1. Introduction to the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Christie Deloria USFWS U.P. Sub-Office Christie_deloria@fws.gov (906) 226-1240

2. National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (“NCWC”) Program Congress established with the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act of 1990. Congress established with the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act of 1990. Between $12-$17 Million available annually as Federal Aid (Max $1M/yr available as grant to state). Between $12-$17 Million available annually as Federal Aid (Max $1M/yr available as grant to state). Twenty-six states and US Territories bordering the two Oceans, the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes are eligible through a competitive process. Twenty-six states and US Territories bordering the two Oceans, the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes are eligible through a competitive process.

3. NCWC Project Requirements Limited to Coastal wetlands, or estuarine/inland wetlands that are clearly connected (e.g., hydrologically) to the associated Lake/Ocean. Limited to Coastal wetlands, or estuarine/inland wetlands that are clearly connected (e.g., hydrologically) to the associated Lake/Ocean. Requires 25% non-federal match provided by State or combination of State/partners. Requires 25% non-federal match provided by State or combination of State/partners. Ultimate selection determined by a set of ranking criteria established by USFWS (available online at: http://policy.fws.gov/library/02fr49264.pdf ) Ultimate selection determined by a set of ranking criteria established by USFWS (available online at: http://policy.fws.gov/library/02fr49264.pdf ) http://policy.fws.gov/library/02fr49264.pdf

4. NCWC Project Requirements Long-term (20 year minimum) conservation must be ensured to be eligible. Long-term (20 year minimum) conservation must be ensured to be eligible. Eligible activities: restoration, enhancement, land acquisition Eligible activities: restoration, enhancement, land acquisition Ineligible project activities: site maintenance and operations, navigation projects, research, major planning, benefits lasting less than 20 years. Ineligible project activities: site maintenance and operations, navigation projects, research, major planning, benefits lasting less than 20 years.

5. Overview of Ranking Criteria 1-3 (1) Wetland Conservation (7 points) (2) Does project involve maritime forest? (7 points) –“NO” in Great Lakes (3) Long term conservation (7 points)

6. Overview of Ranking Criteria 4-6 (4) Coastal Watershed Management: (3 Points) (5) Benefits to Threatened & Endangered Species: (5 Points) -Federally listed (5 points) -State listed (2 points) (6) Benefits to Interjurisdictional Fish: (5 Points)

7. Overview of Ranking Criteria 7-9 (7) Benefit to migratory birds (5 points) (8) Prevent/Reduce Contamination (5 points) –Attract/expose wildlife to nuisance sites 0 points. (9) Catalyst for future conservation (4 points)

8. Overview of Ranking Criteria 10-12 (10) Non-State PARTNERS (4 points) (11) Cash Contribution over required 25% (5 points) -Formula: each 5% increase (over the 25% minimum) in non- federal contribution earns 1 point. -Formula: each 5% increase (over the 25% minimum) in non- federal contribution earns 1 point. (12) Education/Outreach ( 3 points)

9. Overview of Ranking Criterion 13 13) Would project provide other benefits? (4 points) -globally rare ecosystems -unusually biodiversity -cost effectiveness ($/acre) -benefit cultural/historical resources

10. NCWC Timetable Complete draft of proposal available for review/feedback: May 27, 2008? Complete draft of proposal available for review/feedback: May 27, 2008? Final proposal to USFWS Regional Office: June 27 2008. Final proposal to USFWS Regional Office: June 27 2008. Site Visit by MDNR staff/Christie (August/September) Site Visit by MDNR staff/Christie (August/September) Ranking Meeting scheduled for October 20-24, 2008 Ranking Meeting scheduled for October 20-24, 2008 Awards announced January 2009 Awards announced January 2009