![](images/pfwarb1.gif)
Photo:
Prothonetary warbler,
Nell P. Baldacchino |
Priority
emphasis on Federal trust resources: e.g., migratory birds, endangered
and threatened and candidate species, inter-jurisdictional fish
species, wetlands, floodplains, and riparian areas. |
|
Program
emphasizes habitat restoration (i.e., hydrology and vegetation),
and to a lesser extent habitat enhancement and establishment within
priority geographic focus areas on private lands. Projects that
result in self-sustaining systems that are not dependent on artificial
structures are preferred to the extent practicable. |
The
goal is to achieve at least 50 percent of project costs through cost
share and/or in-kind services from our partners. This is an overall
program goal and exceptions are allowed based on the biological importance
of the project to Service goals and the ability of the landowners and
other partners to contribute. |
Service
funding through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program cannot
be used to purchase land-use rights to secure landowner participation
(e.g., cannot purchase easements, pay rent). |
Projects
with private landowners must secure a minimum 10-year cooperative
agreement. This agreement clarifies what each party will provide
and is a statement of commitment to maintain the purpose of the
project over the term of the agreement. Habitat improvement agreements
may be modified or terminated by either party under specified conditions.
Other factors being equal, agreements of longer duration than 10
years may rank higher for assistance. |
Projects
with in-kind services provided by the landowner (e.g., landowner agrees
to install structure and maintain it over the period of agreement) receive
a higher priority, other factors being equal. |
The
maximum amount of Service funds that may be expended on each person's
project is $25,000. Some exceptions are possible, but require
special approval. |