Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration

 

The purpose of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) Program is to restore natural resources and their services that have been injured by an oil spill or hazardous substance release for the benefit of the American people. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a trustee for threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, at-risk species, and interjurisdictional fishes. We identify natural resources and their services that have been injured, determine the extent of the injuries, recover damages from responsible parties, and plan and carry out natural resource restoration activities.

Active 15.658 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of The Interior B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2017 In FY16, there were a few restoration projects that resulted in an unusually large number of acres managed/protected or made available for recreational opportunities. Therefore, we anticipate FY accomplishments to include approximately 4,000 acres and 100 miles of habitat enhanced or restored, 150,000 acres and 200 miles of habitat managed or protected, and 29,000 acres and 200 miles made available for recreational opportunities. We based this estimate on the 4 year average for each category. More than 6,000 acres and 200 streams/shorelines were enhanced and/or restored. More than 20,000 acres were newly managed, and more than 4,500 acres were protected through fee title or conservation easement. Nearly 400 river miles and 3,500 acres were made available for recreational opportunities. A total of 85 restoration projects were completed. Of those 85 projects, 26 projects benefited threatened or endangered species, 56 projects benefited migratory birds, 30 projects benefited interjurisdictional fishes, and 1 project benefited marine mammals (some projects benefited more than one trust resource category).
Fiscal Year 2018 More than 1,900 acres of habitat and 130 miles of streams/shorelines were enhanced and/or restored. More than 42,000 acres were newly managed, and nearly 6,200 acres were protected through fee title or conservation easement. Nearly 50 river miles and 5,700 acres were made available for recreational opportunities. A total of 74 restoration projects were completed. Of those 74 projects, 31 projects benefited threatened or endangered species, 60 projects benefited migratory birds, 28 projects benefited interjurisdictional fishes, and 6 projects benefited marine mammals (some projects benefited more than one trust resource category).
Fiscal Year 2019 More than 6,800 acres of habitat and 8,209 miles of streams/shorelines were enhanced and/or restored under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program. More than 14,500 acres were newly managed, and nearly 4,000 acres were protected through fee title or conservation easement. More than 5,400 acres of land and 900 miles of river, trail and shoreline were made available for recreational opportunities. A total of 109 restoration projects were completed. Of those 109 projects, 21 projects benefited threatened or endangered species, 64 projects benefited migratory birds, 23 projects benefited interjurisdictional fishes, and 4 projects benefited marine mammals (some projects benefited more than one trust resource category).
Fiscal Year 2020 In FY20, the program issued 32 awards to program partners for projects relating to wildlife monitoring and assessment, aquatic and terrestrial habitat restoration and improvement, data analysis, community outreach and education, and recreation enhancement.
Fiscal Year 2021 In FY21, the program made 51 awards to program partners for natural resource damage assessment and restoration projects including wildlife monitoring and assessment, aquatic and terrestrial habitat restoration and improvement, data analysis, community outreach and education, and recreation enhancement.
Fiscal Year 2022 Program made 30 awards to program partners for natural resource damage assessment and restoration projects including wildlife monitoring and assessment, aquatic and terrestrial habitat restoration and improvement, data analysis, community outreach and education, and recreation enhancement.
Fiscal Year 2023 At the time of publication, the program has issued 9 awards and expects to make approximately 30 awards in total (estimate) for natural resource damage assessment and restoration projects including wildlife monitoring and assessment, aquatic and terrestrial habitat restoration and improvement, data analysis, community outreach and education, and recreation enhancement.
