Contacts
Pat Fisher, FWS 202-208-5634
(WASHINGTON) Interior Secretary Gale Norton today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding 53 grants, totaling nearly $9 million, to help 48 federally recognized Indian tribes conserve and recover endangered, threatened and at-risk species and other wildlife on tribal lands in 22 states.
The Service is awarding the grants under two new programs initiated by the Bush Administration in 2003, the Tribal Landowner Incentive Program (TLIP) and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program (TWG). These programs are similar to cost-share programs recently developed by the department to assist states, local communities, private landowners and other partners undertake wildlife conservation projects.
Last year, for example, the department provided $25.8 million in grants to states under the new Landowner Incentive Program to assist private landowners in conserving and restoring the habitat of endangered species and other at-risk plants and animals on their property. The program was modeled after a successful program implemented by President Bush in Texas when he was governor.
"President Bush has made working in voluntary partnership with states, local communities, tribes, private landowners and others the gold standard for our conservation efforts, Norton said. The grants we are announcing today meet that standard by empowering tribes to do what the federal government cannot do alone conserve habitat for imperiled species on tribal lands.
Of the $9 million, the Service is providing about $3 million to federally-recognized Indian tribes to help fund 25 projects under TLIP. Contributions from tribes and other partners raise the total value of these projects to $4.4 million. The grants were chosen through a competitive process to address protection, restoration and management of habitat to benefit at-risk species, including federally listed endangered or threatened species and proposed or candidate species. The maximum award under this program is $150,000 with a required minimum 25-percent match from non-federal funds.
Meanwhile, about $6 million will help fund 28 projects under TWG. Contributions from tribes and other partners increase the total value of these projects to $7.8 million. These grants are awarded to federally-recognized Indian tribes to benefit fish, wildlife and their habitat including non-game species. Although matching funds are not required for these grants, they are considered to be an indicator of a tribes commitment. The maximum grant award under this program is $250,000.
"The number of grant requests coming from Indian Country was truly gratifying, far exceeding available funding, said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams. Still, for the first time, we are gaining a solid understanding of tribal wildlife management priorities and we hope this will make us better partners for tribes of all sizes that want to build capacity for wildlife management."
Indians and Indian tribes have a controlling interest in more than 52 million acres of tribal trust lands and an additional 40 million acres held by Alaska native corporations.
Grants awarded today include:
TLIP
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe in Colorado will receive $126,005.95 for the Stollsteimer Creek Restoration Project. This project will reclaim approximately 3,400 feet of severely eroded stream bank along the Stollsteimer Creek. The stream bank will be replanted with native riparian vegetation, restoring habitat for wintering bald eagles, neo-tropical migratory birds, osprey, waterfowl, leopard frogs and many other wildlife species. It also will serve as a model project for adjacent landowners.
The Hoopa Valley Tribe of California will receive $149,925 for its project to improve habitat protection during timber sale layout and implementation. This project will advance the Tribe's capacity to protect habitat elements critical to endangered and threatened, sensitive, and culturally important wildlife and plants. It will also improve the Tribe's ability to make informed forest management decisions over the long term and establish a comprehensive habitat improvement plan for addressing wildlife corridor needs.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe of Arizona will receive $99,583 for its study, using radio transmitters and genetic analysis, to determine habitat use, population structure, and dispersal pattern of juvenile Mexican Spotted Owls on the reservation. The tribe will develop a Mexican Spotted Owl management plan using this information.
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York will receive $25,500 for its Habitat Protection Project within the Benedict Property on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation. Funding will be used to develop environmental protection and conservation capacity through habitat preservation by acquiring a 51-acre parcel of land on the reservation that is known habitat for at-risk species and tribally significant species, including wood and Blanding's turtles, pied-bill grebe and black ash.
TWG
Chickaloon Village Traditional Council of Alaska will receive $249,887 for its Moose Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project. This project will restore salmon passage on the Moose Creek to the upstream habitats.
