Coastal Program worked with private landowners to restore and protect habitats for the Delmarva fox squirrel along the Chicamacomico River, near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The Coastal Program identified suitable habitat, acquired grant funding, and engaged landowners. Example 3: The Coastal Program worked with partners to develop a management plan for conserving unique habitats and rare species on a state preserve. The plan recommended the removal of invasive species, like Brazilian pepper, using prescribed fire and other techniques. Coastal Program financial assistance supported a forestry technician to implement the management plan and monitor the restoration efforts. The preserve also supports public recreation opportunities including hunting, fishing, and camping.
Fiscal Year 2019 1) The Coastal Program collaborated with partners to create a permeable parking lot using green infrastructure techniques that will provide parking spaces for beach access. This parking lot will help reduce sediment load into the marine environment and was designed to capture and infiltrate rainwater and runoff from the adjacent hillsides into the subsoil. The project also established two breeding ponds for the Puerto Rican crested toad. These secure breeding ponds will protect the species’ reproduction and juvenile survival in the area, contributing to the recovery of this species. 2) The Coastal Program worked with partners to restore pollinator habitat by planting over 39,000 native plants, including 3 species of milkweed and 27 other wildflower and flowering shrub species. These plants were installed on over 180 acres of meadow and oak savanna habitat that were cleared of competing woody vegetation. Planting sites were on public and private lands, and included coastal-influenced mountain meadows, inland oak savanna, and isolated grasslands scattered through southwestern Oregon. 3) Working collaboratively with our state, federal, municipal and non-profit conservation partners, the Coastal Program restored and enhanced 30 acres of tidal marsh through a strategic dredge and thin layer sediment placement project. The project was designed to include estuarine channel restoration, tidal marsh thin layer deposition, and eelgrass restoration components. In addition, the project planted native high marsh, low marsh, and coastal shrub species and enhanced 3 acres of sub-tidal habitat designed to expand upon eelgrass meadows in the pond.
Fiscal Year 2020 Biological inventories and assessments, conservation planning and design, coastal wetland restoration, hydrologic reconnection, exotic species control, native revegetation, prescribed burns, living shoreline design and construction, dune restoration and stabilization, schoolyard habitats, and coral reef conservation.
Fiscal Year 2021 The Coastal Program worked with the Galveston Bay Foundation and The Nature Conservancy’s Texas City Prairie Preserve to restore 110 acres of wetlands along Dollar Bay, in Galveston, Texas. The project constructed a breakwater and restored intertidal marshes creating a living shoreline that builds coastal resiliency, improves water quality and attenuates coastal erosion and flooding. The breakwater provides a suitable area for oyster recruitment. The restored habitats also benefit a suite of federal trust species, including interjurisdictional fish and migratory birds. The success of this project led a private landowner to sell 100 acres to the Galveston Bay Foundation to permanently protect wetlands adjacent to the restoration. The protected lands were later transferred to the city of Texas City. The Coastal Program worked with the Pee Dee Land Trust to prioritize habitats for conservation in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. The Land Trust used this information and funding from the Coastal Program to permanently protect 286 acres of wetland and forest on a privately owned property. The protected land adds to a natural corridor along the Pee Dee River that benefits the federally endangered Carolina heelsplitter, a mussel species, and several at-risk species, including the robust redhorse (pictured), spotted turtle, and Carolina-birds-in-a-nest, a plant species. The protected land also preserves a suite of ecological services, such as flood control and ground water recharge, and traditional land uses, including farming, hunting, and silviculture. The Coastal Program worked with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Lower Rogue Watershed Council, and others to restore five acres of estuarine habitat along the Lower Rogue River to help reverse the loss of Pacific salmon. Located in southern Oregon, the Rogue River is identified as a high-priority region for habitat conservation by the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Salmon Recovery Plan. The project improved year-round habitat for the federally threatened coho and other Pacific salmon by adding large woody debris and native trees along sloughs and other areas of slow-moving water — perfect places for young salmon to grow. This habitat is also used by other wildlife, including peregrine falcons, river otters, black bears, and Northern red-legged frogs. The Coastal Program helped The Conservation Fund protect more than 250 acres of wetland, forest, and river habitat along the Portage Pass, in south-central Alaska. Located in Chugach National Forest, Portage Pass (pictured) provides a shortcut for bears, moose, migratory birds, and other wildlife moving between Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet. The protected land conserves a stream that supports Pacific salmon and other fish and preserves recreational activities, including hiking on the Portage Pass Trail — a small segment of the more than 1,000-mile Iditarod National Historic Trail.
Fiscal Year 2022 Program facilitates biological inventories and assessments, conservation planning and design, coastal ecosystem conservation, hydrologic reconnection, exotic species control, native revegetation, prescribed burns, living shoreline design and construction, dune restoration and stabilization, schoolyard habitats, and coral reef conservation.
Fiscal Year 2023 Program facilitates biological inventories and assessments, conservation planning and design, coastal ecosystem conservation, hydrologic reconnection, exotic species control, native revegetation, prescribed burns, living shoreline design and construction, dune restoration and stabilization, schoolyard habitats, and coral reef conservation.
Fiscal Year 2024 Program facilitates biological inventories and assessments, conservation planning and design, coastal ecosystem conservation, hydrologic reconnection, exotic species control, native revegetation, prescribed burns, living shoreline design and construction, dune restoration and stabilization, schoolyard habitats, and coral reef conservation.