Fiscal Year 2024 Program estimates that it will make 30 awards (estimate) for natural resource damage assessment and restoration projects including wildlife monitoring and assessment, aquatic and terrestrial habitat restoration and improvement, data analysis, community outreach and education, and recreation enhancement. Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C §§1251-1387; Oil Pollution Act, 33 U.S.C. §2701 et seq.; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C §9601, et seq.; and Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C §742 et seq. Anyone/general public. Use of assistance is primarily for natural resources but also can be for public education and recreation. Not applicable. 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. Applicant must complete the Standard Form (SF) 424, and the appropriate Budget and Assurances forms (SF 424A and SF 424B - Non-construction; or SF 424C and SF 424D - Construction) Application for Federal Assistance. The Regional Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service or his or her designee approves or disapproves of proposed projects. Regional Offices are responsible for notifying the grantee of grant approval by the return of a completed agreement. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From 30 to 60 days. Approximately 45 working days after receipt, dependent upon the complexity of the agreement. Not applicable. Project may be renewed as needed, if justified and if funds are available. Specific criteria for individual proposals are set by the local and Regional office that is advertising the project opportunity. Criteria are based on the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration case-specific needs. Assistance is provided to fund NRDAR-related activities that fall under two main sub-activities: 1) assessment, and 2) restoration. Assessment activities are funded from either appropriated funds or recovered past assessment costs. While assessment funding is discretionary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other DOI Bureaus involved in NRDAR cases work as collaboratively as possible with our co-Trustees (e.g., states, federally-recognized tribes, and other federal agencies with natural resource management responsibilities that were impacted by the specific NRDAR case) when deciding what assessment activities to conduct and when to offer financial assistance for specific assessment activities. Assessment activities support the specific NRDAR case and legal claim, and can include identifying the natural resources injured and any loss of services they provide (such as recreation), determining the extent of the injuries, scaling restoration costs and projects to the injuries, and determining damages (i.e., cost) necessary to restore the injured natural resources and services. Restoration activities are funded from NRDAR case-specific settlement funds that were paid by the responsible party (or parties) to all Natural Resource Trustees that were part of the NRDAR claim. These funds are non-discretionary as their use is dictated by the court consent decree (CD) or the court-lodged settlement for the case. Furthermore, all Natural Resource Trustees must unanimously approve the expenditure of case settlement funds on restoration activities, through the administrative body of a Trustee Council (TC) and a TC Resolution. Additionally, the TC produces a restoration plan(s), which is publicly reviewed, that further directs how settlement funds are to be spent and the type of restoration projects and activities that can be conducted. Again, this restoration plan(s) involves the unanimous approval of all TC members before it can be finalized and implemented. Restoration activities are intended to restore, replace, or acquire the equivalent of the injured natural resources and their services. They can include the planning, implementation, and monitoring of restoration projects; the acquisition of land (for replacement of habitat, the benefit of injured wildlife species, and the benefit of the public); the creation of habitat, such as aquatic habitat in a stream or lake; and the creation, improvement, or enhancement of natural resource services, such as boating, hiking, and fishing opportunities, to replace lost services. All assistance provided for NRDAR activities, both assessment and restoration, must meet the intent of the NRDAR Program as well as the specific needs of a given NRDAR case. Performance Reports: Performance reports are required. Recipients must monitor and report on project performance in accordance with the requirements in 2 CFR 200.329. Final performance reports and final SF-425, Federal Financial Reports are 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. Cost records must be maintained separately for each awarded grant. Records, accounts and supporting documents must be retained for 3 years after submission of final financial and performance reports. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is voluntary. There are no matching fund requirements, however, matching funds are encouraged to allow for additional restoration.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Assistance is available year-round but is on a case-by-case basis when specifically needed. Project duration can vary, but is generally between 1 and 5 years. The period of time when funding must be spent can vary depending on the length of the project and will be project or case-specific. Specific details will be provided in the case or project-specific notice of funding opportunity and award announcement and/or notice of award letter. 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. Please see www.fws.gov to locate Regional and Local Field Office Contacts. For Regional Offices, ask to speak to the Regional NRDAR Coordinator. Chief, Branch of Environmental Response and Restoration
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, 5275 Leesburg Pike, (MS: ES)
Falls Church, VA 22041 US
FWS_ES_GRANTS@fws.gov
