$15 Million Available In Conservation Innovation Grants

Proposals Must be Received in Palmer by February 8.

Palmer, AK, December 28, 2007 - Alaska State Conservationist Bob Jones has announced that Alaskans are eligible to compete for $15 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for the development and adoption of innovative conservation technologies in conjunction with the production of food and fiber. 

Grants will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years. Applications will be accepted from all eligible entities including federally-recognized tribes and tribal entities, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals.

Two CIG categories are available to Alaskans in FY 2008:

• Natural Resource Concerns Category—up to $10 million available for proposals addressing one or more of the following CIG natural resource concerns: water resources; soil resources; atmospheric resources; grazing land and forest health; and wildlife habitat.
• Technology Category—up to $5 million available for proposals addressing one or more of the following CIG technology categories: on-farm energy efficiency, and drainage and/or irrigation water efficiency.

CIG will fund projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. An example of a successful Alaska application is the project awarded last year to a Kodiak rancher to help cattle and reindeer producers manage and conserve natural resources on grazed islands in the Aleutians by providing economically viable method to harvest livestock on-site rather than attempting to move animals to market on the hoof. The expected outcomes of the project include data on carrying capacity of Aleutian Island grasslands and the development of grazing management practices suited to the ecosystems.

Grants for approved projects cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. The federal contribution for a single project cannot exceed $1 million. At least 50 percent of the total cost of the project must come from non-Federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee.

Applicants must send their proposal and budget information by February 8, 2008, to Bob Jones, Alaska State Conservationist, NRCS, 800 W Evergreen Ave, Suite 100, Palmer, AK  99645.  While proposals will be judged by a national panel, each needs letter of review by the Alaska State Conservationist to be eligible. 

To view the Announcement of Program Funding or to apply for CIG visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig or http://www.grants.gov/.  For more information about CIG in Alaska, please call Tom Hedt, Assistant State Conservationist (Programs) at 761-7757.  

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