How can I get technical assistance and funding?
Technical Assistance Resources
- Are you planning to build a wetland in your backyard, school grounds, or on your business property? Tune into our archived Webcast series, Backyard Wetland Conservation, which was broadcast live over the Internet in Spring 2005. This is a two-part series that is geared towards educating landowners and community members how to protect, restore, and create functional wetlands on their property and in their community. You will also learn how to determine whether or not there are already wetlands in your community and if so, what measures can be taken to protect and/or restore them. Webcast topics include wetland identification, functions and values, permitting and regulations, and wetland construction. Click here to find out more about our Webcasts and watch the archived video streams.
- For those of you who are planning restoration projects, your state probably has wetland managers and restoration experts who could offer you free advice. Check with your state resource agencies or with the Association of State Wetland Managers at http://www.aswm.org/. Also, the Society for Ecological Restoration may know of some good ecologists who can help you with the technical aspects of your restoration project http://www.ser.org/.
- NOAA Community-Based Habitat Restoration Project Grants provide $50,000-$200,000 annually. They are looking for habitat restoration projects that benefit marine resources. Links to information about this grant and other national funding opportunities can be found at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration. Just click on “Funding Opportunities” on the left sidebar.
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has announced several funding sources and requests for proposals - many of which could apply to wetland restoration projects - such as the 5-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program and the More Fish Partnership Fund. You can view these Special Grant Programs, as well as General Matching Grant programs, at www.nfwf.org/programs.cfm.
- Your project might qualify for a Farm Bill conservation program. Go to http://www.grants.gov/ to search for guidelines on the Wetland Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Program, EQIP, and other landowner incentive programs.
- EPA's Wetland Division at the headquarters office and the regional offices often have grants for projects geared towards the conservation and restoration of wetlands www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands.
- You can also search our comprehensive Watershed Stewardship Resources listing, which includes a section on funding resources.