USFW Alaska 2011 Challenge Cost Share Program

This is an annual Alaska Region National Wildlife Refuge System Program with partnerships being developed year-round between local units of the USFWS and non-federal partners. Proposals are prepared under the most recent guidance from the Regional Office by the local unit of the USFWS and are normally collected for evaluation and ranking yearly. The Challenge Cost Share program was created to manage, restore and enhance natural and cultural resources on Service and private lands. Projects deal with habitat improvement, wildlife population management, public use enhancement, as well as research studies that answer specific management questions. The program encourages the development of projects in cooperation with private and non-Federal public partners. The focus is to encourage mutual shared interest that will increase the public awareness and participation in the community for the conservation of fish, plant and wildlife resources. Projects must be a wildlife, habitat, or visitor services project, be matched by at least 50% of the total project from a non-federal contribution of funds, labor, equipment, or materials, be on National Wildlife Refuge Service (NWS) lands, or near and in direct support of NWRS lands, and have all funds obligated by the end of 2011. For more information about this Program or for information on local contacts in your area, please contact Challenge Cost Share Coordinator, (907)786-3391 or email at (Kristen_gilbert@fws.gov).