Multi-State Conservation Grant Program: Coordination with AFWA National Fish Habitat Board Meeting Salt Lake City, UT June 25-26, 2013

Multi-State Grant Funding & NFHP Three issues we need to talk about: 1.What is the Board’s intent for MSCG proposals? 2.How can we coordinate with AFWA on the NCN process? 3.How can we coordinate the Board’s and the FHP’s needs? What’s the role of the Partnership Committee?

Multi-State Conservation Grant Program Projects must benefit sport fish since the funding comes from the Sport Fish Restoration Account. Projects must benefit (a) more than 26 states; (b) a majority of the states in a region of the USFWS; or (c) a regional association of state fish and wildlife agencies. A project must address a National Conservation Need (NCN), which are selected each year to establish the states' funding priorities. Eligible grant recipients are (a) a state or group of states; (b) a non- governmental organization; and (c) the USFWS only for the purpose of conducting the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Multi-State Grant Funding & NFHP $3 Million in law annually from Sport Fish Restoration account for multi-state projects. Reduced (most years) to cover costs for the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation. More like $1.5 Million available. Over $1.2 Million in funding to National Fish Habitat Board and FHP priorities since 2010.

What is the Board’s priority and/or policy regarding this funding source? How can the Board coordinate with AFWA committees? How can the FHP priorities be better coordinated? Does the regional approach to meeting FHP needs work? What has worked & what hasn’t? Coordination for Future Multi-State Funding