2016 mscgp funding opportunity - loi solicitation notice & submission guidelines (2).pdf

2016 Multistate Conservation Grant Program Announcement

**Submission Deadline: 5:00pm Eastern Time on Monday, May 11, 2015**

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is Soliciting Letters of Intent for the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP)

Before submitting a Letter of Intent for a Multistate Conservation Grant, please carefully review all information and instructions contained in this announcement. The following sections are included:

Program Guidelines Program Summary page 2 Legal Authority page 2 Funding Sources and Availability page 2 Applicant Eligibility Criteria page 3 Other Guidelines page 4

Application Procedures Submission Deadline page 5 Letter of Intent Format page 6 Evaluation of Letters of Intent page 10 Invitations to Submit a Full Proposal page 11

Attachments Attachment 1: 2016 National Conservation Needs page 12 Attachment 2: Sample Budget page 20

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP) is a Federal financial assistance program that awards up to $6 million annually in grants for wildlife and sport fish restoration projects.

The MSCGP is a discretionary grant program which awards grants based on a nationally competitive process that the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) coordinates.

The Association and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Division of Wildlife Sport Fish Restoration (USFWS-WSFR) cooperatively administer the MSCGP. The Association oversees the grant application process which includes soliciting Letters of Intent and inviting Full Grant Proposals from eligible applicants. The Association also prepares a priority list of projects which provides the Association’s recommendation of projects to be funded. USFWS-WSFR awards, manages, and monitors the grants from the priority list.

LEGAL AUTHORITY

The legal authorities for the MSCGP are: (1) the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.), (2) the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq., except 777e–1 and g–1), and (3) the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L. 106–408), which amended the acts in sections 13.3A and B to authorize the Program (16 U.S.C. 669 h–2 and 16 U.S.C. 777m).

Under these statutes, the Secretary of the Interior may only award MSCGP grants to applicants whose projects are identified on the Association’s priority list of projects. The Association’s annual priority list is prepared by the National Grants Committee comprised of the heads of State fish and wildlife agencies (or their designees. The priority list is approved by vote of a majority of the heads of State fish and wildlife agencies (or their designees) and must be submitted no later than October 1 of each fiscal year to the Assistant Director for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

FUNDING SOURCES

Up to $6 million is available annually from the following sources:

(1) The Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund (16 U.S.C. 669b-1, 669h-2(a)(1)): Each fiscal year, up to $3 million is available from the Wildlife Restoration Fund which draws its funding from the excise tax that manufacturers, producers, and importers pay on shooting, and archery.

(2) The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (16 U.S.C. 777b, 777m(a)(1)): Each fiscal year, up to $3 million is available from the Sport Fish and Boating Restoration Fund which draws its funding from the excise tax that recreational boaters pay on fuel and electric motors, and angling equipment.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Only eligible grant proposals will be processed and considered for funding so please ensure that you meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Applicant Eligibility: The following entities may receive a Multistate Conservation Grant:

A state, a state instrumentality such as a state university, or a group of states;

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, to carry out the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation; and Nongovernmental organizations:

Non-profit hunter/angler/conservation organizations that have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education;

Non-profit hunter/angler/conservation organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; and

Private or Public institutions of higher education.

2. State Benefit Requirement: Projects must benefit:

At least 26 States, A majority (over 50%) of the States in a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Region (for a map of the USFWS regions, please visit http://www.fws.gov/where/), or A majority (over 50%) of States in a Regional Association of State Fish and Wildlife

Agencies.

3. National Conservation Need Addressed: An applicant’s Letter of Intent must address at least one of the current MSCGP cycle’s National Conservation Needs. See Attachment 1 for the 2016 NCNs.

What are National Conservation Needs? National Conservation Needs (NCNs) are

(1) continuous or pressing resource management problems or (2) recently identified conservation problems that are significant, urgent, can be met by a practical and economically feasible management approach, and will result in improved resource management or environmental quality. NCNs represent the states’ highest conservation funding priorities. NCNs establish the substantive criteria that grant proposals (and LOIs) must address and are used to guide proposal development and grant selection for the MSCGP.

How are NCNs selected? The National Grants Committee annually solicits and selects NCNs from the Association’s committees and the four Regional State Fish & Wildlife Associations. A majority of state fish and wildlife directors approve the NCNs during the Association’s business meeting at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference.

How are NCNs used? NCNs establish the subject matter criteria for the projects.

Each applicant must ensure that his/her Letter of Intent addresses at least one of the 2016 NCNs.

OTHER GUIDELINES

Funding for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Projects: The MSCGP provides funding for projects that benefit wildlife and sport fish restoration. The National Grants Committee follows the definitions of wildlife and sport fish found in 50 CFR 80.2:

“Wildlife” means the indigenous or naturalized species of birds or mammals that are either: (1) Wild and free-ranging; (2) Held in a captive breeding program established to reintroduce individuals of a depleted indigenous species into previously occupied range; or (3) Under the jurisdiction of a State fish and wildlife agency.

“Sport Fish” means aquatic, gill-breathing, vertebrate animals with paired fins, having material value for recreation in the marine and fresh waters of the United States.

Use of MSCGP Grants: All applicants must ensure that their proposed project does not fund, in whole or in part, an activity that promotes or encourages opposition to the regulated hunting or trapping of wildlife or taking of sport fish.

Wildlife Restoration Projects: A grant under this section shall not be used, in whole or in part, for an activity, project, or program that promotes or encourages opposition to the regulated hunting or trapping of wildlife.

Sport Fish Restoration Projects: A grant under this section shall not be used, in whole or in part, for an activity, project, or program that promotes or encourages opposition to the regulated taking of sport fish.

Available Funds for the 2016 MSCGP: With the additional funding needs for the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation and the continual impacts of sequestration, the estimated available funds for the 2016 MSCGP cycle will be $1.6 million. The National Grants Committee encourages interested applicants to consider the limited funds when preparing project budgets.

THE LETTER OF INTENT

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted to the MSCGP Coordinator no later than 5:00pm (Eastern Time) on Monday, May 11, 2015. LOIs received after the deadline will not be considered.

FORMAT

The LOI consists of the following:

1. Executive Summary (Limit – 2 pages)

2. Project Narrative and Budget (Limit – 3 pages)

3. Qualifications (Limit – 1 page)

Please note: Images and literature references are discouraged. Also, due to the page limit, cover letters, letters of support, and any additional materials will NOT be accepted.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

Letters of Intent (LOIs) must be emailed (in Microsoft Word format, NOT PDF format) to the Multistate Conservation Grant Program Coordinator, Ashley Salo at asalo@fishwildlife.org.

You will receive a confirmation of receipt within 24 business hours.

INSTRUCTIONS

Please use the “2016 MSCGP – Letter of Intent Template” to draft your LOI. The template will be distributed along with this document. It will also be available for download on the Association’s website and grants.gov.

Instructions for completing the template can be found on pages 6-9 of this document.

2016 Multistate Conservation Grant Program Letter of Intent

Executive Summary

(Limit – 2 pages)

Instructions: The Executive Summary provides background information on the applicant and the project. Responses should adhere to the following specifications: single spaced, 1 inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font. The following items should be addressed:

Applicant Information

1. Full Legal Name of Organization

2. Brief Description of Organization

3. Organization Website URL

4. Lead Applicant’s Contact Information

a. Title

b. First Name

c. Last Name

d. Street Address

e. City

f. State

g. Postal Code

h. Email

i. Fax

j. Phone Number

5. Name and Affiliation of Co-Investigators(s)/Partner(s) (if applicable)

6. Have you applied for MSCGP funding before?

7. If yes, was/were your previous proposal(s) funded?

8. Date(s) of Previous Applications(s) (if applicable)

Program Eligibility

9. Organization Information. Please indicate the appropriate classification of your organization. If you are a nongovernmental organization, please indicate the type of NGO:

a. Applicant Classification: (1) A state or a group of states, (2) a state instrumentality (such as a state university), (3) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to carry out the National Survey, (4) Nongovernmental Organization

b. Nongovernmental Organization Classification: (1) 501(c)(3), (2) 501(c)(6), (3) Public or Private Institution of Higher Education

10. State Benefit Requirement. Please choose one of the following categories that best describes the geographic scope of the project:

Project benefits all 50 states.

Project benefits at least 26 states. Using states abbreviations, please list all states that will benefit.

Project benefits a majority (over 50%) of the states in a U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Service Region. Please indicate the USFWS region(s) (http://www.fws.gov/where/) that will benefit and list the states in each region that will benefit (use state abbreviations).

Project benefits a majority (over 50%) of the states belonging to a regional association of state fish and wildlife agencies. Please indicate the regional fish and wildlife association that will benefit and list the states in each region that will benefit (use state abbreviations).

11. States Benefitted

a. States

b. USFWS Regions

c. Regional Associations

12. Primary National Conservation Need (NCN) Addressed. Please list the primary NCN that the project addresses.

13. Terms and Conditions. Use of MSCGP Grants - All applicants must ensure that their proposed project does not fund, in whole or in part, an activity that promotes or encourages opposition to the regulated hunting or trapping of wildlife or taking of sport fish. If you accept these terms, please state “I agree with the above terms and conditions.”