The Passamaquooddy Tribe of Maine - Pleasant Point Reservation will receive $105,896 for its project to restore native sea-run fish in the Little River and Boyden Lake watershed. The project will benefit species such as alewife, American eel and their spawning and rearing habitats by repairing a fish ladder and installing an eel passageway at the Passamaquoddy Water District dam.
The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida will receive $250,000 to fund its project, A Viable Fisheries Resource for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. The tribe will develop a mercury free fishery that is sustainable for recreational and subsistence use by tribal members.
The Pueblo of Santa Ana in New Mexico will receive $249,939 for its Restoration Monitoring of the Pueblo of Santa Ana Rio Grande Bosque Restoration Project. The Pueblo is currently restoring riparian ecosystems and wildlife habitat throughout the Rio Grande portion of the Reservation. This project will provide for long-term ecological monitoring of the restoration project to evaluate its implications for wildlife and vegetation.
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota will receive $56,000 for the Wetland Restoration and Conservation Project. This project will restore, enhance and protect wetlands for long-term production and migration benefits for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The project will provide a stable water source for a 50-acre drought-prone wetland basin. This will be done by digging a well into the deep Sunburst aquifer and installing a water-control valve.
For additional information on the Service's tribal grants programs, visit: http://www.grants.fws.gov. In addition, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for the Tribal Landowner Incentive grant program is 15.638 and the number for Tribal Wildlife Grants is 15.639.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 544 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
Please visit our website at: www.fws.gov
A complete state-by-state list of grant awards follows:
Tribal Wildlife Grants Program Regional Award Summaries FY 2004
Alaska
Moose Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project - (Chickaloon Village Traditional Council) ($249,887) This grant will help efforts to restore salmon passage on the Moose Creek to the upstream habitats (past man-made occlusions) and develop strong sustainable community support and stewardship.
Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group (Native Village of Noatak) ($244,711) This grant will help fund the costs associated with the transfer responsibility for the management of the Western Artic Caribou Herd Working Group from the AK Department of Fish and Game to the Native Village of Noatak and the Maniilaq Association.
Traditional Use Area Conservation Plan in the Nushagak River Watershed (Curyung Tribal Council) ($245,847) - The project will result in a Traditional Use Area Conservation Plan for the 7,000 mile square Nushagak River watershed. Its goals are to ensure sustainable use, conservation of habitat and species and, build tribal capacity.
Karta River Sockeye Assessment (Organized Village of Kasaan) ($248,155) This grant will support a partnership with the US Forest Service and AK Department of Fish and Game to; to estimate Sockeye escapement; to estimate smolt abundance and dispersal; and to conduct subsistence harvest survey.
California
Research Studies on Riparian Birds and Amphibians, Endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and Tribally Important Bat Species - (Agua Caliente Tribe) ($200,956) This grant will support efforts to develop monitoring protocols for riparian species found within the Mountains and Canyons Conservation Area as identified within theTribe's Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan.
Clear Lake Hitch Study and Recovery Project - (Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians) ($249,511) This grant supports efforts to establish a three part study and recovery program for the benefit of the Clear Lake Hitch, a culturally significant species endemic to Clear Lake in partnership with the Lake County Public Works Department.
Florida
A Viable Fisheries Resource for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians - (Miccosukee Tribe of Indians) -($250,000) - The tribe will develop a mercury free fishery that is sustainable for recreational and subsistence use by tribal members.
Wildlife Program for the Seminole Tribe of Florida (Seminole Tribe of Florida) ($250,000) - The Seminole Tribe of Florida will establish a wildlife program to assist the tribe's different reservations in their efforts to more effectively manage their wildlife resources.
Massachusetts
Development of a Comprehensive Bay Scallop Population Enhancement Program for Menemsha Pond, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head - Aquinnah) - ($247,500)- The three year project will use a multi-pronged approach to identify effective components for a comprehensive bay scallop restoration program for Menemsha Pond. Eelgrass is the preferred habitat for bay scallop and the project will also restore an area with transplanted eelgrass.
Maine
Restoring Native Diadromous Fish in the Little River and Boyden Lake Watershed, Maine - (Passamaquooddy Tribe - Pleasant Point Reservation) ($105,896) - The project will restore native sea-run fish (e.g., Alewife, American eel) and their spawning and rearing habitats in the Little River and Boyden Lake by repairing a fish ladder and installing an eel passageway at the Passamaquoddy Water District dam in the Little River located in Northeast Maine.