Phone: (703) 358-2171 https://fws.gov/nrdar 14-1618-0-1-302 (Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements)) FY 22$6,623,046.00; FY 23 est $7,999,997.00; FY 24 est $7,999,999.00; FY 21$22,533,203.00; FY 20$21,600,000.00; FY 19$7,987,386.00; FY 18$3,787,318.00; FY 17$4,615,818.00; - These amounts are for the assessment subactivity to conduct NRDAR cases. Amounts for non-discretionary funds (i.e., settlement funds) used for the restoration sub-activity cannot be estimated as they are dependent on NRDAR case consent decrees and court-lodged settlements and can vary widely between fiscal years. Projects may range from $1,000 to $1,000,000 or greater. Not applicable. Fiscal Year 2017 FY17 and FY18: We have not selected projects for funding. Project selection occurs on a local or regional basis and can occur throughout the FY. We anticipate funding projects to restore trust species and their habitats to compensate for injuries from hazardous substance releases and oil discharges. FY17: In FY17, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), continued a cooperative agreement with Great Land Trust, an Alaskan non-profit organization that specializes in working in voluntary partnerships with landowners, agencies, communities and other partners to improve the quality of life and economic health of Alaskan communities within the area impacted by the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Habitat protection and acquisition is part of the Trustee Council’s overall strategy to offset the harm done by the oil spill to marine and coastal natural resources, their habitats, and the human uses of those natural resources, in accordance with the 1991 natural resource damages civil settlement with the Exxon Corporation. Using the Trustee Council’s habitat prioritization process, Great Land Trust worked in FY17 with the State of Alaska, the Kodiak Island Borough, the native village corporation Lesnoi, Inc., and Trustee Council representatives, including the Service, to achieve the conservation and protection of 1,058 acres of habitat important for marine birds, sea otters, juvenile fish, and many other natural resources at Kodiak Island, including approximately 4.6 miles of coastal shoreline, 57 acres of freshwater and coastal wetlands, and 1,001 acres of upland habitat. The project provides for public access to the area for recreational and subsistence fishing, hiking, camping, bird and whale watching, and Native Alaskan cultural uses. The area is now managed by the Kodiak Island Borough for the benefit of the public. A restoration project was initiated in FY17 using funding from a Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlement with multiple responsible parties who were involved in the release of PCBs into the Fox River and Green Bay in Wisconsin. The ultimate objective of the project is to restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat associated with coastal wetlands of Lower Green Bay, with specific benefits to northern pike (Esox lucius), waterfowl, and marsh birds. The outcomes of this project will be the establishment of 30 acres of aquatic vegetation, the protection of coastal shoreline wetland habitat, the enhancement and management of 26 acres of coastal wetlands, and the creation of 5 acres of pike spawning habitat. Secondary outcomes include benefits to water quality, property values, aesthetics, cultural awareness, and restoration ecology. Specific accomplishments will include: installing engineered log jams to increase woody habitat, promote vegetation establishment, and protect the shoreline; establishing 30 acres of source vegetative plant communities by seeding and planting wild celery, wild rice, and hard-stem bulrush; and enhancing 26 acres of coastal wetlands and establishing 5 acres of pike spawning habitat at the Ken Euers Nature Area, a park owned and managed by the City of Green Bay. In FY17, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provided funds to the Ousatonic Fish and Game Protective Association (OFGPA) to prepare a design for restoring the East Aspetuck River, a tributary to the Housatonic River in northwest Connecticut. The OFGPA is working with the Service to remove an antiquated dam and reconnect 10.1 miles of free-flowing riverine habitat for coldwater fish. The design was recently submitted for approval to state and federal regulators. In FY18, the Service hopes to provide additional funds to project partners to remove the dam and restore riparian habitat. The OFGPA is a small club devoted to fishing, hunting, land and water preservation, and public education. They hope to create improved fishing access at the site of the dam and educate the public about the river restoration effort once it’s completed. The river restoration and fishing access improvements are intended to help compensate for injuries to the Housatonic River that resulted from years of upstream PCB contamination from the General Electric facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Housatonic River Natural Resource Damage Trustees, including the Service, have funded more than 50 restoration projects with settlement funds. In FY17, an Eastern Hellbender restoration project was funded with Richardson Road Landfill Superfund Site (RHRLSS) Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlement funds. So far, the Wetlands Trust has acquired 5 acres along Butternut Creek and is about to close on an additional 7 acres - all of which is historic or known hellbender habitat. All of the acquired acres will be protected, and habitat restoration (the addition/creation of habitat rock and juvenile rearing huts) will be conducted along 2,500 feet of the creek. Funds are also supporting the rearing of approximately 100 hellbenders at a facility managed by the Wetland Trust in Unadilla, New York. This project compensates for impacts to aquatic habitat in the watershed as a result of contaminant releases from the RHRLSS and supports the goal to protect habitat and encourage its public use. In FY17, a study was initiated that will identify specific physical factors that determine freshwater mussel habitat in the Big River within the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District (SEMO). The study will help differentiate physical habitat factors from toxicological factors influencing mussel distribution in the Big River by modeling remotely-sensed and physical stream characteristics. The study will compare these physical habitat factors between reference streams and contaminated reaches of the Big River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will use the results of this study to refine the assessment portion of their Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration case, which seeks to restore natural resources, including freshwater mussel habitat in the Big River, that have been negatively impacted by historical and current lead mining activities. The study was funded using appropriated (discretionary) NRDAR assessment dollars.