Project Information

14. Project Title. Please provide a short, descriptive name of the proposed project (≤20 words).

15. Project Length. Please indicate whether the project will be one, two, or three years.

16. Funding Source. Multistate grants can be funded with Wildlife Restoration (WR) funds, Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) funds, or both. If your proposal benefits wild birds/mammals only, please indicate “100% WR”. If your proposal benefits sport fish only, please indicate “100% SFR”. If your proposal benefits both, please indicate the appropriate percentage of WR and SFR funds based on your assessment of the benefits to wildlife versus sport fish.

a. Funding Source

b. Percent WR

c. Percent SFR

17. Funding Requested.

a. Total Amount: $

b. Year 1 Amount: $

c. Year 2 Amount (if applicable): $

d. Year 3 Amount (if applicable): $

18. Estimate of Partnership Funds/Existing Assets to be Leveraged (if applicable)

19. One Paragraph Description of Project (main objectives and anticipated outcomes)

Project Narrative and Budget (Limit – 3 pages)

Instructions: This is the substance of the LOI and addresses how the applicant will approach the project. Responses should adhere to the following specifications: single spaced, 1 inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font. The following items should be addressed:

Objectives/Goals

How will this project meet the needs of the NCN?

What states and/or USFWS regions or Regional Association regions are targeted?

What are the goals of this project? (Goals should be written as outcome oriented.)

What activities or actions will this project undertake to achieve the stated goals?

Provide a specific timeline of the project activities.

Outcomes/Benefits

What are the measurable outcomes or products that will result from this project?

How will these benefit state fish and wildlife agencies?

What ideas do you have that could enhance the usefulness, quality, and communication of the project’s results?

Summarize the most important strength of your proposal.

Budget A detailed budget is not necessary, only a general budget is required. The preferred format is a Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel table. Please be sure to include the following information:

The total cost of the project broken into three general categories:

Salaries and benefits Project related expenses (such as: travel, communications, supplies, consultants etc.)

Equipment (purchases of tangible, personal property over $5,000.00 that will be used for a year or more) Indirect costs (if any). (Note: There is a 20% cap on indirect costs for the

MSCGP)

The amount of funds you are requesting from the MSCGP and the source (Wildlife or

Sport Fish Restoration, or both) An estimate of partnership funds or existing assets that will be leveraged, if any (this is not a requirement for the MSCGP)

Qualifications (Limit – 1 page)

Instructions: Responses should adhere to the following specifications: single spaced, 1 inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font. The following items should be addressed:

A brief abstract of relevant qualifications for the Primary Investigator/Project Coordinator.

A brief abstract of relevant qualifications for the most important team members.

EVALUATION OF LETTERS OF INTENT

To ensure fairness and equality to all applicants, a LOI will be judged only on its merits and how well it addresses one or more of the 2016 National Conservation Needs. The National Grants Committee, with the advice of the appropriate Association committees and Regional Associations, will evaluate and rank the LOIs based upon the following five criteria:

1. Responsiveness to NCN

How well does the LOI address the specific needs of the NCN and the overall

MSCGP?

Does the proposed project address the desired outcomes described in the NCN under which this LOI was submitted, and does the LOI clearly explain the project’s anticipated successes?

How clearly does the LOI define proposed deliverables and useful outputs/results relevant to the needs of the NCN?

2. Project Quality

What is the geographic scope of the LOI and its subsequent impacts/benefits?

Are the project objectives clearly defined, achievable, measurable, and connected to specific goals, milestones/deliverables, and timelines (i.e., a work plan) for completion?

Will/can the proposed objectives and methodology produce the desired outcomes identified in the NCN under which this LOI was submitted?

What is the anticipated, extended use/life of the project’s results/products/services after the project is completed, and are they clearly stated in the LOI?

3. Practical Relevance to State Fish & Wildlife Agencies

Will the objectives/goals of the project benefit the State fish and wildlife agencies?

4. Project Value

Is the project budget reasonable?

Will the applicant leverage any existing assets or partnership funds?

5. Applicant's Qualifications

What are the qualifications of project personnel (project team, project leader, principal investigator)?

How well-suited are the project team’s experience and background to successfully conducting this project?

Please note: Any attempt to discuss a LOI with a National Grants Committee member outside of a committee meeting is considered lobbying and is strictly prohibited.

INVITATIONS TO SUBMIT A FULL PROPOSAL

The National Grants Committee will invite the applicants with the most competitive LOIs to submit a Full Grant Proposal. A Full Grant Proposal consists of 1) a project narrative, 2) a detailed budget, and 3) the required federal forms.

Applicants will be notified in early July (date TBA) whether they are invited to submit a full proposal. Full Grant Proposal instructions will be distributed with the invitations.

Please direct any additional questions to MSCGP Coordinator Ashley Salo at asalo@fishwildilife.org.

ATTACHMENT 1 – 2016 National Conservation Needs

Please read the entire NCN to ensure your proposal addresses the specified need.

