July 23, 2015 — The following was released by the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP):

The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is requesting project applications to restore and conserve habitat necessary to support coastal, estuarine-dependent, and diadromous fish species along the Atlantic Coast. Federal funding available under the National Fish Habitat Action Plan through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be used to support the top ranked proposals. To ensure available funding is being directed most effectively, projects should be geared toward meeting ACFHP’s protection and restoration objectives described in its Conservation Strategic Plan. The maximum amount available for an individual project is $50,000.

Guidelines for the use of NFHAP funds by the Service can be found here. All applicants are encouraged to review this guidance. These funds can only be used for on-the-ground habitat conservation projects and related design and monitoring activities. They may not be used for acquisition in fee or easement. All projects must have a minimum of a 1:1 funding from partner contributions.

For complete information and guidelines please review the Funding Instructions.

The following is required to apply:

1. FY16 Funding Application
2. Photographs and Photograph Release Form
3. Coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sponsoring Office by Friday, August 28, 2015. 

The following is suggested but not required:

4. Letter of Support

Applications must be received by Applications must be received by Monday, September 21, 2015 at midnight. Applications in electronic format (MS Word format only) should be e-mailed to Lisa Havel at lhavel@asmfc.org, and to the USFWS Fisheries Sponsoring Office.

To view the criteria that will be used to evaluate project applications, please click here: Evaluation Criteria FY2016.