Monday, December 31, 2012

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Is It the Same Below Ground? | Learn Science at Scitable

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Is It the Same Below Ground? | Learn Science at Scitable

Services provided by soils are vital for the well being of humans. The biodiversity-ecosystem services relationship is a hot topic in science but to what extent is it evident in soils?

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Some bamboos run into legal barriers - legislative updates - a wicked inconvenience


                                         
The noxious, invasive in some places invasive bamboo wars continue to grow and spread. In some sense they are 'popping up' as fast as the plant they have identified as their number one here and now enemy of the personal good.

The local weed warriors are challenged because their needs are not obvious to the disinterested rest of us, and because recent history has made an artificial division between agriculture's noxious weeds and ecology's invasive species. To the beleaguered property owner it is all the same destructive incursion and infestations that deny them the use of their property.  

Local and state government are slow to act because they count voted and so far the documented infestations of problematic bamboo are dwarfed by species such as mile-a-minutebuffelgrass, tamarisk and kudzu, and because the invaded properties do not yet equal a constituency that can sway elections - mostly because it is fragmented and divided as to particular species of concern or method of control. 

Who should pay to clean up the mess is the large elephant in our national political discussion from guns to energy, bamboo to atmospheric gas ratios, we have met the enemy and it is us. We do not want to pay for what we throw over our garden fences whether at the scale of an individual, a corporation or a nation-state.

We face a wicked inconvenience - plants that seem to misbehave are symptoms of our own unwillingness to take responsibility for our own actions. 
        


UPDATED 12-16- 2012                                                                                  INSTITUTE OF INVASIVE  BAMBOO  RESEARCH
Delaware:
1. Dover, DE                                                                                             Bamboo Ban http://bugwood.blogspot.com/2012/07/invasive-bamboo-outlawed-in-dover.html
2.Smyrna, DE                                                                                          10 foot set back http://search.municode.com/html/12853/level3/PTIITOCO_CH74VE_ARTIVBA.html
3.Lewis Park   Newark, DE                                                                    Bamboo Ban – destroying tennis court  http://www.cityofnewarkde.us/archives/61/Bamboo%20Removal_with%20photos.pdf

New York:
4.Hempstead, NY                                                                                   Bamboo Ban                                                                             http://elmontcivic.com/index.php/town-news/351-hempstead-town-adopts-legislation-to-ban-invasive-bamboo-on-local-properties
5.Brookhaven, NY                                                                                  Bamboo Ban                                                                     http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/bamboo-ban-plans-reach-long-beach-brookhaven-1.3846701
6. Smithtown, NY                                                                                   10 foot set back                                                              http://ecode360.com/15100285?highlight=bamboo#15100285
7. Village of Branch, NY                                                                        10 foot set back                                                              http://villageofthebranch.homestead.com/bamboo.html
8. Saltaire, NY                                                                                         Bamboo Ban                                                                 http://www.saltaire.org/bamboo.pdf
9. Greenport Village, NY                                                                       Bamboo Ban                                                            http://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2012/06/32943/greenport-village-considers-a-bamboo-ban/
10.Oyster Bay, NY                                                                                                                                                                 http://oysterbay.going.com/articles/tell-us-bamboo-epidemic-in-tobay-7b2ccb97
11.Long Beach, NY                                                                                                                                                                      http://longbeach.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/city-council-votes-to-restrict-bamboo-plantings

12. Woodsburgh, NY                                                                            Bamboo Ban                                             http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/woodsburgh-restricts-bamboo-cats-dogs-1.2819294
13.Babylon Village, NY                                                                         Bamboo Ban         http://www.lilanduseandzoning.com/2012/09/11/several-long-island-municipalities-adopt-bamboo-restrictions/
14.New York *called upon to add to states invasive list               unanimous vote                     http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Articles-Opinion-i-2012-09-27-93819.112114-sub-Editorial-Council-should-be-the-panda.html
15. Islip, NY                                                                                            proposed                                                                                  http://sachem.patch.com/articles/islip-notebook-town-looks-to-limit-bamboo-growth
16.Lake Grove, NY                                                                                                                            http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Articles-News-i-2012-09-27-93884.112114-sub-Huntington-Town-seeks-state-aid-with-pesky-bamboo-plant.html
17.Huntington, NY                                                                               proposed Dec 18 2012 resolution hearing                                                                                                                         http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Articles-News-i-2012-09-27-93884.112114
18. Ocean Beach, Fire Island, NY                                                      Bamboo Ban                                                           http://www.ecode360.com/7717482