--2016 National Conservation Need 1--

Submitted by: The Hunting & Shooting Sports Participation and the Angling & Boating Participation

Subject: Outdoor Heritage – participation, recruitment, and retention in hunting, fishing, boating, and conservation-related recreational activities; enhanced relations among state fish and wildlife agencies and the related industries.

Statement of Need: Participation in outdoor and conservation related recreational activities is key to strengthening the ability of state fish and wildlife agencies to protect the nation’s natural resources and preserve opportunities for future generations. Generally, participation rates in traditional outdoor recreational activities are on the decline, and this trend is expected to continue into the immediate future. The reasons for declining participation are varied and complex; however, all states recognize a need for action to stabilize or reverse this trend. Ramifications of declining participation include 1) a citizenry further disassociated from our conservation heritage, nature, and all related benefits, 2) a direct loss of funding to fish and wildlife conservation programs, and 3) detrimental effects on critical industries that support and are supported by hunting, recreational fishing, boating, and the shooting sports. Successful recruitment and retention efforts rely on maximizing crossover opportunities in outdoor recreation; developing partnerships to implement state, regional, and national programs; and sharing best practices and the financial and intellectual resources necessary to create needed innovations.

Desired Proposals: Proposals submitted under this NCN should address needs related to participation, recruitment, and retention of people in hunting, recreational fishing, boating, and the shooting sports and ways to enhance industry and state agency relationships. This NCN also takes into consideration outdoor activities with valuable crossover applications. For example, approximately 73 million Americans participated in boating activities in 2006, and more than half of all anglers in 2006 fished from a boat. Proposals submitted under this NCN should address one or more of the following: a) innovative tools and actions that foster initiation, recruitment, and retention, including efforts to increase opportunities for target markets; b) partnerships and cooperation between or among successful recruitment/retention programs and related industries; c) new approaches to marketing that document and promote the social and economic benefits of hunting, fishing, boating, and related recreational activities; d) tools to assist hunting, fishing, and boating education instructors in communicating the history and role of hunters, anglers, and boaters in the conservation of North America’s fish and wildlife; e) methods to assist state fish and wildlife agencies in assessing and meeting the demands for public shooting facilities, access to public waters for recreational fishing and boating, and public access to land for hunting; f) actions that help related recreational industries understand and enhance the important role they play in fish and wildlife conservation and promoting these benefits to the public at large; and g) efforts to evaluate the efficacy of recruitment and retention programs and strategies.

Desired Results/Expected Benefits: Desired results and expected benefits of proposals would be: 1) successfully implemented strategies that increase participation and retention rates in hunting, recreational fishing, boating, and shooting sports; 2) a steady and reliable source of revenue to state fish and wildlife agencies from license sales, registration fees, taxes, and associated federal aid; 3) national policies and programs to help recruit and retain participants; 4) continued long-term social and economic benefits through participation and increased recruitment of new hunters, anglers, boaters, and recreational shooters; 5) strategic guidance to state wildlife agencies to assist them in meeting demands in their state for public shooting facilities, boating and fishing access to public waters, and public access to land and public waters for hunting;

6) enhanced networking and understanding among agencies, related industries, and other committed partners;

7) identification of opportunities to maximize excise tax collected under the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program; and 8) an improved conservation ethic among outdoor recreational participants, and a more understanding and supportive public – all of which will help ensure a bright and sustainable future for our North American hunting, fishing, and boating heritage.

-- 2016 National Conservation Need 2--

Submitted by: Fisheries and Water Resources Policy Committee & Ocean Resources Policy Committee

Subject: Strengthening the National Fish Habitat Partnership

Statement of Need: The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) seeks to arrest and reverse declines to the quality and quantity of our nation’s fish habitat in freshwater, estuarine, and marine waters through voluntary partnerships throughout the United States. The NFHP includes 18 regional and 1 system based Fish Habitat Partnerships (FHPs) that develop and implement landscape scale approaches to protect, restore, and enhance priority fish habitats (natural and manmade) across the nation. All 50 states are engaged in one or more of the FHPs. The conservation practices of the national Partnership and FHPs are guided by the National Fish Habitat Action Plan and by the National Fish Habitat Board (Board) which includes AFWA and representatives from the four regional associations. FHPs conduct on-the-ground conservation and complement other local, regional, and national priorities. The Multi-state Conservation Grant Program helps leverage other federal, state, and private resources to implement the priorities of the Board and the FHPs.

Grant resources are depended on by the FHPs, Board and other entities that work with the National Fish Habitat Partnership to:

Improve ecological condition, restore natural processes, or prevent the decline of intact and healthy systems leading to better fish habitat conditions and better recreational fishing opportunities.

raise public awareness of the importance of healthy fish habitats and communicate conservation outcomes, fill needed gaps in the National Fish Habitat Assessment, and coordinate with federal initiatives to maximize impact and results Ensure projects are consistent with climate adaptation strategies for fish species.

