| General Information about OWEB Grants |
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| Eligible Grant Projects |
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The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board focuses on projects that approach natural resources management from a whole-watershed perspective. OWEB encourages projects that foster interagency cooperation, include other sources of funding, provide for local stakeholder involvement, include youth and volunteers and promote learning about watershed concepts. There are four general categories of projects eligible for OWEB funding:
1. On-the-ground watershed management (restoration and acquisition).
For example:
- Planting along streambanks to slow erosion
- Developing off-stream livestock watering facilities or fencing stream areas to restore riparian function
- Controlling upland vegetation to encourage the growth of native grasses
- Reseeding old logging roads
- Restoring or enhancing natural wetlands
- Improving fish habitat
- Removing or replacing ineffective culverts
- Purchasing conservation easements or leasing water rights
2. Assessment and/or monitoring of natural resource conditions.
For example:
- Conducting a watershed assessment according to the OWEB Assessment Manual
- Compilation and analysis of existing watershed data and/or collection of new information to fill data gaps
- Development of written action plans to address the resource needs identified in a watershed assessment
- Monitoring of resource conditions to determine changes over time
- Monitoring the effectiveness of watershed restoration activities
3. Opportunities for learning about watershed concepts (education/outreach).
For example:
- Conducting workshops for landowners or educators
- Providing field study opportunities for students
- Engaging students in a program of water quality monitoring
- Developing informational materials such as brochures, interpretive signs, newsletters
4. Watershed council support
For example:
- Salaries and benefits for council coordinators
- Supplies and materials used by the council to conduct business
- Travel reimbursement
5. Technical Assistance to develop restoration projects
For example:
- Project development by taking an assessment and developing an action plan that identifies specific projects
- Project design using engineering or other expertise to evaluate alternatives, and develop designs that a contractor can implement
- Landowner recruitment for the implementation of projects
Further information about project eligibility and project evaluation criteria can be found in the grant application forms and guidance manuals section of the website, or in the OWEB Grant Proposal Types document.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Additional information about who can submit an application, how grant applications are reviewed, who makes grant award decisions, and how OWEB tracks projects may be found in Frequently Asked Questions.
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| OWEB Grant Terms |
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Before a project begins, grantees must obtain all applicable local, state and federal permits and show that their project complies with local land use laws. Grantees must also agree to post a sign identifying the project and noting that OWEB is a source of funding. Materials produced through educational projects must include a notation that OWEB funds were used.
Upon completion of the project, grantees must submit a report to OWEB describing the work that has been done and documenting all expenditures along with the Oregon Watershed Restoration Inventory Reporting Form. Grantees must also monitor, evaluate and maintain their projects for a specified number of years and provide at least one annual progress report to OWEB. Other conditions may also be placed on the grant. These will be specified in the Grant Agreement and agreed upon before the project begins.
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