Under this cooperative agreement, national fish and wildlife foundation (nfwf) and U.S. Fish and wildlife (FWS) will manage the delaware watershed conservation fund

Under this $4,742,088 Cooperative Agreement awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on July 1, 2023, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will manage the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund. Through this funding, authorized by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, NFWF will develop and administer a competitive grant program to improve restoration and protection of the Delaware River Watershed. NFWF has a proven track record in watershed conservation and will assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in coordinating partners to enhance native biodiversity, species recovery, and community engagement efforts in the watershed.

The Cooperative Agreement will support multiple sub-awards totaling over $1.5 million to public entities and non-profit organizations. These sub-grants will fund projects such as improving public boating and fishing access facilities in Pennsylvania, creating a 300-foot living shoreline and restoring riparian habitat in the Christina Brandywine area, and enhancing in-stream habitat, establishing riparian buffers, and increasing flood storage capacity at FDR Park in Philadelphia. Through this funding, the Cooperative Agreement aims to maximize conservation outcomes, bolster the local economy, protect communities, and provide greater outdoor recreation opportunities in the Delaware River Watershed.

Authorized by the national fish and wildlife foundation establishment act, 16 U.S.C. 3701 of 1984, nfwf will assist FWS by developing a competitive grant program with the goal of improving restoration and protection of the resources in the delaware river watershed by enhancing efforts to coordinate the many partners. Nfwf has a longstanding commitment to watershed restoration and stewardship, focused on demonstrable improvements for natural resources and social values, including native biodiversity conservation and recovery of key indicator species. Nfwf has a track record of engagement with community leaders and private landowners and has previously assisted FWS using this proven grant program model. The delaware watershed conservation fund (dwcf) will maximize conservation, bolster the economy, further protect communities, improve human health, provide greater outdoor recreation opportunities, and help build a more adaptable watershed for all citizens to enjoy today and into the future.