New Jersey:
19.Wall, NJ                                                                                                                    http://www.wallnj.com/legal/2012/2012-21.pdf
20. Raritan, NJ                                                                                      proposed                                                                                   http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2012/10/public_works_superintendent_ba.html
21.Toms River, NJ                                                                                                                               http://tomsriver.patch.com/articles/toms-river-to-crack-down-on-invasive-plants
22.Brick, NJ                                                                                                                                                                               http://brick.patch.com/articles/brick-officials-work-to-curb-invasive-plants                                                                                                                                                       
23.Lacey, NJ                                                                                                                                                             http://lacey.going.com/articles/committee-to-vote-on-wild-plant-ordinance-at-meeting-thursday
24.Lake Como, NJ                                                                                 proposed                                                                   http://haleybehre.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/9-27-bamboo.pdf   
25.Manchester, NJ                                                                                                                                                            http://manchester-nj.patch.com/articles/environmental-commission-considers-invasive-plants-ordinance
26.Long Branch, NJ                                                                                                                 http://www.app.com/videonetwork759857/1823122521001/Homeowner-speaks-about-invasive-bamboo
Pennsylvania:
27. Concord, PA                                                                                       10 foot set back http://delconewsnetwork.com/articles/2012/10/09/garnet_valley_press/news/doc50743effc1905506029621.txt
28.West Bradford, PA                                                                             40 foot set back    http://www.westbradford.org/downloads/2011Ordinances/11-01Bamboo.pdf
29.Rutledge, PA                                                                                       10 foot set back                                      http://www.rutledgepa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bamboo-ord-461-dec-2011.pdf
30.Haverford, PA                                                                                                                       http://www.haverfordtownship.com/egov/docs/1317927418_850616.pdf
31.Middletown, PA                                                                         http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2012/07/26/news/doc5010b9753a0e1332618081.txt
32.Rose Valley, PA                                                                                   proposed                                                                      http://www.rosevalleyborough.org/storage/minutes/rvbmins101012.pdf
33.Montgomery Township, PA                                                             proposed                                                     http://www.thereporteronline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20121128%2FNEWS01%2F121129591&template=printart
34. Doylestown, PA                                                                                 Bamboo classified Noxious - height 8 inches                                  http://www.doylestownpa.org/Download/Ordinances/No%20%20353.pdf_brush_grass_weeds.pdf

Maryland:
35.Mount Rainier, MD                                                                            Bamboo Ban proposed            
36.Cambridge, MD                                                                                    proposed              http://www.choosecambridge.com/index.php/news/667/208/City-Council-Minutes/
37.College Park, MD                                                                                                         http://www.collegeparkmd.gov/temp/Temp%20Docs/11-O-04.Chapter125.BAMBOO.pdf

Massachusetts:
38.Cambridge, MA                                                                                    proposing possible ban          http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/news/x555035388/Cambridge-City-Council-in-60-seconds#axzz2FP8kh9lR



North Carolina:
39.Carolina Beach, NC                                                                                  proposed                          http://islandgazette.net/news-server5/index.php/news/local-and-state-news/local/16908-carolina-beach-considers-prohibiting-uncontrolled-bamboo-growth

Rhode Island:
40.Nether Providence, RI                                                                             10 foot set  back                   http://www.trulia.com/blog/stephen_sisman/2012/06/a_29

California:
41. Loma Linda, Ca                                                                                        Nuisance abatement                                                                                                                                http://www.lomalinda-ca.gov/asp/admin/CityCouncilDoc/getCDoc.asp?ID=293


               


Saturday, December 15, 2012

Webinar: Anticipating Success: What Happens After You Remove that Invasive from your Ecosystem - understanding and planning for succession

Anticipating Success: 
What Happens After You Remove that Invasive from your Ecosystem - 
understanding and planning for succession

Please join me for a webinar presentation on December 19th 12pm – 1pm EST

Invasive species removal and control often take place in a flurry of intense activity and satisfaction in the removal of the invader only to be followed by a surprise re-invasion of a new species. Anticipating Success looks at the role of planning in successful management of ecosystem resources and landscapes. The webinar will examine in detail the steps in a management plan that include environmental assessments, IPM and EDRR. 

Please click on more details below to follow this link to register: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/989958567

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

USDA Invasive Species Grants for 2013



United States                          
Department of
Agriculture
                      U.S. Department of
                     Agriculture (USDA)
                 Grant and Partnership
      Programs that can
Address Invasive Species
      Research, Technical
      Assistance, Prevention
      and Control

 Federal Fiscal Year 2013


















December 12, 2012





Introduction

This workbook contains basic information on programs in USDA that could be used to fund and support invasive species related projects. This list should be a helpful place to start a search for sources of technical and financial resources for invasive species activities but may not include all potential invasive species funding opportunities. USDA contacts for program support listed in the document are current at the time of publication.  The contacts listed in the “other grant information” section can assist you in determining which opportunities may fit best with your needs. Please use this workbook to help in your important and vital work in safeguarding and enhancing natural, recreational and agricultural resources.

USDA PROGRAMS

Program name:          Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational Program – Controlling Weedy and Invasive Plants
Agency:                      USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Funding Method:       National competition
Match:                        Cost sharing or matching may, or may not be required. See the AFRI FY
2013 Request for Applications for details (http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html
Authority:                  Section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA)
(Pub. L. 110-246) amends section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI); a competitive grant program to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension to address food and agricultural sciences.
Eligible Entities:        Eligible applicants for Research Projects include: 1) State Agricultural Experiment Stations; 2) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher); 3) university research foundations; 4) other research institutions and organizations; 5) Federal agencies, 6) national laboratories; 7) private organizations or corporations; 8) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and 9) any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in 1) through 8). Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations.
Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds
  Contact Info:             Michael Bowers, National Program Leader (202) 401-4510,
                                    (mbowers@nifa.usda.gov)
Purpose:                     This priority area supports projects that focus on compelling scientific questions underlying current issues in weed and invasive plant management in crops, managed forests and rangeland including:
·                 Ecological processes related to integrated pest management.
·                 The evolution, spread and mitigation of herbicide resistance based on
 an understanding of   ecological fitness and gene flow.
·                  Other ecological or evolutionary studies that would inform weed
 management strategies, including links between agronomic practices
 and weed problems.
                                                                                                ________________________           

Program name:          Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational Program – Plant-Associated Insects and Nematodes
Agency:                      USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Funding Method:       National competition
Match:                        Cost sharing or matching may or may not be required. See the AFRI FY
2012 Request for Applications for details. (http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html).
Authority:                  Section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA)
(Public L. 110-246) amends section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI); a competitive grant program to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension to address food and agricultural sciences.
Eligible Entities:        Eligible applicants for Research Projects include: 1) State Agricultural Experiment Stations; 2) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher); 3) university research foundations; 4) other research institutions and organizations; 5) Federal agencies, 6) national laboratories; 7) private organizations or corporations; 8) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and 9) any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in 1) through 8). Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations.
Taxa;                          Plant-associated pest and beneficial insects and nematodes
Contact info:              Mary Purcell-Miramontes, National Program Leader (202) 401-5168, (mpurcell@nifa.usda.gov)
Purpose:  This priority area supports projects to increase fundamental and applied knowledge of biological and environmental processes that affect the abundance and spread of plant-associated pest and beneficial insects or nematodes in agricultural systems (including managed forests and rangeland). Research on factors associated with the decline of insect pollinators and development of solutions to mitigate these problems is particularly emphasized. While realizing the value of discovery-oriented research, this priority area will emphasize hypothesis-driven research.  Projects that include an evaluation of pest or pollinator management are strongly encouraged to include an economic analysis.

Projects in this priority area may develop integrated pest management or other ecologically-based management programs (either in the short or long term). Projects on pests of livestock or nuisance pests in urban systems are not supported.

One of the following specific focus areas must be addressed:
·                  Ecological, chemical, and genetic interactions between plants, insects
or nematodes. Functional genomics approaches are encouraged.
·                  Mechanisms of plant response to insects or nematodes. Elucidation of
signaling mechanisms between plants and insects or nematodes are
encouraged. 
·                  Transgenic and para-transgenic approaches to limit the severity of
 pests including vectors.
·                  Structure and function of genomes of insects that vector plant diseases
and associated obligate microbial symbionts. 
See http://arthropodgenomes.org/wiki/Framework_for_Sequencing:_Insect_Symbioses.  It is anticipated that one proposal will be funded for $1 Million over a 5-year period.  Groups with existing international collaboration and leveraging of funds with international funding agencies are encouraged. 

                                      Additional opportunities for invasive species funding in FY 2012 will be available when Request for Applications (RFAs) are posted for the AFRI Core Programs. For
                                      more information please visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html
                                                                                                ________________________           

Program Name:         Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Competitive Grants Program
Agency:                      USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Funding Method:       Regional competition
Match:                        No matching requirements
 Authority:                  The Authority for funding of research projects in this grant program is contained in Section 2(c) (1) (B) of the Act of August 4, 1965, Public Law No. 89-106, as amended (7 U.SC.  450i(c) (1) (B)).  Authority for the funding of extension projects is contained in Section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act of May 8, 1914, ch. 79, 38 Stat. 372, 7 U.SC. 341 et seq.  NOTE: For combined effort applications, separate awards will be executed for P.L. 89-106 and Smith Lever funds.
  Eligible Entities:        Eligibility for research projects includes: state agricultural experiment stations,
                                      Land Grant colleges and universities, research foundations established by Land Grant colleges and universities, colleges and universities receiving funds under the Act of            October 1, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.), and accredited schools or colleges of veterinary medicine. Eligibility for extension projects is limited to land-grant colleges and universities.
Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal
                                    pathogens, diseases, aquatic species.
Contact Info:             Robert Nowierski, National Program Leader (202) 401-4900
                                    (rnowierski@nifa.usda.gov)
Purpose:                     The Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Competitive Grants
Program supports the continuum of research and extension efforts needed to increase the implementation of IPM methods from the development of individual pest control tactics and the integration of tactics into an IPM system, to extension, education, and training. The Program is administered by the four regions (North Central, Northeastern, Southern, and Western) of
the Land Grant University system in partnership with NIFA. The goal of
Regional IPM Competitive Grants Program is to provide support for projects
that develop and help users implement IPM systems that 1) are profitable and
environmentally sound over the long term; 2) reduce reliance on pesticides:
and 3) protect and conserve ecosystem quality and diversity. It is recognized
that the specific needs of each region vary, and thus specific program
                                    priorities will vary among the regions.        
                                                                                                                                   

Program Name:          Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
Agency:                        USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Funding Method:        Within-State competition based upon State-specific priorities; State
                                      Conservationists, with input from State technical committees, develop
                                      ranking criteria based upon broad national guidelines. Options are permanent easement, 30-year easement, and restoration cost-share agreements.
Match:                         USDA pays 75 to 100 percent of restoration costs; landowner pays 0 to 25
                                      percent depending on enrollment type.
Authority:                    Reauthorized in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
Eligible Entities:         Landowners of private lands and Tribes
Taxa:                            Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal
                                      pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
Contact Info:               Jessica Groves, NRCS Program Manager (202) 720-1067, (jessica.groves@wdc.usda.gov)
Purpose:                       A voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property. The goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program.
                                                                                                                                                 

Program Name:         Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Agency:                       USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers CRP, while technical
                                    support functions are provided by USDA NRCS; USDA NIFA; State
                                    forestry agencies; local soil and water conservation districts; and
                                    private sector providers of technical assistance.
Funding Method:       Provides annual payments for establishment of resource-conserving cover on environmentally sensitive croplands and cost share for establishing and maintaining cover; restores herbaceous vegetation for 10 years; restores forested vegetation for 15 years.
Match:                         50 percent of establishment costs plus annual rental payment based on soil rental rate;
Authority:                   Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, and regulations published in 7CFR, part 1410
Eligible Entities:         Individuals and/or groups who have owned or operated eligible cropland or certain marginal pastureland for at least one year
Taxa:                            Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal
                                    pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
Contact Info:              Robert Stephenson, Conservation and Environmental Programs Division,
                                    FSA (202) 720-6221, (robert.stephenson@usda.gov)
                                    and Beverly Preston CRP Program Manager, (FSA) (202) 720-9563
Purpose:                      The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the
                                    Nation’s ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams
                                    and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances
                                    forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly
                                    erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative
                                    cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filter strips, or
                                    riparian buffers. Farmers receive an annual rental payment for the term of the
                                    multi-year contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetation
                                      cover practices.
                                                                                                                                               

Program Name:         Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
  Agency:                      USDA NRCS
  Funding Method:        Within-State competition based upon State-specific priorities; State Conservationists, with input from State technical committees, develop ranking criteria based upon broad national guidelines. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 1 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed.
  Match:                        Provides both technical and financial assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat.
Authority:                  Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 reauthorized WHIP
  Eligible Entities:        Private agricultural land, nonindustrial private forest land, and tribal lands.  Public land and public entities are ineligible for WHIP. .
  Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
Contact Info:              Albert Cerna (202) 720-9358, (albert.cerna@wdc.usda.gov)
  Purpose:                     A voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve fish and wildlife habitat on private agricultural land, nonindustrial private forest land, and tribal land.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Program Name:         Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
Agency:                      USDA NRCS
  Funding Method:        Eligible producers can apply for financial and technical assistance that may include assistance to implement conservation practices to manage invasive and noxious species.  Producers compete for program benefits based upon national, State and local natural resource priorities and ranking criteria; State conservationists, with input from State technical committees and other partner stakeholders, develop natural resource based ranking criteria that proposed projects are scored with.  Applications are approved based upon the environmental ranking score and available funding.
  Match:                        EQIP may provide financial assistance up to 75 percent of the estimated incurred costs or income foregone of certain approved conservation practices. Historically underserved producers (Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged individuals or Tribal entities) may be eligible for payments up to 90 percent of the estimated incurred costs.
Authority:                  Reauthorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246)
  Eligible Entities:        Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible lands or landowners with an interest in eligible agricultural land may be eligible to apply for EQIP benefits.  Other eligibility requirements, such as Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), Payment Limitations, may also apply.
  Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
  Contact Info:              Mark Rose, EQIP Program Team Leader (202) 690-2621, (mark.rose@wdc.usda.gov)
  Purpose:                     To provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land.
                                                                                                                                                                   

Program Name:         Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Agency:                      USDA FSA with technical support from NRCS
Funding Method:       A specific CREP project begins when a State, Indian tribe, local government,
                                      or local non-governmental entity identifies an agriculture-related environmental issue of State or national significance. These parties and FSA develop a project proposal to address particular environmental issues and goals. Enrollment in a State is limited to specific geographic areas and practices. CREP contracts require a 10- to 15-year commitment to keep lands out of agricultural production. CREP provides payments to participants who offer eligible land.
Match:                          A Federal annual rental rate, including an FSA state committee-determined maintenance incentive payment, is offered, plus cost-share of up to 50 percent of the eligible costs to install the practice. Further, the program generally offers a sign-up incentive for participants to install specific practices.
Authority:                    U.S. Code Title 16, Chapter 58, Subchapter IV, Part I, subpart b
Eligible Entities:          The program is a partnership among producers; Tribal, State, and Federal
governments; and, in some cases, private groups. CREP addresses high-priority conservation issues of both local and national significance, such as loss of critical habitat for threatened or endangered wildlife species, soil erosion, and reduced habitat for fish populations such as salmon. The land must have been owned or operated by the applicant for the previous 12 months and must have been planted in crops 2 of the last 5 years and be physically and legally capable of being planted in a normal manner.
Taxa:                            Invasive plants/weeds
Contact Info:               County’s Department of Agriculture Service Center.
Purpose:                       CREP is a voluntary land retirement program that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water. Unique State and Federal partnerships allow one to receive incentive payments for installing specific conservation practices. Through CREP, farmers can receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible land.
                                                                                                                                               

Program Name:           Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
Agency:                        USDA NRCS
  Funding Method:        Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental
                                      organizations, Tribes, or individuals. CIG enables NRCS to work with other
                                      public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the nation’s most pressing natural resource concerns.
Match:                         Selected applicants may receive grants up to 50 percent of the total project
cost.  Applicants must provide nonfederal matching funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost. An exception allows for beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers, Tribes and community-based organizations
representing these groups to obtain a higher percentage of project matching
funds from in-kind contributions. The Federal contribution may not exceed $1 million for a single project.
Authority:                     CIG was authorized as part of the EQIP [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8] under Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by Section 2509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246).  The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority for the administration of EQIP and CIG to the Chief of the NRCS, who is Vice President of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).  EQIP is funded and administered by NRCS under the authorities of the CCC.
Eligible Entities:          EQIP funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. Project must include participation of producers eligible under EQIP. Project may be watershed based, regional, multi-state or nation-wide in scope.
Taxa:                            Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
Contact Info:                Gregorio Cruz, Natural Resources Specialist (202) 720-8071, (Gregorio.Cruz@wdc.usda.gov)
Purpose:                       Voluntary program to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the nation’s most pressing natural resource concerns.
                                                                                                                                                           

Program Name:         Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
Agency                       USDA NRCS, FSA, and FS are coordinating this program.
  Funding Method:        Applications are ranked based on selection criteria developed in the states following broad national guidelines. Land eligibility criteria focus on maintaining grassland for grazing uses while preserving native and natural grasslands and shrub lands 
 Match:                         Participants may choose a 10, 15, or 20-year rental contract with USDA providing annual payments of not more than 75% of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract for the length of the rental contract with a $50,000 annual payment limitation.  Or participants may choose a permanent GRP easement held by either the United States or an eligible entity.  When applicable, 50% of needed restoration costs up to the $50,000 payment limitation may be paid for rental contracts and easements held by the United States.  For easements held by an eligible entity, USDA will match 50% of the fair market value.
 Authority:                    Section 2403 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246) amended the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize this program.
 Purpose:                      Participants voluntarily limit future development and cropping uses of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices and operations related to the production of forage and seeding, subject to certain restrictions during nesting seasons of bird species that are in significant decline or are protected under Federal or State law. A grazing management plan is required for participants.
Eligible Entities:        Expanding land eligibility criteria to include land that has been historically dominated by grassland, forbs, or shrub land when it contains historical or archaeological resources, or when it would address issues raised by State, regional, and national conservation priorities.  Priority for land previously enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.  Requirement for implementation of GRP management plan.  Added authority for eligible entities to write, own and enforce GRP easements. 
  Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
  Contact Info:              NRCS:  Elizabeth Crane, GRP Program Manager (202) 720- 0242 (Elizabeth.Crane@wdc.usda.gov) and FSA: Jim Williams (202) 720-9562 (jim.williams@wdc.usda.gov)
  Purpose:                     The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program for landowners and operators to protect grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland, shrub land, and certain other lands. The program emphasizes support for working grazing operations; enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity; and protection of grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under threat of conversion.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Program Name:         Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)
Agency:                      USDA NRCS
Funding Method:          Assistance is provided to land users for conservation planning purposes and for applying conservation measures voluntarily; they must also comply with local or state laws and regulations.
Match:                          Not applicable
Authority:                     Authorized by 16 U.S.C. 590a-f, 590q, 2005b, 3861, and 3862.
Eligible Entities:          Private land users, communities, units of State and local government, and other Federal agencies are eligible recipients.
Taxa:                            Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
Contact Info:                Dan Lawson National Program Manager (202) 720-5322, (Dan.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov).  Eligible participants should contact their local USDA NRCS office to request assistance.
Purpose:                       The CTA Program provides technical assistance supported by science-based technology and tools to help people conserve, maintain, and improve their natural resources. The CTA Program provides the technical capability, including direct conservation planning, conservation practice design, and assistance for practice implementation, that helps people plan and apply conservation on the land.  This assistance is provided to individuals, groups, and communities who make natural resource management decisions on private, tribal, and other non-federal lands. The intent of the program is that conservation technical assistance is to be provided in a program-neutral fashion. Thus technical expertise is focused first and foremost on addressing natural resources concerns. Once a conservation plan is in place, financial assistance programs provide a supporting role in implementing those plans in order to solve resource concerns on the ground.
The CTA Program provides the proven and consistent conservation technology and delivery infrastructure needed to achieve the benefits of a healthy and productive landscape, and has the following purposes:
·       Reduce soil loss from erosion,
·       Solve soil, water quality, water conservation, air quality, and agricultural waste management problems,
·       Reduce potential damage caused by excess water and sedimentation or drought,
·       Enhance the quality of fish and wildlife habitat,
·       Improve the long term sustainability of all lands, including cropland, forestland, grazing lands, coastal lands, and developed and/or developing lands, and
·       Assist others in facilitating changes in land use as needed for natural resource protection and sustainability.
                                                                                                                                                           

Program Name:         Plant Materials Program
Agency:                      USDA NRCS
  Funding Method:        NRCS field offices receive technical information and transfer it to end users, such as farmers and ranchers.
Match:                        Not applicable
Authority:                  The program operates under the basic authority of P.L. 74-46, Apr, 27, 1935,
Ch., 85, Sec. 1, 49 Stat. 163, 16 U.S.C. 590 [a-f]. Other authorities include:
7 CFR Part 613, P.L. 95-192, P.L. 74-210 (7 U.S.C. 1010-1011), and 7 U.S.C.
                                      6962.
Eligible Entities:        NRCS provides plant materials assistance for invasive plant species issues through field offices and conservation districts.  The public is not eligible to directly participate in the program.  The Plant Materials Program website (http://www.plant-materials.usda.gov) includes technical information on invasive species.  NRCS does not provide plants or seed to the public. 
  Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal
                                      pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
Contact Info:             John Englert, National Plant Materials Specialist, 202-720-0536, (john.englert@wdc.usda.gov)
Purpose:                     Technical assistance through plant science technology to NRCS field offices for transfer to end users, such as landowners and land managers.  The program provides vegetative solutions for natural resource problems.  It develops plant materials and information technology on how to establish and manage plants.  The program emphasizes field-testing to determine a plant’s value and restoration techniques.
                                                                                                                                                           

Program Name:         Conservation on Private Lands Program
Agency:                      USDA NRCS
Funding Method:       Competitive grants administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Match:                        At least 50 percent match required
Authority:                  Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, 16 U.S.C. 590a-590f; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
Eligible Entities:        Private landowners, primarily farmers and ranchers
Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects, animals, animal pathogens, diseases, aquatic species
Contact Info:             Jody Olson, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, (202) 857-0166 x555, (Jody.Olson@nfwf.org)
Purpose:                     Conservation and enhancement of wildlife and natural resources on private lands.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Program Name:         Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI)
Agency:                      USDA NRCS
Funding Method:       The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) enters into partnership agreements with eligible entities that want to enhance conservation outcomes on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands. CCPI is not a grant program to partners. This is a program whereby partners with approved projects will enter into multi-year agreements with NRCS to help enhance conservation outcomes on agricultural lands and private nonindustrial private forest lands. One purpose of CCPI is to leverage resources of certain Federal government programs along with services and resources of non-Federal partners to implement natural resource conservation practices. After announcement, eligible producers located in an approved project area may submit an application for any of the following available programs, which may be approved for assistance: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP).
Match:                        Matching fund requirements correspond to NRCS States level requirements for donor programs.
Authority:                   CCPI is Allowed by the 2008 Farm Bill (2008 Act), NRCS may make Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) program resources available to owners and operators of agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands who are located in an approved CCPI project area component.
Eligible Entities:        CPPI applicants must be a State or local agency, Federally-recognized Indian tribe, or non-governmental organization that has a history of working with agricultural producers.  Individuals, private businesses, and Federal agencies, while not eligible to apply for CCPI funds, are invited to participate as partners in CCPI projects.
Taxa:                          The program is not taxa-specific, nor geared toward particular taxa.
Contact Info:             Avery Patillo, CCPI Program Manager, (202) 720-7671, (avery.patillo@wdc.usda.gov).  Additional information is available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/ccpi/?cid=nrcs143_008308
Purpose:                     Voluntary program to foster conservation partnerships that focus technical and financial resources on conservation priorities in watersheds and air sheds of special significance.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Program Name:         Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program
  Agency:                      NRCS has leadership for the conservation provisions of AMA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is responsible for an organic certification cost-share program.  The Risk Management Agency (RMA) is responsible for mitigation of financial risk through a crop insurance program.
Funding Method:       Total AMA payments (from NRCS, AMS, and RMA) shall not exceed $50,000 per participant for any fiscal year.
Match:                        The Federal financial assistance rate is up to75 percent of the cost of the estimated incurred cost and up to 100 percent of the estimated income foregone of an eligible practice.
Authority:                  AMA is authorized under the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, Title I, Section 133 Public Law 106-224. Section 524(b), as amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, (2002 Farm Bill), and further amended by The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill).
    Eligible Entities:      AMA is available in 16 states, where participation in the Federal Crop  
                                    Insurance Program is historically low, to applicants that own or control the
land and agree to implement specific eligible conservation practices. The 16 states are: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Taxa:                          The program is not taxa-specific, nor geared toward particular taxa.
Contact Info:             Dave Mason, AMA Program Manager, (202) 720-1873, (dave.mason@wdc.usda.gov) Additional information is available at:
                                    http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ama/index.html/
Purpose:                     AMA provides financial assistance payments to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues, such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation practices into their farming operations.  Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming. Contracts are for a minimum of one year after completion of the last practice, but not more than ten years.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Program Name:         Conservation Stewardship Program (authorized in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246)
Agency:                      USDA NRCS
Funding Method:       Congress authorized the enrollment of 12,769,000 acres for each fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2017. Continuous sign-up for CSP started on August 10, 2009. 
Match:                        No match is required.  CSP provides participants with two possible types of payments.  An annual payment is available for installing new conservation activities and maintaining existing activities.  A supplemental payment may be earned by participants who also adopt a resource-conserving crop rotation.  Through 5-year contracts, payments will be made after October of each year for contract activities installed and maintained in the previous year.  For all contracts, CSP payments to a person or legal entity may not exceed $40,000 in any year and $200,000 during any 5-year period.  Each CSP contract is limited to $200,000 over the term of the initial contract period with the exception of join operations, which may qualify for up to $400,000 over the term of the initial contract period.
Authority:                  The Program was created by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246), section 2301.  NRCS published an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register on July 29, 2009.  This Program replaces the Conservation Security Program. 
Eligible Entities:        CSP is available on Tribal and private agricultural lands, as well as non-industrial private forest lands in 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The program provides equitable access to all producers, regardless of operation size, crops produced, or geographic location and it is available on a continuous sign-up basis to private agricultural land and agricultural Indian lands, including cropland, pastureland, and rangeland. 

Producers must meet applicant eligibility requirements that include: being the operator of record in the USDA farm records management system for the eligible land being offered for enrollment; documented control of the land for the term of the proposed contract; and being in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of 7 CFR Part 12, and adjusted gross income provisions.

The program is available to Non-industrial private forestland is eligible by special provision, but it can make up no more than 10% of the acres enrolled nationally in any fiscal year.  The entire operation must be enrolled and must include all eligible land that will be under the applicant's control for the term of the proposed contract that is operated substantially separate from other operations. 

Land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Grasslands Reserve Program, and Conservation Security Program is ineligible for CSP.  Additionally, a participant may not receive payment for land used for crop production after June 18, 2008, that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least four of the six years preceding that date, unless the land was: previously enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program; maintained using long-term rotations, such as hay land in rotation; or incidental to the operation but needed for the efficient management of the operation.

How CSP Works:  NRCS at the State level, in consultation with the State Technical Committee and local working groups, will focus CSP on natural resources of specific concern for a State or specific geographic areas within a State.  Applicants will be ranked relative to other applicants who face similar resource challenges.  Agricultural land and non-industrial private forest land will be ranked separately.

Producers interested complete a self-screening checklist to help them decide whether CSP is the right program for them.  Once applicant and land eligibility are determined, the NRCS field office assists the producer in completing the conservation measurement tool (CMT).  The CMT estimates the level of environmental benefit to be achieved.  The CMT conservation performance scoring enables NRCS to determine if the stewardship threshold requirement is met, to rank applications, and to establish payments.

For a pre-approved applicant, NRCS will request the applicant’s conservation activity records and conduct on-site field verification to ensure that information provided by the applicant was accurate prior to contract approval.  Once information is verified, NRCS and the applicant proceed to develop the contract.  Upon approval, the contract will obligate the participant to achieve a higher level of conservation performance by installing additional activities scheduled in their conservation stewardship plan and to maintain the level of existing conservation performance identified at the time of application.
Taxa:                          The program is not taxa-specific, nor geared toward particular taxa.
Contact Info:              Jeff White, CSP Program Manager, (202) 720-3524,
(Jeffrey.White@wdc.usda.gov). Additional information is available at:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/
Purpose:                     To encourage producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities; and improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.  CSP encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations. CSP provides opportunities to both recognize excellent stewards and deliver valuable new conservation. 
                                                                                                                                   

Program Name:         Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops
Agency:                      USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
Funding Method:      
Match:                       
Authority:                 
Eligible Entities:       
Taxa:                         
Contact Info:             http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/tasc/tasc.asp   
Purpose:                     Projects should address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the export of U.S. specialty crops.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Program Name:         Pest Detection (Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey-CAPS)
Agency:                      USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Funding Method:       Cooperative Agreements
Match:                        Matching funds are not required, but are encouraged.
Authority:                  Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.)
Eligible Entities:        State Departments of Agriculture and their cooperating partners (occasionally universities)
Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects
Contact Info:             John Bowers 301-851-2087 (John.Bowers@aphis.usda.gov)
Purpose:                     The Pest Detection Program works to ensure the early detection of harmful or economically significant plant pests and weeds through a nationally-directed survey program through the CAPS network. The program works with State and university cooperators through national, regional, and State-level committees to prioritize survey projects and provides funds for State cooperators to conduct the agreed-upon surveys. The program also trains and equips State cooperators to conduct national surveys.  For additional information on the CAPS program, go to http://caps.ceris.purdue.edu
                                                                                                                                                           

Program Name:         Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops
Agency:                      USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
Funding Method:      
Match:                       
Authority:                 
Eligible Entities:       
Taxa:                         
Contact Info:             http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/tasc/tasc.asp   
Purpose:                     Projects should address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the export of U.S. specialty crops.
                                                                                                                                                           

Program name:          Technology Development for the Biological Control of Invasive Native and Non-Native Plants (BCIP)
Agency:                      USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (FHTET)
Funding Method:       National competition
Match:                        Cost sharing or matching is required.
Authority:                  Section 8 [16 U.S.C. 2104] Forest Health Protection of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, as amended by Sec.’s 1215 and 1218 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990, P.L. 104-624, 104 Stat. 3525 and 3531 Nov. 28, 1990.
Eligible Entities:        Projects will be funded as Cooperative Agreements with State agricultural
                                    experimental stations, colleges and universities, other research institutions
                                    and organizations, Federal Agencies, national laboratories, private
                                    organizations or corporations, and individuals.
Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds and bio-control agents.
Contact Info:             Dr. Richard Reardon, National BCIP Program Leader
(rreardon@fs.fed.us), 304-285-1566.
Purpose:                     FHP/FHTET requests proposals at the beginning of each fiscal year for innovative projects, which will advance the development of biological control of invasive plant technologies.  Successful projects will directly address 1- development of improved rearing, distribution, and post-release monitoring techniques for a biological control agent, 2-development and /or implementation of technologies for rapid quantitative assessment of biological control impacts, or, 3-integrated weed management with a biological control component that is part of a methods development approach to determine efficacy and is not considered an operational treatment

Instructions for preparing and submitting proposals are posted on the FHTET website (http://svinetfc8.fs.fed.us/stdp/callLetter/biocontrol_proposal_guideline_2013.doc ).

Proposals will be reviewed by the BCIP Technical Working Group.  Evaluations are based on scientific merit and the probability of a timely success.  Original innovative pilot projects, as well as proposals to expand existing technologies are strongly encouraged.  Quarterly and annual progress reports are required for all projects.

Projects will be funded as Cooperative Agreements.  Indirect charges will NOT be reimbursed.  The cooperator cost share is 25% of the total project cost (i.e., multiply the Forest Service contribution x.3333).  A portion or all of this non-Federal contribution can be in-kind costs.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Program Name:         Various Plant Health Programs
Agency:                      USDA APHIS
Funding Method:       Cooperative Agreements
Match:                        Matching funds are not required, but are encouraged.
Authority:                  Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.)
Eligible Entities:        State Departments of Agriculture
Taxa:                          Invasive plants/weeds, plant pathogens/diseases, insects
Contact Info:             Jeffrey Grode, Associate Executive Director, Plant Health Programs
Purpose:                     APHIS conducts a variety of survey, eradication, and management/control programs for invasive plant pests, diseases, and weeds. Depending on the program, State cooperators may conduct portions of the programs through
                                    cooperative agreements with APHIS. For example, APHIS provides funding for affected States to conduct eradication activities for certain invasive forest pests.  For additional information on plant pest detection programs, go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/pest_detection/index.shtml.
                                                                                                                                                           

Program Name:         Emergency Management Systems
Agency:                      USDA APHIS
Funding Method:       Cooperative agreements
Match:                        Matching funds are not required, but are encouraged.
Authority:                  Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.)
Eligible Entities:        State Departments of Agriculture and Tribal nations
Taxa:                          Pests and diseases of livestock
Contact Info:             Summer Bailey, 301-851-3494, (Summer.D.Bailey@aphis.usda.gov
Purpose:                     The program cooperates with State partners and Tribal governments to implement and enhance emergency response capabilities for serious foreign animal disease outbreaks.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Program Name:         Various Animal Health Programs
Agency:                      USDA APHIS
Funding Method:       Cooperative agreements
Match:                        Matching funds are not required, but are encouraged.
Authority:                  Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.)
Eligible Entities:        State Departments of Agriculture and Tribal nations
Taxa:                          Pests and diseases of livestock
Contact Info:             Associate Deputy Administrator for National Animal Health Policy and Programs, 301-851-3599
Purpose:                     APHIS conducts a variety of monitoring, survey, eradication, and management/control programs for invasive animal diseases. Depending on the program, State
                                    cooperators may conduct portions of the programs through cooperative agreements with APHIS.
                                                                                                                                                  

Program Name:         Wildlife Services Operations
Agency:                      USDA - APHIS
Funding Method:       Cooperative agreements
Match:                        Cooperators provide matching funds, normally 50 percent of a project’s cost.
Authority:                  Animal Damage Control (ADC) Act of March 2, 1931, (7 USC 426-426b, and 426c as amended)
Eligible Entities:        State and local agencies, businesses, and private citizens
Taxa:                          Invasive animals
Contact Info:             Earl L. Hodnett, (301) 851-4008, (Earl.L.Hodnett@aphis.usda.gov )
Purpose:                     The Wildlife Services Operations program protects U.S. agriculture, natural resources, property, and human safety and health from wildlife damage and wildlife-borne diseases. The program works with affected States to manage certain invasive species, such as nutria in the Chesapeake Bay area, and to prevent the brown tree snake from becoming established in Hawaii.

Other Sources of Information on Grants:

Below are some additional resources to help in identifying invasive species resource opportunities.  This list represents only a sample of what is potentially out there.  Please contact local, State, and Federal agencies directly for additional possibilities.  Several foundations and other non-profit institutions may also have programs that may assist you in finding resources for your activities.  The best place to look for Federal grants is the new Federal Grants Portal Website:  www.grants.gov
 
·     Federal Grants website http://www.grants.gov. There are 26 Federal grant-making agencies and
over 900 individual grant programs that award over $350 billion in grants each year. The grant community, including state, local and Tribal governments, academia and research institutions, and not-for-profits, need only visit one website, Grants.gov, to access the annual grant funds available across the Federal government.

·        USDA’s National Agricultural Library, National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) Web site --http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/. The grants section includes grant and funding information, requests for proposals, and other funding sources for invasive species control, management research and education. See http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/toolkit/grants.shtml

·     The Pulling Together Initiative is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. It provides a means for Federal agencies to be full partners with State and local agencies, private landowners, and interested parties in developing long-term weed management projects within the scope of an integrated pest management strategy. Contact information: http://www.nfwf.org/programs/grant_apply.htm

Conclusion
Listed below are some additional contact names for USDA.  These people are the invasive species coordinators from the agencies that sponsor or administer the USDA grant programs above.

USDA Senior Invasive Species Coordinator: Hilda Diaz-Soltero (202) 354-1880; cell (202) 412-0478;  hdiazsoltero@fs.fed.us
APHIS Invasive Species Coordinator: Wendy Hall (301) 851-3189; Wendy.F.Hall@aphis.usda.gov
NIFA Invasive Species Coordinator: Robert Nowierski (202) 401-4900; Rnowierski@nifa.usda.gov
NRCS Invasive Species Coordinator: Doug Holy (703) 235-8069; doug.holy@wdc.usda.gov

The USDA hopes this information is helpful for those working with invasive species. Partnerships and cost-sharing programs help all of us advance our goals of protecting our agricultural resources and ensure safe, healthy land and water for all of us to enjoy. Join with USDA in fighting invasive species: prepare, protect, and prevent. Thank you for all your hard work and all your future work in this important area.


In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (in education and training programs and activities), age, disability, or retaliation. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)