Sport Fish Restoration

 

Sport Fish Restoration funds support activities designed to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations; the public use and benefits from these resources; and activities that provide boat access to public waters. Sport fisheries research and management activities; boating access development and maintenance; aquatic resource education activities; lake construction and maintenance; land acquisition; technical assistance; planning; habitat enhancement; administration; coordination; and hatchery construction are eligible under the Act.

Active 15.605 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of The Interior A - Formula Grants Fiscal Year 2017 No information available. The Program received 597 applications and issued 597 awards.
Fiscal Year 2018 The Program received 597 applications and issued 597 awards.
Fiscal Year 2019 The Program received 597 applications and issued 597 awards.
Fiscal Year 2020 The Program received 597 applications and issued 597 awards.
Fiscal Year 2021 The Program receives and funds approximately 595 grant proposals annually.
Fiscal Year 2022 The Program receives and funds approximately 595 grant proposals annually.
Fiscal Year 2023 Program has not yet completed selecting projects for funding. The program anticipates funding projects that include: research, operation and maintenance of fish hatcheries, sport fish habitat restoration, land acquisition for sport fish habitat or public access for sport fishing, technical guidance, coordination, recreational boating access, aquatic education, and outreach.
Fiscal Year 2024 Program has not yet completed selecting projects for funding. The program anticipates funding projects that include: research, operation and maintenance of fish hatcheries, sport fish habitat restoration, land acquisition for sport fish habitat or public access for sport fishing, technical guidance, coordination, recreational boating access, aquatic education, and outreach. Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act—Sport Fish Restoration (16 U.S.C. §777 et seq., except §§777e-1 and g-1) Agencies from the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa with primary responsibility for fish and wildlife conservation may submit grant proposals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To be eligible, they must pass assent legislation to the provisions of the Act for the conservation of sport fish that includes a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by anglers for any purpose other than the administration of the fish and wildlife agency. General Public (While direct participation is limited to fish and wildlife agencies, the public will ultimately benefit from these fishery conservation measures.) Each year within 60 days of the apportionment notice, States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealths, and territories must notify the Secretary of the Interior that they want to participate in the program for the year. The State, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth, or territorial fish and wildlife Director must furnish a certification of the number of paid angler license holders. Allowable costs are determined in accordance with 2 CFR 200. Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. 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. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program staff can be contacted by Region or at our Headquarters office. Contact information is located at our website, http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/ContactUs/ContactUs.htm This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or his or her designee approves or disapproves proposed grants. Regional Offices are responsible for notification of grant approval to the grantee. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines Approximately 30 days. Regional Directors will consider differences of opinion concerning the eligibility of proposals. Final determination rests with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Grantees may renew projects on an annual basis if justifiable and if funds are available. The States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealths, or territorial agencies having lead responsibility for the management of their fish resources must submit the projects. If approved, projects must meet the basic criteria outlined in the regulations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manual. Approvable activities include land acquisition; development (including boating access sites); research; operations and maintenance; sport fish population management; and program coordination. Law enforcement and public relations are not eligible under the Act. 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 grant. Records, accounts, and supporting documents must be retained for 3 years after submission of the final Federal Financial Report. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is mandatory. 25%. State apportionments must be matched with 25% of the total costs of a grant project.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Sport Fish Restoration Program funds are available each Fiscal Year and must be obligated within two years. 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. Region 1 - Pacific Region (Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Pacific Islands) Paul Hayduk, 503-736-4780 Region 2 - Southwest Region (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) Kelly Oliver-Amy, 505-248-7457 Region 3 - Midwest Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin) Ann Schneider, 612-713-5146 Region 4 - Southeast Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands) Marilyn Lawal, 404-679-7277 Region 5 - Northeast Region (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia) Ron Essig, 413-253-8504 Region 6 - Mountain-Prairie Region (Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) Michael Cotter, 303-236-8179 Region 7 - Alaska Region (Alaska) Mary Price, 907-786-3982 Region 8 - Pacific Southeast Region (California, Nevada) Larry Riley, 916-978-6182. Director, Policy and Programs