Fiscal Year 2018 In FY18, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with our co-trustees, awarded $500,000 to Ducks Unlimited from funds obtained in the Lower Fox River and Green Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlement. These funds will support the acquisition of 160 acres of former agricultural land, existing wetland, and adjacent upland, which will provide habitat for breeding and migrating waterfowl and other migratory birds and wildlife. This tract will become a part of the Uihlien Waterfowl Production Area and will be open to the public, providing a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Once restored, the areas will provide improved wildlife habitat and potentially support the federally threatened Eastern prairie fringed orchid, which is found on several nearby tracts of the WPA. This project compensates for and helps replace waterfowl and migratory bird populations as well as habitat that were injured along the Fox River and Green Bay area by PCB releases from multiple responsible parties. The project also compensates the public for their impaired ability to enjoy the natural resources in the area due to waterfowl consumption advisories issued as a result of the PCB contamination. In FY18, $3,926,960 was awarded to The Nature Conservancy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our co-trustees from funds obtained in the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlement for the Combe Fill South Landfill Superfund Site. The release of hazardous substances at the Combe Fill South Landfill Superfund Site resulted in injury to surface water, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish within approximately 3.4‐miles of stream habitat, and injury to 11.7‐acres of forested wetland. The funds awarded to The Nature Conservancy will be used for a large project designed to achieve compensatory restoration for these injuries by restoring the lower Paulins Kill River in New Jersey through the removal of the Columbia Dam, the removal of the Remnant Dam, the restoration and stabilization of the river channel within the 1.7‐mile project area (as necessary), and the restoration and revegetation of the 47‐acre floodplain of the Columbia impoundment. Along with improving an impaired aquatic system, this project also provides environmental and recreational benefits such as: access to 11 miles of historic mainstem and 22 miles of historic tributary spawning/rearing grounds for imperiled diadromous fishes; passage for resident migratory fishes and other migratory aquatic taxa; reduced localized flooding; and enhanced public fishing and boating access and nature‐based recreation. In FY18, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our co-trustees used funds from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlement to award $343,247 to the Copper River Watershed Enhancement Project. The funds will be used to restore fish passage, ecological function, and infrastructure integrity at 13 road stream crossings in the Copper River Delta near Cordova, Alaska. Once complete, this project will expand access to over 22 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous and resident fishes, while concurrently reducing the risk of infrastructure damage (i.e. highway washouts) during flood events. The Exxon Valdez oil spill injured several species of Pacific salmon and the recreational and subsistence uses of those natural resources. This project provides compensatory restoration for these species through removing or replacing road stream culverts that are significant impediments to fish migrating upstream to reproduce. Improving the fish stocks in these streams increases recreational and subsistence fishing opportunities and enjoyment.