Aroostook River Land Conservation Project - (Aroostook Band of Micmacs) - ($250,000.00) - Funding from TWG will assist the Tribe with acquiring high value habitat for rare and endangered species (e.g., Canada Lynx, Atlantic Salmon, Bald Eagle, Pygmy Snaketail and the Extra -Striped Snaketail Dragonflies) and will be permanently protected from development.
Michigan
Little Traverse Bay Band Tribal Wildlife Project - Bald Eagle and Wycamp Lake ComprehensiveManagement Plans (Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians) ($129,261) - This project willestablish a baseline of data for culturally important species and develop comprehensive management plans. Information and products resulting from this proposal will enable the tribe to successfully manage its tribal resources.
Wildlife and Plant Habitat Inventory and Management on the L'anse Indian Reservation (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community) ($197,128) - The proposal complements tribal efforts to expand and enhance wetland management. The project will benefit culturally important wildlife such as bald eagle, gray wolf, common loon, Canada lynx, moose, trumpeter swan and piping plover. It includes an inventory of threatened and endangered plants on tribal wetlands.
Minnesota
Assessment of Double-Crested Cormorant Food Habits and Predation on Selected Fish Species in Leech Lake (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) ($209,000) - This grant will support efforts to determine the food habits of, and predation impacts, on important fish species in Leech Lake.
Use of Telemetry to Delineate Critical Habitat for Juvenile and Sub-adult Lake Sturgeon - In the Lower St. Louis and Pigeon and Associated Nearshore Areas on a Seasonal Basis (Grand Portage Band of Chippewa Indians) ($249,000) - This grant will help the Tribe addresses a critical resource management need and will benefit lake sturgeon, a culturally important at risk species. The Project promotes intertribal cooperation and direct collaboration with the 1854 Authority, a tribal treaty based scientific organization. The latest GIS ( Geographic Information System) techniques will be used in monitoring the sturgeon to provide maximum benefits and comparability.
Montana
Trumpeter Swan Powerline Collision Project - (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) ($41,516.00) -This management-oriented project provides the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Wildlife Management Program with necessary financial support to enhance trumpeter swan habitat on the Flathead Indian Reservation by installing protective devices on electrical transmission lines to prevent collisions with the lines by swans. The project goal is the reduction of trumpeter swan mortalities due to collisions with overhead power lines.
New Mexico
Developing Management Capabilities and Baseline Assessments for the Pueblo of Taos (Pueblo of Taos) ($249,941.00) - This project will develop a comprehensive baseline assessment of fish and wildlife resources on Tribal land. A strategic management plan will also be developed.
Restoration Monitoring of the Pueblo of Santa Ana Rio Grande Bosque Restoration Project ? (Pueblo of Santa Ana) ($249,939.00) - The Pueblo is currently restoring riparian ecosystems and wildlife habitat throughout the Rio Grande portion of the Reservation. This project will provide for long-term ecological monitoring to evaluate the implications of the Pueblo's Rio Grande Bosque Restoration Project on wildlife and vegetation.
Habitat Restoration for Southwestern Willow Flycatchers and Other Riparian Species at San Juan Pueblo (Pueblo of San Juan) ($237,146) This project will restore 40 acres of riparian and wetland habitat to benefit the Southwestern willow flycatcher on Tribal lands. Invasive non-native vegetation will be removed in favor of re-establishment of native species.
Nevada
Survey, Monitor and Management of the Sage-grouse Populations and Habitat on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation - (Shoshone-Paiute Tribes) ($249,583) This grant will support efforts to develop a complete inventory and assessment of sage-grouse populations and their breeding, nesting, brooding and winter habitat for improving tribal capacity to be more responsive to reservation management needs and cultivate partnerships with outside communities around this species.