Desired Proposals: Grant recipients would compete for Multi-state Conservation Grants (MSCG) to:

Build upon a previous MSCG that promotes strategic fish habitat conservation through regionally-coordinated science and conservation efforts

Build upon a MSCG in assisting FHPs with development, growth and management increase FHP capacity to implement habitat-related projects and identify priority watersheds compile the socio-economic and recreational benefits associated with FHP projects, and Coordinate between the Board, FHPs, state fish chiefs, AFWA Fisheries and Water Resources Policy and Ocean Resources Policy Committees on fisheries issues effecting state fish and wildlife agencies.

Desired Outcomes: Desired outcomes of successful proposals would include:

1) effective and efficient conservation activities coordinated by and among FHPs

2) development of FHP coordination and strategic planning

3) data acquisition for the 2020 National Fish Habitat Assessment

4) increased funding for FHP-sponsored conservation projects

5) establishment of new partners for FHPs and the Board

6) increased community of support for fish habitat conservation, angling opportunity and

7) Increased coordination on marine-related FHP efforts.

8) Enhanced opportunity for FHP peer-to-peer learning and best practice information sharing

--National Conservation Need 3--

Submitted by: Leadership and Professional Development Committee

Subject: The Management Assistance Team (MAT) or similar entity to increase leadership capacity and agency effectiveness within state fish and wildlife agencies and the conservation community through leadership and professional development initiatives, training, consulting, and support of the National Conservation Leadership Institute.

Statement of Need: There has been an astounding turnover of 39 State Directors since 2010 affecting 35 state agencies. This reality coupled with predictions of a 77% retirement of employees in leadership positions by 2015—according to a 2004 study conducted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute—highlight the inevitable significant losses of senior leadership in state fish and wildlife agencies. In a 2005 survey by the AFWA Leadership and Professional Development Committee 75% of all state fish and wildlife agency directors responded that “leadership development” was very important. In the most recent 2014 survey, an overwhelming 92.6% of those directors surveyed believed that “leadership and professional development programs would help agencies achieve their conservation mission” and stressed succession planning and the need to develop a greater capacity of strategic thinkers in their organizations as their top two critical needs.

Additionally, leadership development and well-managed fish and wildlife agencies are priorities identified in the Association’s current strategic plan.

Desired Proposals: Proposals submitted under this NCN should outline strategies to increase the leadership capacity of tomorrow’s fish and wildlife leadership through programming that provides:

1) leadership development programming that can reach a significant portion of the nation’s state fish and wildlife agencies;

2) leadership program development, delivery expertise, and staff support to maintain an elite-level leadership development program, the National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI), on a nationwide basis reaching governments, NGOs, conservation-oriented businesses and tribes;

3) knowledge, expertise, and consulting services to expand leadership capacity and developing workforce planning strategies;

4) Programs and opportunities for state fish and wildlife agency staff to increase their capabilities for delivering leadership development to their employees.

Desired Outcomes / Expected Benefits: As agencies continue to experience high levels of employee retirement / turnover creating a void in leadership experience, this NCN’s programs will increase leadership capacity of the majority of states through online and on demand training, webinars, workshops, consulting, and other tools including building rich networks among state, federal, tribal, provincial, NGO, and for-profit organizations in the conservation arena. Agency access to leadership and professional development services specifically tailored to the unique needs of state fish and wildlife agencies will also be a critical tool to help them develop their own internal leadership development programs. During the three years of this grant the National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI) will graduate its 10th, 11th, and 12th cohorts of Fellows and the 13th cohort will be in mid-program. By the end of this grant cycle the NCLI will have an accumulated cadre of approximately 450 Fellows across the spectrum of conservation – creating a powerful professional network of graduates to effectively lead fish and wildlife conservation work through the challenging and unpredictable future.

--National Conservation Need 4--

Submitted by: Energy and Wildlife Policy Committee

Subject: Incorporating Fish and Wildlife Considerations into Energy Development Decisions

Statement of Need: Energy exploration, development and transmission are dominant influences affecting our nation’s fish and wildlife resources. These energy-related activities will continue to cause major landscape disturbances as initiatives designed to increase renewable and nonrenewable energy capacity are implemented to meet current and future energy needs in the United States. State fish and wildlife agencies are challenged in their ability to manage public trust resources in light of increased energy development on both public and private lands. Through a needs assessment conducted by AFWA, these agencies have identified and prioritized concerns with energy exploration, development and transmission (e.g., onshore and offshore wind, solar, onshore and offshore oil and gas, coal, etc.), effective communication and coordination with industry and federal agencies, and in some cases limited state authority as factors affecting their ability to manage fish and wildlife resources. State fish and wildlife agencies are seeking assistance with facilitating integration of their resource concerns and authorities into federal policies, processes and initiatives to maximize their ability to manage fish and wildlife resources. This NCN is intended to assist state fish and wildlife agencies in these efforts as well as provide support for AFWA’s Strategic Plan (i.e., Objective 2.15 -- Promote inclusion of fish and wildlife interests in national energy and climate change initiatives).