Fiscal Year 2019 In FY19, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with our co-trustees, awarded $2,488,000 to the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy to compensate the public for injuries to natural resources that resulted from releases of hazardous substances such as lead at the Coeur d’Alene Site. Utilizing ASARCO settlement funds, the Conservancy will protect approximately 700 acres of agricultural land. Conservation easements will be used to protect the properties into perpetuity and allow for remedial actions (where needed) and restoration actions to return drained agricultural lands into productive functioning wetlands that will provide clean feeding areas for waterfowl. The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy will establish, hold, and monitor the terms of the easements. The USFWS in coordination with EPA will retain the rights to cleanup and restore the properties. In FY19, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with our co-trustees, awarded $1,103,688 to Webb City, Missouri to compensate the public for injuries to natural resources as a result of releases of hazardous substances from the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt National Priorities List Site (Site). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our co-trustees awarded funds from a Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlement to enhance and restore prairie and wetland habitats that have been degraded by historical mining releases. A combination of biosolids, manure, and woody material will be used to return soil fertility to areas where remedial work removed mine waste and contaminated soil, leaving behind degraded soils and residual metals. Following application of soil amendments, native seed will be applied to the landscape in an attempt to restore prairie habitat and associated natural resource services. Prescribed fire, mowing, and other weed management techniques will be used to maintain desirable habitat conditions. In FY19, $1,076,576.27 was awarded to The Nature Conservancy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our co-trustees from funds obtained in two Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlements; one for the Combe Fill South Landfill Superfund Site and the other from the Housatonic River PCB Site. The release of hazardous substances from both Sites resulted in injury to surface water, sediments, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish. The funds awarded to The Nature Conservancy will be used to achieve compensatory restoration for these injuries by restoring two riverine systems. In New Jersey, the lower Paulins Kill River will be restored through the removal of the Columbia Dam and a Remnant Dam, the restoration and stabilization of the river channel within the 1.7‐mile project area, and the restoration and revegetation of the 47‐acre floodplain of the Columbia impoundment. In Connecticut, the East Aspetuck River will be restored through the removal of the Old Papermill Pond Dam and the restoration of the river channel and adjacent floodplain. Together, the two projects will restore impaired aquatic systems and provide environmental and recreational benefits, such as passage for resident migratory fishes and other migratory aquatic taxa; reduced localized flooding; and enhanced public fishing and boating access and nature‐based recreation. In FY19, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our co-trustees used funds from the DuPont Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlement to award $401,520 to the City of Waynesboro, Virginia to design and implement stream bank stabilization, habitat restoration and best management practices to benefit floodplain and riverine habitats, and recreational access opportunities. Mercury from the former DuPont facility in Waynesboro contaminated the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River, impacting fish, wildlife, and their habitats, including over 100 miles of river and associated floodplain and riparian habitat. Settlement funds awarded through this cooperative agreement will benefit the same fish, wildlife, habitat, and human use that were impacted by the mercury release.
Fiscal Year 2020 Fox River Natural Resource Damage Assessment (WI) - The Fox River/Green Bay Natural Resource Trustees requested restoration projects that restore, rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire the equivalent of the identified natural resources and resource services injured by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the Lower Fox River and Green Bay, WI. Trustees sought projects to improve the breeding success of the Common Murre by reducing disturbance events at their breeding colonies.
Fiscal Year 2021 Samers Bay Breakwall Habitat Restoration, WI: The main objective of this project is to install an off-shore breakwall in Samers Bay on Lake Butte des Morts to protect, preserve and restore wetland habitat. The breakwall alignment would be an estimated 5,850 feet in total length with 35-foot openings every 500 feet (Figure 2). The project will protect from additional shoreline erosion and restore 111 acres of open water habitat by creating better water quality, increasing emergent and submergent vegetation growth, and providing critical fish and wildlife habitat. The secondary objective of this project is to create a substantial opening that is approximately 2,200feet in length on the east side of the Terrell Island breakwall. Raritan Watershed Riparian Buffer Restoration, NJ: A large-scale riparian buffer restoration project in the Raritan River watershed. About 10,000 native trees and shrubs will be planted along at least eight miles of streams in the watershed and will mature into forested riparian habitat, improving water quality, food and shelter availability for wildlife, and in-stream conditions for aquatic species. Under this agreement, the vendor will also work with the Trustees to advance the removal of several dams in the Raritan watershed and restore aquatic habitat connectivity. Peshtigo Area ADA-Accessible Kayak Launch/Fishing Pier, WI: The main objective of this project is to purchase and install both an ADA-compliant kayak launch and a fishing pier so as to increase public access to the natural beauty and fishery of the Peshtigo River from within the city limits of Peshtigo. Our goal is to ensure community members and visitors of all abilities have safe, direct access to this recovered waterway. Common Loon Restoration projects in MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT: The goals of common loon restoration are to increase productivity and survival of nesting loons at sites across New England and New York. Funded restoration efforts include: 1) deploying floating nesting rafts to withstand fluctuating water levels and reduce disturbance from predators and people; 2) installing educational signs and hiring seasonal loon wardens to reduce disturbance from boaters; and 3) increasing loon rescue and rehabilitation efforts and promoting lead tackle exchange programs. Elkton, VA: Blue Ridge Partnership for Invasive Species Management (PRISM). Removal/treatment of wavyleaf grass, a Tie 1 noxious weed in VA, and autumn olive at several sites within or adjacent to the Shenandoah National Park and Town of Elkton. Marinette County Fish Habitat Enhancements, WI: This project seeks to improve Northern Pike spawning and wetland habitats in Marinette County. This project also inventories and corrects fish passage barriers.
Fiscal Year 2022 Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, CT: The Great Meadows Marsh Restoration project will apply multiple restoration techniques at a large salt marsh complex within the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Great Meadows Unit, to restore up to 38 acres of lost or degrading salt marsh and other coastal habitats. This restoration will benefit marsh-dependent species of conservation concern including saltmarsh sparrow, marsh pink, and diamond-backed terrapin. Audubon will restore and improve resilience of salt marsh degraded by historic filling, non-native invasive plants that outcompete native species, failing infrastructure that is causing inundation and marsh degradation, and climate-induced sea level rise. Protecting Wood Thrush Habitat on the Conservation Coast of Guatemala (Virginia Field Office): This project consists of the acquisition and permanent protection of 1,112 acres of tropical rainforest habitat within the Cerro San Gil Watershed Protection Reserve in the Caribbean region of Guatemala. This area provides important wintering habitat for neotropical migratory birds that breed in Virginia and protecting it will help provide full life cycle conservation of these migratory birds. This project will also support other conservation plans and strategies related to preserving the Wood Thrush and forest habitat in Guatemala. The acquired land will be added to the Cerro San Gil Reserve, registered as a Private Nature Reserve and permanently protected, and integrated into the existing long-term bird monitoring program in the Cerro San Gil area. American Bird Conservancy will work with FUNDAECO, a local partner in Guatemala that ABC has successfully worked with since 2011. Upper Raritan River Watershed, NJ: This project supports partnerships and restoration in the upper Raritan River watershed in New Jersey, which will facilitate the planting of 10,000 trees along the North Branch Raritan River and its tributaries over a five-year period. Through this project, at least 8 miles of stream buffer will be restored in a region where forested riparian habitat has been lost and water quality has declined over time due to development and non-point source pollution. The restorations will involve invasive species management, installation of native trees and shrubs and protection from deer browse, and adaptive management. In addition to riparian restoration, the project also supports the advancement of several dam removals in the watershed through public outreach and restoration monitoring. Once completed, these actions will lead to improvements in water quality, increased flood storage capacity during storms, and enhanced habitats for wildlife. Port Graham Subsistence Access and Habitat Restoration, AK: This project will restore safe, reliable, land-based access for the Sugpiaq people of Port Graham to subsistence resources in Windy Bay, while protecting and restoring habitat for anadromous fish (pink, chum, coho, and sockeye salmon and dolly varden), by correcting severe roadway erosion and several failed stream crossings along Rocky Lake Road, a 26-mile logging road built over 50 years ago. Under the cooperative agreement, the Port Graham Corporation (an Alaska Native Corporation) will be responsible for completing the Rocky Lake Road assessment and planning document that describes current road conditions and failed stream crossings for purposes of facilitating prioritization of corrective actions; completing stream crossing designs; acquiring environmental reviews and permits; preparing bid-ready documents and managing the bid process and contractor selection; providing on-site construction inspection services and development of traffic management plan; conducting post-construction inspection; and completing semi-annual reporting. Eyak Lake Outlet Control Structure Restoration, AK: The Eyak Lake Outlet Control Structure Restoration project will restore access to 26 stream-miles and 15 lake-acres of critical salmonid habitat through the construction of a nature-like rocky ramp fish passage structure which will maintain lake level elevations, allow for recreational boat passage, and maintain year-round passage for Eyak River fishes. A failing sheet piling structure, installed to maintain lake levels after the historic 1964 Good Friday earthquake, currently blocks upstream passage for three anadromous salmon species (Sockeye Oncorhynchus nerka, Coho Oncorhynchus kisutch, and Pink Salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), and Cuttroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii. All of these species have great cultural, commercial and recreational value to the people of Cordova and beyond. Restoring the Eyak Lake structure will provide critical access for fish to move between nearshore, estuarine and upstream habitats to complete their lifecycles and maintain populations. Project partners include the Native Village of Eyak, Eyak Inc., Copper River Watershed Project, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Fiscal