Oklahoma
Eagle Rehabilitation Program (Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma) ($250,000) - This project will establish an eagle rehabilitation program on Tribal lands to project injured eagles and increase community awareness of wildlife care and native culture. Injured eagles will be rehabilitated for eventual release back to the wild. Non-releaseable eagles will be cared for and provide molted feathers for traditional ceremonies.
Oregon
Lower Deschutes River Adult Pacific Lamprey Radio Telemetry Study (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) ($239,237) - This project will help address major uncertainties surrounding the life-history of Pacific Lamprey and allow the Tribe to identify critical habitat use needs for updating its Integrated Resource Mangement Plan.
South Dakota
Wetland Restoration and Conservation Project (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe) ($56,000.00) - The project will restore, enhance and protect wetlands for long-term production and migration benefits for waterfowl and other migratory birds. It also will provide a stable water source for a 50-acre drought-prone wetland basin by digging a well into the deep, free-flowing Sunburst aquifer and installing a water-control valve.
Restoration of Black-footed Ferrets to Rosebud Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation, SD (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) ($248,600) - This grant will help support efforts aimed at the restoration of black-footed ferrets to Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST) lands in 2004 and will involve habitat evaluation and mapping, releases and monitoring, travel and educational materials. RST biologists will receive ferret handling and anesthesia training at the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center (NBFFCC). RST crews will map prairie dog colonies within the release area using Global Positioning Systems and assess prairie dog densities by burrow transect counts. Reintroduction ferret candidates with pre-release training will be acquired from Conata Basin or the NBFFCC.
Protecting Wildlife Habitat Through Riparian Restoration and Noxious Weed Control (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) ($240,498) - This project will benefit wildlife and their habitat by protecting and enhancing the riparian areas within the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation accomplished through noxious weed identification, control, monitoring and restoration and public outreach. Among the project activities are a survey of 485 miles of shoreline within and adjacent to the Reservation for wildlife habitat improvements, the monitoring of habitat treated areas through GPS and GIS, restoring riparian areas, and providing educational meetings and publications to inform the public of the impacts of noxious weeds, specifically on wildlife and their habitats.
Second Year Survey and Groundwork Program for a Yakama Reservation Wildlife Management Plan (Yakama Indian Nation) ($249,826) - This will provide funding for the second phase of the Tribes Wildlife Plan Groundwork Program. The focus will be on enhancing the long-term comprehensive Forest and Range Wildlife Management Plan to better address the direction and guidance for management of wildlife species and their habitats on the Reservation.
Washington
Managing Elk and Deer for Sustainable Harvest in a Habitat-limited & Preditor-rich Landscape (Muckleshoot Tribal Council) ($203,500) - This grant will help support the conduct of specific habitat enhancement projects in 2 adjacent watersheds that are important historical hunting areas for the Tribe.
Wisconsin
Lac du Flambeau Lake Sturgeon Restoration Project on the Lac du Flambeau Chain of Lakes and Bear River- (Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) ($126,025) - This project supports multiple objectives and work plans each designed to achieve the goal of restoring, establishing and maintaining a harvestable Lake Sturgeon population in waters important to the tribe. Implementation of the proposal includes technical expertise from the tribal, university, state, Federal and private sources.
Tribal Landowner Incentive Program Regional Award Summaries FY 2004
Arizona
Habitat use, population structure, and dispersal pattern of juvenile Mexican Spotted Owls on the San Carlos Apache Reservation (San Carlos Apache Tribe) ($99,583) - This project will examine juvenile MSO habitat use and movements on the San Carlos Reservation through the use of radio transmitters attached to juvenile owls. Blood samples will be analyzed to determine parentage and genetic relatedness. Genetic analysis will provide information on population structure, status, and dispersal patterns. Management plans will be developed.
California
Improve Habitat Protection During Timber Sale Layout and Implementation (Hoopa Valley Tribe) ($149,925) - This grant will help advance the Tribe's capacity to protect habitat elements critical to T&E, Sensitive, and cultural wildlife and plants and improve the Tribe's ability to make informed forest management decisions over the long term and will establish a comprehensive habitat improvement plan for addressing wildlife corridor needs.
