National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Act 15.663

This is an announcement for issuing a single source financial assistance award to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NFWF, a private nonprofit organization focused on the conservation and management of natural resources. NFWF was established in 1984 by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, 16 U.S.C. 3701. They have a longstanding commitment to watershed restoration and stewardship, focused on demonstrable improvements for natural resources and social values, including native biodiversity conservation and recovery of key indicator species. The intent of this award it to use NFWF s proven grant program model to develop and manage the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund DWCF or the Fund with the goal of improving restoration and protection of the resources in the Delaware River watershed by enhancing coordination efforts of the many, already committed, partners. Additional revenues will be generated to address DOI and National interests Secretarial Priority 5. NFWF has previously allocated significant funding to projects that improve conditions for priority species and habitat, including migratory birds, early successional forests, eastern brook trout and river herring, and will continue to do so. In addition, $3 million in Natural Resource Conservation Service funds will go to projects that improve forest habitat in the Delaware River watershed, specifically for golden winged warbler. Beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2022, NFWF is investing one million dollars in DOI Hurricane Sandy funding in the Delaware River watershed. William Penn Foundation will provide up to $12 million for projects that restore and protect the regionâ¿¿s water quality through 2026. American Forest Foundation will provide approximately $905,000 for forest restoration and stewardship projects in the Delaware watershed, as well. Collaboration on watershed-scale conservation planning, active conservation, restoration, management of species and habitats, monitoring, public engagement, research, etc. will help DOI make smarter, more cost effective conservation investments, thereby achieving our goals and leading our team forward Secretarial Priority 10. This program will maximize conservation, bolster the economy, further protect communities, improve human health, provide greater outdoor recreation opportunities, and help build a more adaptable watershed for all citizens to enjoy today and into the future.