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, Policy and Programs Division, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: WSFR
Falls Church, VA 22041 US
r9wsfr_programs@fws.gov
Phone: (703) 358-2156. https://www.fws.gov/program/sport-fish-restoration 14-8151-0-7-303 (Formula Grants (Apportionments)) FY 22$399,661,336.00; FY 23 est $402,080,948.00; FY 24 est $430,440,603.00; - Range is $900,000 to $14,700,000; Average $5,200,000. 50 CFR 80 contains the program regulations for this program. Matching and cost-sharing requirements are discussed in 50 CFR 80.85 and 2 CFR 200.306. Applicants can visit these regulations and guidelines at http://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Toolkit+Homepage Fiscal Year 2017 California’s Clean Vessel Act Program created Pumpout Nav - a revolutionary new app that allows boaters to find operational pumpout stations, flag non-working units, and access an array of outreach and education material. It is a tool states can use to monitor pumpout stations and report their findings. Although Pumpout Nav will begin with just information for marinas in California, it is being created with the intent to expand to other States. California’s vision is to make Pumpout Nav a national resource to help boaters find pumpout and floating restroom facilities in all parts of the U.S. Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission used Sport Fish Restoration funds to research the life history, population dynamics, ecology, and behavior of recreationally important coastal and estuarine fishes in Florida including snook, red drum, and red snapper. This project builds upon research results from previous project years and expands the knowledge needed to support stock assessments and needed fisheries management actions. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) used Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Access Funds to construct Deyo Reservoir, in Clearwater County, in north central Idaho. Nestled amid farms and timber, the 55 acre reservoir is part of 100 acres of land donated to IDFG by landowners with a vision of the area being used for recreational fishing. A 20+ year project from conception to completion, this community-driven project included several local service organizations and many individuals contributed to its success. In addition to Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Access Funds, over $1 million dollars of non-federal funds were secured by IDFG and the community to ensure completion. For over 50 years the area was a sawmill and logging operation. Now, it is a destination for anglers, boaters and other outdoor recreationists. IDFG stocks the reservoir with rainbow trout throughout the year, and it’s estimated the reservoir received approximately 6,000 angler trips annually. In cooperation with the IDFG, local community based organizations help manage the site. A maintained trail surrounding the entire reservoir features seven fishing docks and two large fishing peninsulas. There is also a boat ramp, modern and primitive camping opportunities, picnic shelters and restrooms. Nevada’s Department of Wildlife partnered with the Nevada State Parks Department to use Boating Access monies to return the lagoon at Big Bend on the Colorado River to a boaters’ mecca. Boaters have long launched/landed motorboats, wet bikes, and jet skis from the beach, as the backwater lagoon had filled in with sediment. The launching beach had also eroded. The beach was reinforced, and sand was dredged back out of the lagoon to re-nourish the beach area. Amenities were added for boaters, including accessible walkways and shade structures. Equipment acquired by the project will help Nevada State Parks continually harvest and clean sand that can be re-used to nourish the landing beach, making access easier and safer for boats and boaters. New Hampshire’s Fish and Game Department (NHFG) used Sport Fish Restoration monies to fund their aquatic resources education program. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department delivered 60 Lets Go Fishing courses (ice fishing, fly tying, kayak fishing, fly fishing and basic fishing) to schools, parks and recreation Departments, Scout groups, 4H, and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program with nearly 2000 participants. In 2013, bass fishing became an official high school sport in New Hampshire and is supported by NHFG, along with New Hampshire B.A.S.S. Nation, New Hampshire Bass Federation and Bass Pro Shops. Sport Fish Restoration funds continue to provide funding to educate children in New Hampshire schools about fishing and aquatic resources, and to teach families to fish and enjoy the outdoors. Texas’s Parks and Wildlife Department partnered with Texas Tech University, Texas State University, University of Texas, and private land owners on the Conserving Texas Rivers Initiative. Sport fishing opportunities for Guadalupe Bass and associated economic benefits to local communities of the Hill Country are dependent upon quality fish habitats in the region’s rivers. To support landscape-scale restoration and protection of fish habitats in Hill Country rivers, TPWD initiated this 10-year conservation project (2010-2020). The Initiative is a public-private partnership that is successfully leveraging Sport Fish Restoration funds, private donations, and other project-based funding sources to deliver science-based, scale-appropriate, and transformative conservation actions to benefit Hill Country rivers. The Initiative is designed to provide technical guidance, tools, and resources to build and sustain long-term capacity among local conservation partners (particularly local watershed alliances, private landowners, and fly fishing clubs) to steward Hill Country rivers. The Initiative is guided by a 10-year business plan that identifies specific habitat degradation issues, related conservation strategies, objectives, planned outcomes, and related funding needs. In 2016, this project was awarded the Sport Fishery Development and Management Outstanding Sport Fish Restoration Project of the Year by the American Fisheries Society. West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources ( WV DNR) Wildlife Resources Section used Sport Fish Restoration funds to raise and stock approximately 3 million sport fish per year, as well as operate and maintain 11 fish hatcheries. Some sport fish species are not able to naturally sustain adequate populations to meet angler expectations; stocking allows the state to provide excellent recreational fishing opportunities. Rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, muskellunge, walleye, striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and blue catfish are stocked into more than 150 water bodies annually. This work will benefit anglers through increased sport fish populations, support local economies via anglers spending, and provide societal benefits through a healthy environment and increased outdoor recreation opportunities Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) used Sport Fish Restoration funds to expand fishing opportunities and foster economic stability in Wisconsin’s Ceded Territory. Between 1991-2014 walleye bag limits for anglers in this area were regulated with a sliding bag limit system (bag limits were adjusted twice annually - normally a few days before the opening of the walleye season) based upon tribal harvest declarations and actual harvest. This caused uncertainty within the angling and business communities. Monitoring of Ceded Territory walleye populations continue to provide WI DNR with enough data to review the management system, and explore alternative harvest management options and models for sustainably managing joint angler and tribal walleye fisheries. In 2014, a revised model was developed for determining the allocation of the walleye that allowed for a static bag limit for sport anglers, and increased the number of walleye available for tribal harvest, while preserving the long-term sustainability of both the angling and tribal fisheries. In 2015-2016, this work resulted in adoption of a 3-bag limit rule for sport anglers, replacing the former sliding bag limit and periodic adjustment system. The response from anglers and businesses was very positive, and has eased concerns of resort owners and fishing guides. WI DNR continues to monitor the health of the walleye populations in the Ceded Territory with continuing support from the Sportfish Restoration Program.
Fiscal Year 2018 The Sport Fish Restoration Program funds many important projects across the United States including improving fishing and boating access opportunities on Devo Reservoir in Idaho; developing a revolutionary new app that will allow recreational boaters to find operational pumpout stations; conducting research on important recreational coastal and estuarine fishes including snook, red drum, and red snapper in Florida; providing more access and facilities for boaters at Big Bend on the Colorado River in Nevada; supporting aquatic education programs including ice fishing, fly tying, kayak fishing, fly fishing and basic fishing kids and families in New Hampshire; improving sportfish opportunities (and the local economy) for Guadalupe Bass in Hill Country, Texas; raising and stocking approximately 3 million sport fish per year through operating and maintaining 11 fish hatcheries in West Virginia; and monitoring the health of Walleye populations to benefit anglers and local businesses in the Ceded Territory of Wisconsin.
Fiscal Year 2019 The Sport Fish Restoration Program funds many important projects across the United States including removing cobble from the Swan River and restoring aquatic habitat in Colorado; implanting Northern Pike with radio tags for research in Alaska, making improvements at marinas and docks to improve boating access in places like the Wharf Marina in Washington, DC and the Charleston City Marina in South Carolina; innovating the use of solar/electric powered pumpout boats in Connecticut (which were locally made and support the State’s boat-building industry); and acquiring land such as a parcel along the Wequiock Creek in Wisconsin to restore emergent wetlands, conserve fish and wildlife species, and offer opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Fiscal Year 2020 The Program provides funding to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and the public use and benefits from these resources; to educate the public about aquatic resources; and to provide boating access to public waters.
Fiscal Year 2021 The Program provides funding to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and the public use and benefits from these resources; to educate the public about aquatic resources; and to provide boating access to public waters.
Fiscal Year 2022 The Program provides funding to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and the public use and benefits from these resources; to educate the public about aquatic resources; and to provide boating access to public waters.
Fiscal Year 2023 Program has not yet selected projects for funding. Program anticipates funding projects that increase sport fishing and boating opportunities through wise investment of excise tax dollars in sport fishery development, research, and management projects.
Fiscal Year 2024 Program has not yet selected projects for funding. Program anticipates funding projects that increase sport fishing and boating opportunities through wise investment of excise tax dollars in sport fishery development, research, and management projects.