1. Challenge Cost Share Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Objective: Encourage partnerships with non- federal entities for projects that conserve, enhance and protect fish and wildlife resources both on and off refuge lands.

2. *Projects focus on restoration of natural resources, establishment of wildlife habitats and wildlife oriented recreational and education programs. *Assists in conservation of coral reef ecosystems through protection and restoration of upland and wetland coastal habitats.

3. Challenge Cost Share (CCS) funds are appropriated funds that may be used to pay for no more than 50% of the cost of CCS projects on or off Service lands. The remaining 50% must be provided by the non-federal source. A CCS agreement is prepared, normally for a one year period.

4. Who is eligible? Non-federal entities including state/local governmnents, private individuals/organizations, business enterprises, education institutions, non-profit organizations, and charitable groups.

5. *Application deadlines announce on an annual basis. *Interested parties should contact the local National Wildlife Refuge or other local Service office to design project. *In FY 2003 1,400 partners provided $10.5 in in-kind and dollar matches. Projects ranged from $300 to $25,000 with the average project cost being $7,800.

6. How are projects selected? Regional Challenge Cost Share coordinator assembles committee of Service employees to review, rank and select projects. * Proposals evaluated on lasting effect on conservation, scope of effect, number of partners, importance of resource values, feasibility and cost effectiveness.

7. Project Examples Restoration of wetland at Laguna Cartagena NWR Restoration of subtropical dry forest at refuges in the Caribbean Monitoring/inventories of coral reef ecosystems and the Navassa NWR Development of interpretative trails Restoration of endangered species habitat Hyrdologic monitoring of watersheds

8. Project Partners Volunteer labor Scientists Local botanical gardens Municipal/state governments Local universities Private landowners

9. Agency Contact Information Rob Kelsey Regional CCS Coordinator U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1873 Century Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Robert_Kelsey@fws.gov 404/679-7186 Susan Silander Project Leader Caribbean Islands NWR complex P.O. Box 510 Boqueron, Puerto Rico Susan_Silander@fws.gov 787/851-7258