Los Coyotes Revegetation and Land Restoration Project (Los Coyotes Band Of Cahuilla Indians) ($78,680) - This will provide funds to help restore and revegetate tribal land damaged by recent wildlife, beetle infestation and abuse incurred by misuse of the land by OHVs from visitors using the tribal campgrounds.
Colorado
Stollsteimer Creek Restoration Project (Southern Ute Indian Tribe) ($126,005) This project will result in the elimination of approximately 3,400 feet severe stream bank erosion and associated water quality impacts in the Stollsteimer Creek, reclaimed stream bank re-planted with native riparian vegetation, restored habitat for wintering bald eagles, neo-tropical migratory birds, osprey, waterfowl, leopard frogs and many other wildlife species that use and depend on riparian areas in the southwestern United States, and serve as a model project for adjacent landowners.
Idaho
Rare Plant Surveys on Nez Perce Tribe Fee and Trust Lands in Idaho, Oregon and Washington (Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee) ($149,999) This grant will help fund surveys for three rare plant species inhabiting grassland and dry forest habitats on lands owned and managed by the Tribe. Evaluation of these populations of plants will help biologists address threats and mitigate impacts from land uses in long term.
Michigan
Status of Black Bear, Mkwa, In Northern Counties of Michigan's Lower Peninsula (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians($110,881) - The project supports a three year study to determine black bear population size, densities and genetic diversity in a portion of the 1836 Treaty Ceded Territory. Data collected on this culturally important species will increase the tribe's capacity to monitor and make scientifically based management decisions regarding the black bear.
Heiberg Dam Passage- (White Earth Band of Chippewa) ($100,000) - The fish passage facility is an integral part of a multi-agency effort to restore the culturally significant Lake sturgeon on the White Earth Indian Reservation and in the Red River Watershed.
Minnesota
Re-establishing Wild Rice in Nett Lake, MN: The Restoration of a Cultural, Spiritual and Sustenance Resource Through Holistic Ecosystem Management Initiatives (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) ($142,241) - This Wild Rice project will be conducted in partnership with other tribal organizations and Federal agencies. The proposal of rice restoration supports tribal planning as contained in the Band's BIA-facilitated Integrated Resource Management Plan and the Bois Forte Aquatic Resources Management Plan.
Montana
Landowner Stream Restoration Program (Blackfeet Nation) ($120,000) - Funds will be used to pay for labor and machinery to construct fish and wildlife habitat in the Two Medicine River drainage at three locations. The Two Medicine River locations will consist of stream bank restoration-habitat construction in a severely eroded stream reach. The third reach, on Little Badger creek will also be stream bank restoration-habitat construction. The improvements will also create new habitat for fish, macroinvertabrates, birds, and mammals. About 2,778 feet of river habitat will be restored at these three sites.
Acquisition of the Walhood Property (Confederated Salish And Kootenai Tribes) ($129,951.00) - The purpose of this proposal is to assist the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in the purchasing and restoration of a critical piece of property within the DuCharme Creek drainage to facilitate habitat restoration for westslope cutthroat trout.
Installation of Pipeline on the Morin Ditch (Confederated Salish And Kootenai Tribes) ($17,697.00) - The project will assist the Tribes' effort to restore native bull trout in the Jocko River watershed. The project will eliminate leakage, prevent ditch failure, and minimize ongoing disturbance by the currently failing diversion and ditch system. Lining the ditch with pipe benefits fish and wildlife habitat by reducing the amount of water withdrawn from Valley Creek for irrigation and thereby improving stream flows. Benefits from the project include more suitable habitat conditions by lowering stream temperatures, improving riparian condition, and benefiting channel morphology and spawning conditions.
North Dakota
Endangered Species Management Plan and Dakota Skipper Study (Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe) ($149,519.00) - This project will review historical and current information on Endangered/Threatened and Candidate Species and Species of Tribal Concern, develop baseline inventory techniques to determine their presence, identify habitat preferences, map critical habitat, determine use patterns (seasonal, year-round) for the Reservation. This information will be used to conduct surveys within the exterior reservation boundaries and use the results to formulate an Endangered Species database and Comprehensive Endangered Species Management Plan.