Year 2023 South River Greenway Natural Area Stormwater Project and Habitat Restoration (Phase 2 Construction), VA: This project includes the construction/restoration phase of a previously awarded agreement. The intent of the South River Greenway Natural Area restoration is to design and implement restoration plans to improve the water quality and habitat of the South River by treating stormwater with a constructed wetland, converting managed turf to meadow, and daylighting a perennial spring-fed stream. Tasks include: (1) construction of a constructed wetland on city-owned property (3 acres)to treat two drainage areas within the City of Waynesboro and improve water quality of the South River; (2) convert 6-8 acres of currently managed turf to habitat that may be used by wildlife, including tree-planting and meadow habitat creation using native plant species; and (3) daylight and restore approximately 300 feet of a perennial spring that flows from Loth Spring to the South River, creating new habitat and improving water quality. This project will also include improved access to the South River through creation of a parking area and walking paths. Oconto County Wetland Restorations and Fish Passage Enhancements, WI: The goal of this restoration project is to increase the number of adult northern pike in the Green Bay, Wisconsin watershed and its tributaries, while also removing impediments in these tributaries to benefit all fish species. This goal will be successfully achieved with three major potential actions: 1) the creation, restoration and connection of wetlands to major pike spawning routes, 2) the removal of fish impediments such as rock dams, improperly placed culverts and farm crossings which restrict water flow, using the Nature Conservancy’s online prioritization tool, and 3) the continuation of pike research in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin GB and Shedd Aquarium. Winnebago County Public Fishing Access Improvements at Grundman Boat Landing, MI: The Grundman (Osh-O-Nee) boat launch located on Lake Winnebago and the lower Fox River is one of the most popular boat launches in Winnebago County. From the Grundman boat launch, anglers can easily travel down the Fox River, into Lake Winnebago, or to Lake Butte des Morts and beyond. Winnebago County has identified the Grundman boat launch as having inadequate parking and poor safety when it comes to launching a boat. For this project, the Parks Department will double the current parking stalls for boat trailers and expand the number of boat ramps/launches from 4 to 6 to allow for more boats to safety enter and exit the water at one time. Upgrade Existing Recreational Access – Middle Genesee River Basin, NY: This project enhances public recreational use, a preferred restoration project type, in the 2019 Genesee River and Genesee River Watershed Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment. Two existing recreational access sites along the Genesee River, in New York, will have the slope to the river regraded, a structure installed to facilitate canoe/kayak access into and out of the river safely, and features installed that facilitate safe access for anglers. Stewardship of City of Buffalo Properties on the North Bank of the Buffalo River in the City of Buffalo, Erie County, New York: The main objective of this project is to compensate for natural resource losses due to contamination of the Buffalo River in Buffalo, New York. This project preserves and improves habitat adjacent to the Buffalo River and protects and enhances public access and use, including cultural and recreational, of natural areas adjacent to the Buffalo River. To accomplish the objective, the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust (Land Trust) protects stream, wetland, and upland habitat that may otherwise be developed by placing a perpetual conservation easement on a 28-acre property in Buffalo, NY. The easement limits development and protects or conserves: forest and upland resources, wildlife habitat, water resources, Indigenous cultural resources, scenic view, and allows for compatible outdoor recreational and educational uses. The Land Trust creates a baseline documentation report that memorializes the conditions of the property, monitors the conservation easement property on an annual basis to ensure compliance with the terms of the easement, and if necessary, the Land Trust will defend the conservation easement.
Fiscal Year 2024 Fox River Natural Resource Damage Assessment, WI: The Fox River/Green Bay Natural Resource Trustees of Wisconsin, request restoration projects that will restore, rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire the equivalent of the identified natural resources and resource services injured by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the Lower Fox River and Green Bay, WI. Program has not yet selected other projects for funding. Program anticipates funding projects that are decreed in settlement documents for specific cases, and other NRDAR program related activities.