The National Association of Counties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a new partner, Southern Company, are soliciting applications for the Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program.

Applications are due March 9.

The Program provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.

Awards are between $5,000 and $20,000 and the average grant is about $13,000.

Projects must include a strong on-the-ground wetland, riparian, or coastal habitat restoration component and must also include a strong training, education, community stewardship and/or outreach component.

Projects must involve diverse partnerships of ideally five organizations that contribute funding, land, technical assistance, workforce support, and/or other in-kind services. Projects involving only research, monitoring, or planning are not eligible for funding.

Applicants must demonstrate that measurable ecological, educational, social, and/or economic benefits are expected to result from the completion of the project.

For more information, visit the Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program webpage.

12/22/2006