New Mexico
Non-native Fish Reduction in the Navajo River (Jicarilla Apache Nation) - ($17,700.00) - The Nation is restoring the native and culturally important roundtail chub to the Navajo River through habitat improvement and augmentation of existing stocks being reared in a native fish rearing facility. This project will install 3 drum screens that will prevent entry of non-native fish into the River.
Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Habitat (Pueblo of Isleta) ($150,000.00) This project will design and construct rearing habitat for the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow. Habitat for the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher will also be enhanced.
Willow Swale Development and Surveys for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and the Yellow-billed Cuckoo on the Pueblo of Santa Ana, Sandoval County, New Mexico (Pueblo of Santa Ana) ($149,947.00) - This project will protect and conserve the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher and the Yellow-billed cuckoo, a candidate species through restoration of critical habitat.
Nevada
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Habitat Assessment and Restoration Project - (Washoe Tribe Of Nevada & California) ($142,000.00) - Protects and restores habitat for the benefit of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT)within the Clear Creek Watershed, a tributary to the Carson River. This project will restore 1000 feet of streambank for LCT.
Truckee River Barrier Removal and Riparian Restoration Project (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe) ($145,500.00) - This project will provide funding for the removal of fish passage barriers and help restore selected reaches within the Truckee River for the benefit of Cui-ui and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.
New York
Habitat Protection Project Within the Benedict Property on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation (St. Regis Mohawk Tribe) ($25,500.00) - Funding from TLIP will be used to develop environmental protection and conservation capacity through habitat preservation by acquiring a 51-acre parcel of land on the reservation that is known habitat for at-risk species and Tribally significant species (e.g., Wood and Blanding's turtles, Pied-bill Grebe and Black Ash).
South Carolina
Plant Restoration and Wildlife Enhancement - (Catawba Indian Nation) - ($150,000.00) - Restore and protect plant species of historical tribal significance; restore and protect federally protected plant species; provide tribal members with hunting and other outdoor recreational opportunities; acquire acreage for these purposes in addition to reservation lands.
Utah
Santa Clara River Restoration - (Shivwits Band of the Paiute Indian Tribe) ? ($80,000.00) - This project provides the Shivwits Band the ability to take an active leadership role in managing important natural resources, such as fish, wildlife, habitat, and water flows, on their Reservation. The project will focus on monitoring fish populations, riparian and riverine habitat conditions, and management of water flows along the Santa Clara River within the Shivwits Band Reservation. It will provide the Virgin River Recovery Program with recommendations on how to restore and protect Virgin spinedace and their habitat.
Washington
Acme-Saxon Phase I Habitat Restoration Project (Lummi Indian Business Council) - ($150,000) This grant will fund 2 of 10 historic scale logjams in the South Fork River improving habitat for resident and anadromous fish. Additionally, a 7 acre riparian conifer forest buffer to the South Fork will be enhanced contributing to a previous 110 acre restoration effort adjacent to this project.
Fornsby Creek / Smokehouse Floodplain Tidal Wetland Restoration Project (Swinomish Indian Tribal Community) ($142,000) This grant will support efforts to replace impassible tide gates for salmon with self-regulating ones as well as to restore tidal influence to channels to improve fresh/saltwater mixing zones for juvenile salmonids. Additionally, 1.3 miles of channel habitat will be restored as well as purchasing 40 acres of permanent conservation easements on agricultural lands.
Shrub Steppe Habitat Conservation and Sustainability Project (Colville Business Council) ($147,202) - Implement a program to inventory, map and analyze shrub-steppe habitat for the sustainability and conservation of sagebrush, bunch grass and riparian communities on the reservation.
Shrub Steppe Assessment and Management Project- (Yakama Indian Nation) ($149,280) This grant will fund the effort to conduct vegetation sampling for supporting 4 culturally and biologically significant species. Construct grazing enclosures to monitor present/absent grazing effects by native ungulates, livestock, and wild horses.
Skagit River Groundwater Channel Feasibility Investigation (Upper Skagit Tribal Council) ($12,000) - This study will help identify off channel habitat restoration sites for spawning.
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