More People Working for More Fish Overview of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan

Why NFHAP? Since the 1970’s, regulatory programs have reduced pollution and slowed physical degradation Significant gains have been made, but they have not been enough Existing conservation programs are often fragmented and uncoordinated We need a more business-like approach

How is the Action Plan different? Partnerships – jointly identify priorities Strategic investment – invest where it will make the biggest impact Measuring progress – fish habitat status report in 2010 and every 5 years thereafter

By 2010: Conduct a condition analysis and prepare a “Status of Fish Habitats in the US” report Identify priority fish habitats and establish Fish Habitat Partnerships targeting these habitats Establish 12 or more Fish Habitat Partnerships throughout the United States Action Plan Objectives:

By 2015: Protect all healthy and intact fish habitats By 2020: Improve the condition of 90% of priority habitats and species targeted by FHPs Action Plan Objectives:

Fish Habitat Partnerships Primary work units of the Action Plan Diverse array of public & private entities Self-identified, self-directed Formed around –distinct geographic areas –keystone fish species –system types

What do Fish Habitat Partnerships do? Perform a regional assessment Set priorities through strategic planning Coordinate and seek resources for projects Rank projects for funding Evaluate results of projects Report outcomes to stakeholders and the Board

What size should a Fish Habitat Partnership be? Geographically defined boundaries Scope of issues should be nationally significant 50, ,000 sq mi preferred to be effective Smaller, ecologically similar, contiguous areas should be grouped within a larger FHP

“Candidate” Fish Habitat Partnerships

Strategic investment “Improve the condition of 90 percent of priority habitats and species … by 2020” Restorability IndexTop watersheds for restoration

Measuring progress “Prepare a Status of Fish Habitats in the United States report in 2010 and every five years thereafter”

National Fish Habitat Board Fish Habitat Partnerships Science & Data Committee Communications Committee Federal CaucusPartners Coalition Aquatic Habitat Conservation Projects Joint staff Partners (states, tribes, federal agencies, NGOs, landowners, etc.) Governance

National Fish Habitat Board 22 national conservation leaders Develop guidance for Fish Habitat Partnerships Establish national goals & measures of success Report to Congress, states and partners

Legislation Partners have drafted legislation to: –Authorize the Action Plan & establish the Board –Establish a $75 million grant program for cost- share projects –Defines roles of Federal agencies Expected to be introduced in Congress soon

Current Funding for NFHAP Multi-state Conservation Grants State: through Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and direct support Federal: USFWS, NOAA, and USGS are providing staff, services, and support of science effort and on-the-ground projects National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s “More Fish” campaign

FWS Funding for NFHAP $5.153M appropriated to implement the Action Plan in FY 2008 Funds go to on-the-ground projects, partnership development, and Board support Cost-share achieved on projects >2.8 : 1

National Fish & Wildlife Foundation’s “More Fish” Campaign First grants awarded February 2007 Enlists new non-federal partners Raises funds for fish habitat conservation projects nationwide Fish Habitat Partnerships help NFWF to strategically target and leverage funds

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