Desired Proposals: This NCN seeks proposals in the following areas:

Incorporate considerations for fish and wildlife resources into decision making processes regarding energy exploration, development and transmission on public and private lands; collaborate with industry to design and implement practices beneficial for fish and wildlife resources; explore and better understand the relationships between energy development practices and impacts on fish and wildlife populations and their habitats.

Enhance and facilitate the communication between state fish and wildlife agencies, state and federal partners, industry and NGOs; provide training opportunities for state fish and wildlife agencies and partners to assist in understanding the energy regulatory processes and how fish and wildlife concerns can be better integrated into those processes.

Facilitate the development of scientifically sound mitigation standards and related BMPs designed to avoid or minimize impacts associated with energy development on fish and wildlife resources.

Increase the capacity of state fish and wildlife agencies to effective address energy exploration, development and transmission issues; maximize state authority for state fish and wildlife agencies to manage fish and wildlife resources.

Desired Results//Expected Benefits: Successful proposals will provide improved coordination among state fish and wildlife agencies on decision making processes regarding energy exploration, development and transmission; provide state fish and wildlife agency personnel with the training and tools needed to effectively engage and communicate the priorities of fish and wildlife resources into those processes; improve working relationships among state fish and wildlife agencies, federal partners and industry; maximize state authority for managing public trust resources.

--National Conservation Need 5--

Submitted by: the International Relations Committee

Subject: Preserve State Wildlife Agencies’ Authority to Manage Wildlife Resources and Promote Their Interest in the Implementation of International Treaties and Conventions.

Statement of Need: Rules established under international treaties often supersede state authority and limit how states manage fish and wildlife. Added regulations and federal oversight can result from restrictions adopted through international treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). State tagging requirements for otters and bobcats stem from federal restrictions resulting from CITES actions in 1975. The collapse of the Caspian sturgeon fishery and European Union trade restrictions coupled with continued market demand for caviar has increased pressure for commercial harvest of sturgeon and paddlefish making it more difficult for States to sustainably regulate the fisheries. State agencies looking to ensure sustainable harvest of turtle species desired by international markets are updating turtle regulations. Active involvement on CITES committees has insured that permits are not required for international movement of items such as wallets and garments. Without these previsions it would be virtually impossible to travel abroad with alligator garments leading to catastrophic declines in sales in these sustainable use products. These are examples that have significant implications to state’s management authority.

Understanding issues and developing working relationships over a sustained period by the CITES Technical Work Group are essential for effectively resolving issues and require a thorough working knowledge of CITES and routine engagement with international colleagues. The Work Group has a long-standing and positive working relationship with key international counterparts and any disruption would result in lessening of state agency influence in many important forums. Working as a team makes it easier to maintain expertise in both CITES issues and the process. It is also an asset in building and maintaining a rapport with the international community. CITES was originally intended to ensure globally sustainable use of natural resources in trade.

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in NGO participation (e.g., HSUS and the Animal Welfare

Institute) to push a protectionist/no use approach in CITES for all species including well managed fish and wildlife species. The present system, using regional Association representatives to form the Work Group has proven both effective and efficient. It also allows the Work Group to support the Canadian Provinces when needed since they are members of the Regional Associations. Without funding, this combined expertise and coordinated approach to state participation in international fora will effectively end in 2015.

Desired Proposals: Proposals submitted under this NCN should address the need to fund a representative from each Regional Association and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to participate in international treaties, conventions, and associated meetings.

Desired Outcomes/Expected Benefits: Successful proposals will provide 1) an efficient, effective approach for state agencies to have input into federal policy on international treaties, 2) a means whereby state wildlife agencies may be appraised of pending developments and respond appropriately, 3) a streamlined approach to requesting changes in federal and/or international policies, procedures and rules to better accommodate state wildlife agency needs, 4) a mechanism to provide biological and administrative information to assist the federal government in executing its international responsibilities, 5) support for sustainable use principles in international arenas, 6) ensure the federal government understands and reacts positively to the needs and authority of state fish and wildlife agencies on these issues, and 7) ensure the North American Conservation Model is recognized and considered in the international conservation arena.

