The national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $600,000 in federal funding to the commonwealth of massachusetts through the bipartisan infrastructure law

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing $600,000 in federal funding to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through a Cooperative Agreement under the Office for Coastal Management (CFDA 11.473) program. This funding will build the capacity of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) within the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to plan for and implement habitat restoration and conservation projects proposed through funding opportunities connected to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Specifically, the Waquoit Bay NERR will utilize these funds to enhance its capacity by expanding staffing to strengthen watershed-based planning, collaborate with partners to develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring plan, identify potential restoration actions, and engage stakeholders in the restoration planning and implementation process. The award has an ultimate completion date of December 31, 2027.

This funding will build the capacity of the waquoit BAY national estuarine research reserve (NERR) within the MA department of conservation and recreation to plan for and implement habitat restoration and conservation projects proposed through funding opportunities connected to the bipartisan infrastructure law. Specifically, waquoit BAY NERR will utilize these funds to enhance its capacity by expanding staffing to strengthen watershed-based planning. The reserve will collaborate with state, regional, and local partners to develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring plan that includes pre- and post-restoration assessments, modeled after wbnerrs existing baywatcher community science water quality monitoring program. Additionally, efforts will focus on identifying potential restoration actions and developing proposals to secure funding through BIL sources. The reserve will actively engage diverse stakeholders in the restoration planning and project implementation process, while also monitoring the success of these restoration actions. To advance regional learning, wbnerr will share data, approaches, and lessons widely, particularly on pond and fish passage restoration.