American Rivers is seeking proposals for community-based river restoration grants as part of its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Community-Based Restoration Program.

Grant proposals are due April 1.

These grants are designed to provide support for communities that are utilizing dam removal or fish passage to restore and protect the ecological integrity of their rivers and improve freshwater habitats important to migratory (diadromous) fish.

Eligible groups will demonstrate how their project: will in a measurable manner successfully restore anadromous fish habitat, access to existing anadromous fish habitat, or natural riverine functions; is the correct approach, based on ecological, social, economic, and engineering considerations; will minimize any identifiable short- or long-term negative impacts to the river system as a result of the project; has had community involvement in project decision making and may have community involvement in the implementation; and will have the potential for public outreach and education.

Grants to assist in the technical application of fish passage or dam removal are non-renewable, meaning that successful applicants will be not be eligible to receive funding in future grant rounds for the same phase of a project.

Potential applicants should contact American Rivers to discuss potential projects prior to submitting an application.

For a complete application and eligibility guidelines, visit the American Rivers website.

3/2/2007