--National Conservation Need 6--

Submitted by: AFWA Legal Committee

Subject: Policy and Legislative Advocacy – Implementing Goal 2 of AFWA’s Strategic Plan

Statement of Need: Promote policies, legislation, laws, regulations and legal strategies that enhance and protect the member agencies’ ability to conserve and manage fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, consistent with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

Desired Proposals: Proposals will be considered that would assist AFWA in developing and offering wildlife law classes at various law schools, as well as coordinating with law schools to educate law students on state authority to manage fish and wildlife assist AFWA in developing continuing legal education seminars for lawyers interested in the field of wildlife law assist AFWA in further developing its remote law clinic offering students the opportunity to study wildlife law and put into practice principles taught in the wildlife law classes under the tutorage of AFWA’s legal department and the assistant state attorneys who represent the state fish and wildlife agencies create a system that would permit AFWA to provide timely notice to state member agencies about court cases affecting state agency legal authority to manage fish and wildlife create a research or brief bank for pro bono firms assisting AFWA with requests from the states for amicus briefs in cases challenging the primacy of state authority to manage wildlife create and maintain a searchable electronic library for the AFWA state agency members that will include AFWA historical documents, including minutes and resolutions of past Association and Regional meetings, scientific and biological reports, surveys, white papers, and legislative histories enhance relationships between state legal counsels, the federal land managing agencies’ solicitors, and AFWA on behalf of the state fish and wildlife agencies to protect state authority and interests, collaborating for the common good otherwise promote state authority to manage fish and wildlife resources in accordance with the principles of the North American Model

Desired Outcomes/Expected Benefits: A proposal funded under this NCN would:

assist AFWA and state agency legal advisors in establishing comprehensive notice about and review of, and coordinated response to, legal issues challenging state wildlife management authority implement efforts to educate law students, judges, and lawyers to enhance their understanding of the importance of conservation issues and state authority protect state agency statutory authority for management of fish and wildlife resources within their borders and promote state, provincial, territorial and federal agency understanding of authority and jurisdictional issues

--National Conservation Need 7--

Submitted by: Teaming With Wildlife and Education/Outreach/Diversity Committees

Subject: Building Stakeholder Support for a 21st Century Model of Funding Fish & Wildlife Conservation

Statement of Need: State fish and wildlife agencies are on the forefront of conserving the nation’s fish and wildlife. However, their critical role is often undervalued, misunderstood or unknown by the greater conservation community, policy-makers and the public. If the story and successes of state-based fish and wildlife conservation is not consistently and broadly communicated, state agencies could see an erosion of their authority, influence and support. For nearly 30 years, states have been building the case for increased and sustainable funding to conserve the full array of fish and wildlife. Funding through the State & Tribal Wildlife Grants program led to the development of State Wildlife Action Plans and investments in monitoring and on-the-ground conservation have helped prevent federal endangered species listings and improved the status of hundreds of species. Despite this success, funding for the program has declined by one third. The AFWA President’s Task Force on Wildlife Diversity Funding recommended that a high level group be assembled to identify sustainable funding mechanisms. In 2015, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources will develop recommendations on the best option(s) for sustainably funding fish and wildlife conservation. Telling “the story” of state-based conservation will be a crucial component in ensuring the Panel’s recommendations are implemented. Additional resources are needed to produce and initiate an outreach and education plan–a National Conservation Outreach Strategy–that will raise awareness of how state-based conservation is funded, highlight state success stories and support a call-to-action for equitable and sustainable funding.

Desired Proposals: Proposals submitted under this NCN should address the following:

Support efforts to develop and deliver key messages to target audiences about the role of state agencies and their partners, their successes in conserving the full array of fish and wildlife and their ongoing funding needs. Messages should consider the Conservation Core Concepts identified by the North American Conservation Education Strategy.

Provide support, planning and travel assistance to states to participate in regional and national forums that advance information sharing, problem-solving and collaboration to align with a National Conservation Outreach Strategy, which supports the outreach needs of the Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendations.

Increase the diversity of partners and stakeholders to raise awareness and build support for state agencies as well as the Blue Ribbon Panel’s 21st century conservation funding model including supporting efforts to develop effective national strategies to engage the wildlife viewing community.

Desired Outcomes/Expected Benefits: Proposals funded through this NCN will contribute significantly to implementation of strategies 1.82, 2.12, 2.173, 3.44 and 4.15 in AFWA’s strategic plan. The ultimate outcome is that state fish and wildlife agencies acquire greater and more sustainable resources to conserve the full array of fish and wildlife.

2 Strategy 1.8-Secure dedicated funding for State Wildlife Action Plan implementation 2 Strategy 2.1-Protect state agency statutory authority for management of fish and wildlife resources within their borders.

3Strategy 2.17-Build broad based partnerships between business, industry, conservation groups, and agencies to support systems of conservation for the implementation of state wildlife action plans.

4Strategy 3.4-Coordinate outreach and education interests in support of the CE Strategy.

5Strategy 4.1-Increase member and public awareness of member agency success including the economic benefit of fish and wildlife activities.

