Questions and Answers_Climate Resiliency Grant_Updated 11-19-21.pdf
PDF 258 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- BD-22-1046-DFW-FW104-67600
- Issued by
- Worcester County, Duxbury CDP, Massachusetts
About this file
This document contains questions and answers related to the MassWildlife Climate Change Resiliency Grant Opportunity, a grant program administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The grant aims to fund habitat improvement projects that enhance climate-vulnerable wildlife habitats and make them more resilient to climate change. The program has a project deadline of June 30, 2022, with no extensions possible. Eligible applicants include private or municipal landowners, excluding municipal parks and recreation departments. Multiple project units can be combined into a single application. The grant does not allow for the funding of the same work on the same footprint under multiple grants. Applicants may apply even if they have received funding through the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program, as long as the projects are distinct. The agency is aware that the short project timeline may preclude certain types of projects, such as Japanese knotweed treatment, which is typically conducted in late summer. While the agency cannot provide a definitive timeline for award announcements, they expect them to be made in early to mid-February.
Regarding pricing and funding, this is a reimbursement grant program, with no details provided on set-asides, incumbents, or the current competitive environment. The funding originates from capital sources and must be expended by the end of the Commonwealth's fiscal year on June 30th, which is a requirement that cannot be waived.
View the file
Other files
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
MASSWILDLIFE CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCY GRANT OPPORTUNITY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: We have received calls from organizations that submitted in the first round as to whether to resubmit their applications for this second round (in case they didn’t get funded). Do you have guidance for them? Thanks
A: The MassWildlife Climate Changed Resiliency Grant is a different grant opportunity, with different goals and different ranking criteria. It is not a “second round”. That said, MassWildlife would not fund the same activities on the same footprint with two different grants.
Q: Will you have a workshop about this application?
A: There are no workshops planned for this opportunity. Jim Burnham is available to answer any grant related questions that may arise. Jim’s contact information is contained within the RFP.
Q: if we did get that award (from the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program), could we also apply for the climate change money?
A: Yes, you could. The Climate Change Resiliency Grant is a separate program with different goals and ranking criteria that specifically target fire adapted communities and coldwater fish resources. That said, we would not fund the same work on the same footprint twice.
Q: The Town of Montague is in the process of expanding our pollinator initiatives in hopes of contributing to a “Pollinator Habitat Corridor Project” as noted in the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) Regional Pollinator Action Plan. Part of Montague’s plan is to expand pollinator development in town-owned parks, managed by the Parks & Recreation Department and Commission.
Would projects qualify for the MW Climate Change Resilience Grant that is currently open for proposals?
A: Thank you for your note. Property under the management control of municipal parks and recreation departments are not eligible for this program. Town forests, and properties under control of the conservation commission are.
Q: The habitat type to be treated and treatment practice will be the same for all 6 canopy thinning units and both heavy mowing units, but the acreage and topography will vary. Would I be able to combine all canopy thinning units as a single unit and both heavy mowing units as a single unit, for a total of 2 treatment units? If not, could you provide the instructions for having greater than 4 treatment units.
A: I would combine units as you suggested and explain the situation in the narrative as best you can. If you’re able to provide shapefiles, it should be fairly obvious to the ranking committee what the proposed treatment is.
Q: Japanese Knotweed is the biggest environmental threat along rivers in western MA. The South & Deerfield Riverbanks are choked with knotweed masses and huge root systems which prevents even turtles from laying eggs. Knotweed is treated in late August and September. Unfortunately, the MassWildlife Climate Change Resilience Grant Opportunity (CCRGO) with its “Project deadline: All work must be completed and all awarded funds expended by June 30, 2022. There are no extensions possible under this program” seems to preclude knotweed treatment. Can you suggest work-arounds? If not, will a similar program be forthcoming with appropriate timeframe?
A: The funds are appropriated yearly for these programs and originate from Capital sources. Funds must be expended by June 30th, the end of the Commonwealth’s fiscal year. MassWildlife is aware that this requirement does prohibit the completion of certain projects. There are no “work arounds” for this requirement.
Q: Given the grant application deadline is Nov 22 and the expected short window for project completion, when might applicants expect to hear if their project will be awarded? This might influence their decision to apply and carry out a project and the timing related to other funding applications/grants and realistic implementation.
A: I cannot definitively answer when awards will be announced. If the timeline for the Climate Resiliency Grant mirrors that of the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant, then I suspect announcements may be made sometime in early to mid February.
Q: Can an applicant submit an application for “climate resiliency grant funds” if they recently found out that they are receiving “habitat grant funds” for other unrelated but complementary work on the same parcel and the project timelines for implementation are not in conflict.
A: Yes. This is a different grant opportunity from the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program.
A different project within the same footprint can be applied for. We will not, of course, be funding the same/similar work on the same footprint in the same grant cycle (no double dipping).
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .