12:30 PM Foundation Network Meeting (Funding Partner Members)

Transcription

1 SAGINAW BAY WATERSHED INITIATIVE NETWORK RESOURCE GROUP MEETING December 4, 2014 Delta College Planetarium 100 Center Avenue Bay City, MI AGENDA 8:30-9:00 AM Continental Breakfast 9:00 9:45 AM Film: Mysteries of the Great Lakes Please join us in a screening of this award-winning documentary that is both a celebration of the Earth s greatest freshwater ecosystem as it is a rallying cry for its protection. Originally developed as an IMAX film, we will have a unique vantage point in Delta s state-of-the-art high definition theater, within the planetarium. 10:00 10:15 AM Welcome, Introductions and Program Update Mike Kelly 10:15 11:15 AM New Project Proposals / Review Mike Kelly 11:15 12:00 PM Saginaw Bay Spawning Reefs: Pre-restoration Assessment Mike Jury, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Remediation and Redevelopment Division 12:00 PM Wrap Up // Lunch 12:30 PM Foundation Network Meeting (Funding Partner Members)

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3 PROJECT APPLICATIONS December 4, 2014

4 GRANT APPLICATION FORM Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network P.O. Box 734 Bay City, MI Office Use: Application # Ag/P2 Water Communication Wildlife Land Use Other Please answer the following questions in the space provided. You may include a one-page attachment. When completed, your application packet should not exceed four pages. Send your completed form electronically to info@saginawbaywin.org and mail a signed, hard copy to Saginaw Bay WIN, P.O. Box 734, Bay City, MI Proposals may be submitted at any time. If you have questions, please call (989) SECTION 1 - GENERAL Project Name Demonstration stream bank stabilization and fish habitat development in the Cass River Watershed, Saginaw Bay, Michigan Sponsoring Organization / Local Champion Is the sponsor a 501(c)(3) organization? Saginaw Bay Resource, Conservation & Development Area, Inc. Yes No Name & Position of Contact Person James Hergott- Executive Director Address C/O Arenac County Clerk P.O. Box 747 City Standish Fax Project Start Date Fall 2014 State MI saginawbay@aol.com Project End Date Fall 2016 Zip Phone (989) Amount Requested $20,000 Geographic Area Served Tuscola, Sanilac, Saginaw, Huron and Lapeer Counties SECTION 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please describe the project. How is it innovative? What need(s) does it address? Is there a relationship between this project and other programs/projects occurring in the watershed? The objective of this project is to stabilize a number of sites on the main stem of the lower Cass River and Cole Creek, where 23 sites have been inventoried and ranked for severity. This will be done in conjunction with the building of the extensive fish ladder at the Frankenmuth Dam, a project long in the making. This fish passage will open the Cass River to an additional 73 miles of fish spawning, for the first time in 150 years. This effort will allow for approximately 1,000 feet of work to be accomplished which will benefit water quality and fish habitat. We stabilize banks because it prevents loss of land into the stream (sediment which covers valuable spawning areas), lessens damage to utilities including roads and drains and to buildings and other facilities adjacent to the watercourse. In addition reduced sedimentation helps maintain the carrying capacity of the stream channel, and provides for nutrient reduction. These features, in turn, improve the stream for recreational use, and as habitat for fish and wildlife. The Saginaw Bay RC&D has worked on and completed in excess of 300 stream bank stabilization projects throughout the Saginaw Bay watershed on areas in the northern region including the Rifle River, Northern Tittabawassee River, Cedar River, Pine River and Chippewa River. To do this, landowners will be contacted to develop interest, site visits will be accomplished to gather information for developing project plans and sites will be reviewed and prioritized for funding by the Cass River Greenway Committee. Once project plans are developed, contractors and/or volunteers will be sought to cut, haul and install appropriate stream bank stabilization methods, which will focus on tree revetments and similar types of practices which not only will reduce sedimentation, but also create fish habitat. Typically, these projects are installed in the fall of the year during low water times and can also be easily installed when a water level drop is expected during reconstruction of the dam. We anticipate this to be a minimum of a two year process if this funding is secured. What makes this project innovative is that we will be using techniques (or practices) which are not currently being used by landowners in the Cass River Watershed. It means that this project will also act as a demonstration site for best practices. Some of the needs our project addresses include: sediment reduction, nutrient reduction, fish habitat improvement which all lead to better recreation and health in the community. This project relates with other ongoing projects in the Cass River Watershed being done by: The Cass River Greenway Committee, local Conservation Districts, local units of government and other local watershed conservation groups. This project coincides with the Cass River Watershed Management plan which has been approved by DEQ and EPA which allowed for a larger 319 implementation application to be developed. SECTION 3 COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS

5 What other organizations are participating in this project and what are their roles? The Cass River Greenway Committee (CRG), local Conservation Districts(C.D's), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service(F&W), landowners and local units of gov't. representing townships, parks and recreation departments and municipalities including Vassar, Caro, Frankenmuth and Bridgeport. CRG will determine final project site locations based upon recommendation from a technical committee including the RC&D, U.S. F&W and local CD's. CD's currently work in the watershed and are focused on agricultural BMP's. This project focuses on stream bank stabilization as the BMP alone and will give us additional opportunities to reduce sedimentation in the Cass River Watershed and eventually the Saginaw Bay. SECTION 4 SUSTAINABILITY LINKAGES AND GOALS Describe the project s goals and how you will measure whether it has achieved those goals. Economic goals: The economic goal of this project is to provide a better environmental condition which in turn provides better recreational opportunity such as fishing, swimming, and boating. When there is improved fish habitat, there are better recreational opportunities. When there are more fish and people using the river for swimming, fishing, kayaking and etc... there will be more money is spent in the community. Our economic measurement is going to be the tons of soil not put into the system. This tonnage will be given a dollar value, should it have to be dredged out of the river, and those savings will be documented. Community or social goals: The community goals in this project are to improve the aesthetic value of the natural resource, improve recreational value for the water enthusiast and lessen damage to spawning areas of the fishery. With a better fishery and improved aesthetic value, the general public will be out recreating more (i.e. fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and etc ), which will provide the public with the opportunity to exercise more and to live a healthy lifestyle. In turn, we are directly connecting folks with a natural resource while adding these other wonderful benefits. A way we plan to measure this goal is to track events in the Cass River Watershed such as: triathlons, swimming events and etc we can track the number of events and the people attending these events. We plan to work with the Cass River Greenway Committee to retrieve these figures. Environmental goals: Since we know sediment carries nutrients and covers valuable fish spawning habitat, by reducing sedimentation, we reduce the amount of nutrients impacting the Cass River Watershed, water bodies downstream, tributaries and eventually the Saginaw Bay. Sediment load reductions and feet of fish habitat developed and stream bank erosion minimized will be the measurable objectives. SECTION 5 RELATIONSHIP TO WIN OBJECTIVES Describe how the project fits with WIN s Vision, Mission and Guiding Principals. We feel that this project goes hand in hand with WIN s mission, vision and guiding principles. WIN has been an integral part of the Frankenmuth Dam/Fish Passage project which resulted from another WIN funded project (1998 fisheries scoping study) which identified critical fish passage in the Saginaw Bay Watershed which ranked the dam as the 2 nd highest priority to improve the fishery, opening 73 miles of habitat which has been inaccessible for 150 years. This project will assist in balancing the economic, environmental and social priorities of the Cass River Watershed to enhance the quality of life for this and future generations. Also, providing a pleasant and healthy environment, not only for people to enjoy the river, but fish, swim, boat and gather for activity. This project conserves natural resources and uses land and infrastructure effectively. All of which coincide with WIN s vision, mission and guiding principles. SECTION 6 RESULTS What tangible results do you expect from the project and how will you measure them? The measurable objectives in this grant will be sediment load reductions, feet of fish habitat developed and stream bank erosion minimized. Before and after pictures will be taken and forwarded once projects are complete. SECTION 7 COMMUNICATION How do you plan to communicate your project to the public and/or your intended audience? Outreach will include: articles in local newspapers, RC&D website, RC&D Facebook page(s), attending local outreach events, Cass River Greenway website and ours and other partners quarterly newsletters. SECTION 8 BUDGET

6 Personnel Expenses (briefly describe) Admin. costs, site visits(before, during & after construction) Material and Supply Expenses (briefly describe) Duckbill Earth Anchors, Trees Total Budget WIN Funds $7,580 $3,000 $23,330 $1,250 Equipment Expenses (briefly describe) $0 $0 Communication/Marketing Expenses (briefly describe) $0 $0 Other Expenses (briefly describe) Cut/Haul/Install & permits $16,650 $15,750 Total Project Cost $47,560 Funds Requested from WIN $20,000 What funds have already been obtained for this project? (describe sources) $5,000 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, $10,000 Bay Area Community Foundation, $1,000 Star of the West Milling Company and $300 Frankenmuth Conservation Club How do you plan to finance the portion not funded by WIN? Continuing to seek local groups to help fund and install projects and contact with landowners having required material (15-20 pine trees). Additionally, we have secured the commitments above. Have you contacted the community foundation in the area most directly benefited by your project? If yes, with what result? Yes- Bay Area Community Foundation (Watershed Restoration Fund) $10,000. Frankenmuth Community Foundation said the project does not fit with their goals. Is this an on-going project? If yes, how will funding be continued? Yes, local successful projects encourage other groups and organizations to be involved. In addition a 319 proposal has been developed and submitted to DEQ for funding. SECTION 9 CERTIFICATION Our governing board approves the submission of this grant request. I certify that the information contained herein is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Authorized Signature Date James Hergott, Executive Director 11/24/2014 Print Name and Title

7 GRANT APPLICATION FORM Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network P.O. Box 734 Bay City, MI Office Use: Application # Ag/P2 Water Communication Wildlife Land Use Other Please answer the following questions in the space provided. You may include a one-page attachment. When completed, your application packet should not exceed four pages. Send your completed form electronically to info@saginawbaywin.org and mail a signed, hard copy to Saginaw Bay WIN, P.O. Box 734, Bay City, MI Proposals may be submitted at any time. If you have questions, please call (989) SECTION 1 - GENERAL Project Name Rifle River Prosperity Network Sponsoring Organization / Local Champion Huron Pines Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. Name & Position of Contact Person Lisha Ramsdell, Program Director Address 4241 Old US 27 South, Suite 2 City Gaylord Fax Project Start Date March 1, 2015 State Zip MI lisha@huronpines.org Project End Date September 31, 2016 SECTION 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Is the sponsor a 501(c)(3) organization? X Yes No Phone ex. 29 Amount Requested $50,000 Geographic Area Served Ogemaw & Arenac Counties (Rifle River Watershed) Please describe the project. How is it innovative? What need(s) does it address? Is there a relationship between this project and other programs/projects occurring in the watershed? For the past 10 years Huron Pines and other conservation partners have been implementing habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects within the Rifle River Watershed. Eroding streambanks have been stabilized, invasive species have been treated, fish barriers have been removed, stormwater runoff from both West Branch and Rose City has been dramatically reduced, and hundreds of volunteers, community members, landowners and resource professionals have been engaged. Throughout this time a Watershed Management Plan was developed to help guide future on-the-ground and stewardship activities. As we move forward with implementing more habitat work we realize that in order to truly impact the watershed we must engage and connect the community on an economic level as well. There is certainly an intrinsic value to healthy natural resources. However, little has been done in this region to fully understand the potential of the Rifle River as an economic driver nor has there been much collaboration between the business and environment community to market the region s unique quality of life. The Rifle River region is perfectly positioned to thrive as a Gateway - not only to the Rifle River but to northern Michigan as well. The area is headlined by the Rifle River Recreation Area a 4,500 acre public resource drawing thousands of visitors annually. The surrounding landscape has a rich agricultural heritage and is dotted with quilt tours, wineries, birding trails, numerous public parks and other access points to the river. Huron Pines is seeking assistance from WIN to develop the Rifle River Prosperity Network. Through the watershed planning process we have already identified unique natural features as well as areas in need of restoration. As a first step we will synthesize this information and work closely with business owners, local leaders, resource managers, chambers of commerce and visitor convention bureaus to develop the framework of a marketing plan that capitalizes on these assets while still ensuring the character of the area remains intact. It is our belief that we can realize shared goals and develop long-term focus while also enhancing relationships between the business and environmental community. The Network will meet at least 6 times throughout 18 months and will create a Memorandum of Understanding stating a clear vision statement and outlining specific action steps. Two of these meetings will be intensive workshops aimed to increase the understanding of the role and value of Gateway Communities and how coordinated efforts can increase the economic value and quality of life for this region. The Conservation Fund is a national leader in working with community, government and business partners to balance economic and environmental goals. The Fund is committing $10,000 to the program, which will be used for professional facilitation of the workshops and training for Network participants. In addition, $15,000 of the requested funds will be used as mini-grants. Community partners will have the opportunity to request grant assistance. These dollars will be allocated by active members of the Network and awarded to grantees that meet goals set forth by the Network. This ensures that immediate action will be taken to implement components of the marketing plan and MOU, thus maintaining a high level of motivation and building momentum for future implementation. There have been several broad-brush regional plans and many localized community planning efforts. This concept differs because it focuses on a particular natural feature and existing resource base (Rifle River) and will work closely with a diverse partnership to develop sustainable drivers for economic development and natural resource tourism in the area.

8 SECTION 3 COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS What other organizations are participating in this project and what are their roles? Several organizations are participating in the development of this program including the Department of Environmental Quality, which is providing leadership and technical expertise. The Conservation Fund will provide training for Huron Pines staff and lead facilitated workshops for the Network as well as provide matching dollars. The Rifle River Technical Committee will serve as a resource for habitat and water quality related topics. Additional participants will include the DNR, Tanger Outlets, USDA-Rural Development, West Branch, Rose City, Standish, Chambers of Commerce, and Visitor s Convention Bureau, conservation districts, land conservancies, canoe liveries and other local businesses. SECTION 4 SUSTAINABILITY LINKAGES AND GOALS Describe the project s goals and how you will measure whether it has achieved those goals. Economic goals: Developing a Prosperity Network will advance the region s desire to balance a healthy local economy with the ability to protect rural character and high-quality natural areas. Developing regional goals and establishing a grant program means communities will be in a better place to jointly promote the region. Initial economic success will be measured by the diversity of Network participants (does the MOU include key sociodemographic partners) and quality of applications for mini-grants. The project will establish a mechanism - protocol and tools - for better understanding the economic value of the Rifle s unique natural resources. Additional success will be measured by leveraging opportunities of other dollars to help support the Network s goals. To do so a meeting of funders will be held with the assistance of WIN and The Conservation Fund, and may include Americana Foundation, DTE Foundation, Consumers Energy, ITC Holdings Corp., and The Carls Foundation. Community or social goals: The Rifle River Prosperity Network will serve as a forum for conservation and economic partners to develop a shared vision for the area. Success will be measured by whether or not the communities of West Branch and Rose City have regular representation from each sector. At least 4 case studies of positive conservation/economic projects will be shared regularly by the Network and promoted through a Community Connection program that creates visual pieces to build sense of pride and ownership in success. Elements include signage with quality of life messaging in prominent areas, a regional publication and an I Rallied Round the Rifle partner decal for display in the community. Environmental goals: Indices of meeting environmental goals include Network participants actively engaged in environmental related projects. Avenues for providing input on community plans, meeting with resource managers and road commissions about best design practices, and working with local business to promote healthy use of the resource will be identified. Developing a sustainable partnership where natural resources, tourism and economic factors are all considered valuable will help ensure that long-term environmental goals are being met. SECTION 5 RELATIONSHIP TO WIN OBJECTIVES Describe how the project fits with WIN s Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles. This project fits ideally with WIN s priorities. The Rifle River is the highest-quality watershed draining to Saginaw Bay and WIN has supported much of the on-the-ground work to keep the watershed a healthy and resilient system. Through watershed efforts strong partnerships have been formed with local communities. The Prosperity Network Project takes these actions to the next step. The focus will be on connecting people and resources by building a collaborate effort to not only sustain the watershed s natural assets but to find ways to work together, across sectors, to help them thrive. It will integrate economic prosperity with ecological, aesthetic and community desires. It s an opportunity to take all we have learned through the watershed planning process, capitalize on the expertise of The Conservation Fund, and engage community members while momentum is still very high in the area. This will be a learning process for everyone involved, including Huron Pines. Through our organization s strategic process we have identified the need to engage local communities more about the value of the region s natural resources. Outcomes of our own planning process include 1.a Developing a network of well-connected conservation groups; 4.a Economic and community development projects recognize connections between natural assets and sense of place; and 4.c Individuals and units of government understand their responsibility and make informed decisions regarding conservation of our natural resources. Developing the Rifle River Prosperity Network not only meets several of WIN s goals but it is directly connected to Huron Pines organizational goals and it is our desire to share what we learn through this process with others in NE Michigan and Saginaw Bay. In fact we are already talking with communities surrounding the Pigeon River Country State Forest and Kirtland s Warbler area about similar concepts and anticipate that this process will be replicable across northern Michigan. A final report with lessons learned will be prepared for the funders as well as active participants of the Network. SECTION 6 RESULTS What tangible results do you expect from the project and how will you measure them? We will develop the Rifle River Prosperity Network comprised of business and tourism leaders, local officials and natural resource professionals. The Network will develop a collaborative MOU showcasing a diverse partnership, shared vision and detailed action steps. Through this process the Network will develop the framework for a regional marketing plan that highlights the natural features of the area. In addition, the Network will award $15,000 in seed funding to develop marketing materials. These materials may include a regional brand, promotional brochures and/or a web-based interface showcasing the Network s vision and community partners. SECTION 7 COMMUNICATION

9 How do you plan to communicate your project to the public and/or your intended audience? Promotion to develop the Rifle River Prosperity Network will be promoted heavily through various media including local papers, radio and other community publications, reaching nearly 18,000 homes and businesses. For over two years Huron Pines has a regular double page feature in Info Northeast s Guide, which reaches 20,000 people and is distributed through 300 merchants in the target area. At least 5 presentations to local groups with the intention to recruit Network participants and showcase efforts will occur. Target groups include the Optimist Club and other civic groups, Chamber of Commerce meetings, West Branch, Rose City and Standish community leaders, Rifle River Technical Committee, Rifle River Watershed Committee, Conservation District annual meetings and Visitors Convention Bureaus with the intention of directly contacting at least 150 individuals. We will actively reach out to local businesses and tourism groups. SECTION 8 BUDGET Personnel Expenses (briefly describe) 450 $65 for Program development, partner coordination, and establishment of Network and MOU. 280 $35 for technical assistance and clerical & accounting. Material and Supply Expenses (briefly describe) Includes promotional materials, printing costs, workshop handouts and technical resources for the Network (such as guidebooks). Equipment Expenses (briefly describe) Communication/Marketing Expenses (briefly describe) These funds will be allocated as mini-grants for implementation of the marketing plan. Total Budget WIN Funds $39,000 $32,000 $1,750 $1,750 $15,000 $15,000 Other Expenses (briefly describe) 2,500 $.50 for travel associated with business meetings, workshops and training. $10,000 for consultant fees for facilitated workshops and training. Total Project Cost $67,000 $11,250 $1,250 Funds Requested from WIN $50,000 What funds have already been obtained for this project? (describe sources) To date we have secured $17,000 in additional funding for this program. $7,000 is from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Sustain Our Great Lakes Program and $10,000 is from The Conservation Fund. How do you plan to finance the portion not funded by WIN? The matching funds have already been secured and available to use for this program. Have you contacted the community foundation in the area most directly benefited by your project? If yes, with what result? The Bay Area Community Foundation is the closest foundation to this project and has provided support in the past on several different habitat projects that have been completed in the Rifle River Watershed. Though Huron Pines has not solicited funding from them on this particular effort we anticipate that they will be engaged in the visioning process and that a funding request will be submitted further in the project. Is this an on-going project? If yes, how will funding be continued? The USDA Rural Development program is aware of this program and there is a strong interest from them to partner on the project once clear objectives are determined. Support from the DNR and Michigan s Quality of Life Team has been offered in the form of assistance with visioning for the project and developing a framework for implementation. SECTION 9 CERTIFICATION Our governing board approves the submission of this grant request. I certify that the information contained herein is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Authorized Signature Brad Jensen, Executive Director Date Print Name and Title

10 GRANT APPLICATION FORM Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network P.O. Box 734 Bay City, MI Office Use: Application # Ag/P2 Water Communication Wildlife Land Use Other Please answer the following questions in the space provided. You may include a one-page attachment. When completed, your application packet should not exceed four pages. Send your completed form electronically to info@saginawbaywin.org and mail a signed, hard copy to Saginaw Bay WIN, P.O. Box 734, Bay City, MI Proposals may be submitted at any time. If you have questions, please call (989) SECTION 1 - GENERAL Project Name Sponsoring Organization / Local Champion Name & Position of Contact Person Is the sponsor a 501(c)(3) organization? Yes No Address City State Zip Phone Fax Amount Requested Project Start Date Project End Date Geographic Area Served SECTION 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please describe the project. How is it innovative? What need(s) does it address? Is there a relationship between this project and other programs/projects occurring in the watershed?

11 SECTION 3 COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS What other organizations are participating in this project and what are their roles? SECTION 4 SUSTAINABILITY LINKAGES AND GOALS Describe the project s goals and how you will measure whether it has achieved those goals. Economic goals: Community or social goals: Environmental goals: SECTION 5 RELATIONSHIP TO WIN OBJECTIVES Describe how the project fits with WIN s Vision, Mission and Guiding Principals. SECTION 6 RESULTS What tangible results do you expect from the project and how will you measure them? SECTION 7 COMMUNICATION How do you plan to communicate your project to the public and/or your intended audience?

12 SECTION 8 BUDGET Personnel Expenses (briefly describe) Total Budget WIN Funds Material and Supply Expenses (briefly describe) Equipment Expenses (briefly describe) Communication/Marketing Expenses (briefly describe) Other Expenses (briefly describe) Total Project Cost Funds Requested from WIN What funds have already been obtained for this project? (describe sources) How do you plan to finance the portion not funded by WIN? Have you contacted the community foundation in the area most directly benefited by your project? If yes, with what result? Is this an on-going project? If yes, how will funding be continued? SECTION 9 CERTIFICATION Our governing board approves the submission of this grant request. I certify that the information contained herein is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Authorized Signature Date Print Name and Title

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