--National Conservation Need 8--

Submitted by: Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA)

Subject: Develop, Maintain and Enhance State-led Conservation Land Use Pre-planning Tools

Statement of Need: As large-scale projects such as transportation corridors, energy siting, transmission routes, and landscape conservation efforts are being planned and implemented; the ability of State fish and wildlife agencies and their regional associations to provide consistent, current, and easily accessible data on species and habitats is imperative. Developing, maintaining and enhancing state-led conservation land use pre-planning tools, such as the Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool (CHAT) program and the Southeastern Conservation Adaptation Strategy, would continue to facilitate proactive fish and wildlife conservation and promote use by industry, government agencies, conservation planners, and other stakeholders. These state-led landscape level efforts ensure that fish and wildlife resource data and maps continue to be updated and enhanced with information and incorporate emerging technologies to benefit land use pre-planning efforts.

Desired Proposals: Proposals should provide funding for state-led conservation land use pre-planning tools:

1) Seek to establish long-term resources to regularly update datasets and incorporate new spatial layers valuable to States and partners. 2) Incorporate customer and stakeholder feedback to enhance data sets and web mapping tools. 3) Increase use of state and regional land use pre-planning tools by industry to better inform project planning. 4) Help federal, state, and local agencies appropriately utilize and integrate state wildlife information early into land management, energy/transmission, and transportation planning processes. 5) Integrate State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAP) priorities and information, and use SWAPs to incorporate public feedback, consistency, and coordination into data and enhancements. 6) Coordinate with AFWA to identify opportunities for expansion, coordination and integration of state-led conservation land use pre-planning tools across state fish and wildlife agencies’ association regions and the country.

Desired Outcomes/Expected Benefits:

Facilitates the incorporation of wildlife values early into land use decision-making, project planning, and large-scale conservation projects, minimizing wildlife resource impacts.

Informs pre-planning industry risk-assessment resulting in lower project costs.

Provides a ‘one stop shop’ for crucial habitat data, with access to multiple state agency-vetted data and maps.

Provides federal agencies the ability to further incorporate state fish and wildlife data into their programs, analyses, and initiatives as directed by the Department of Interior.

Creates a cost-saving ‘multiplier’ effect for wildlife conservation by collaborating, sharing, and expanding on the work of other states.

Promotes better wildlife data management, GIS and database support, and data standardization/centralization.

Grants funded under this NCN are expected to support and contribute to each of the AFWA Strategic Plan goals.

--National Conservation Need 9--

Submitted by: Executive Committee

Subject: State Fish and Wildlife Agency Coordination and Administration

Statement of Need: State fish and wildlife agencies need to collectively address emerging national policy issues to ensure they can continue to meet their management responsibilities and sustain the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Those agencies face barriers that impact their ability to collectively address national policy issues and manage trust resources. For example many state agencies face significantly curtailed out of state travel funding.

Desired Proposals: Proposals will be considered that assist state agencies with the coordination and administration of programs that address important issues facing fish and wildlife conservation. Applicants must demonstrate they have a history of collaboration and the ability to coordinate work with all fifty state fish and wildlife agencies.

Desired Outcomes: Proposals funded under this NCN would provide states with valuable technical, administrative and professional expertise and services. Detailed coordination and administrative objectives should be included along with an explanation of how these efforts will assist state agencies.

--National Conservation Need 10--

Submitted by: Fish and Wildlife Trust Funds Committee

Subject: Management of the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (National Survey)

Statement of Need: The National Survey has been conducted every five years since 1955 to measure participation and expenditures of fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation by residents in the U.S.

The quantification of participation and economic impacts of wildlife-based recreation is an important source of data used by Association members, state and federal fish and wildlife agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations and industry to assess trends in wildlife-related recreation in the U.S. The 2016 National Survey is especially critical in this progression of survey efforts. During 2016, the National Survey will use two different survey methodologies to “bridge” from old survey procedures to a new survey method and sample frame to make the future surveys more precise and cost efficient. Due to this “bridging” between survey methodologies, the National Survey Technical Workgroup (Workgroup) will continue to play a major role in helping manage these surveys. Therefore, a pressing need exists to maintain the Workgroup through 2018 to complete these surveys and evaluate their findings.

Desired Proposals: Proposals submitted for this NCN will address Workgroup’s management aspect of the 2016 National Survey into 2018.

A successful proposal will ensure the continuation of the 2016 Workgroup that was formed in 2013. This Workgroup will have the responsibilities of overseeing and approving survey protocols, reports, and coordination of the 2016 National Survey. The Workgroup will also be responsible for specifying the requirements and recommendation for an independent evaluation team that will need to be operational through in 2017-2018. This evaluation team will be responsible for comparing the two survey methodologies and results to provide an assessment that will be used for recommending the 2021 National Survey.