Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk Species at Risk Stream Application Guidelines and Form

Transcription

1 Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk Species at Risk Stream Application Guidelines and Form

2 1. AFSAR-SAR Stream Background The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) Program was established in 2004 to enable the engagement of Aboriginal communities/organizations in the implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and to support Aboriginal involvement in activities that protect or conserve habitats for species a risk (SAR). The Act recognizes the important role that Aboriginal peoples play in wildlife conservation and the need to consider Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) in the assessment of which species may be at risk, as well as in the development and implementation of protection and recovery measures. This document supports the AFSAR-SAR Stream and provides general program information and requirements for making application during the current funding cycle. A separate application guide and template have been devised for the AFSAR Prevention Stream. In addition, there are regional program funding priorities. Please contact the AFSAR Regional Coordinator (see program contacts in Appendix 1) to learn more about specific regional program information and priorities. For general information on the AFSAR, please consult the program website at: 2. AFSAR-SAR Stream Objectives and Expected Results Objectives The underlying objectives of the AFSAR SAR Stream are to: Support and promote the conservation and recovery of SAR and their habitats; and Support the engagement and cooperation of Aboriginal peoples in the recovery of SAR, their habitats, and SARA processes. Expected Results Expected results of the AFSAR SAR Stream are to: Strengthen capacity in Aboriginal communities for SARA implementation; Mitigate threats to SAR, be they individuals or populations; Protect, improve or manage critical and important habitat of SAR; and Help gather and conserve ATK and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) on SAR and, where appropriate, to help ensure their use in the development of recovery objectives.

3 3. Lands eligible under the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk a. Reserves and Lands set apart for the use and benefit of Aboriginal people under the Indian Act or under section 91 (24) of the Constitution Act,1867; b. Other lands directly controlled by Aboriginal people (e.g., Métis Settlement lands, and land claim / treaty settlement lands), and lands set aside in the Yukon and Northwest Territories pursuant to Cabinet Directive, circular No.27; c. Lands and waters where traditional activities (harvesting or other) are carried out; and d. Federal waters 4. Recipient eligibility All Aboriginal communities and organizations are eligible for funding under the AFSAR Program (see list below). Furthermore, a partner organization (Aboriginal or non-aboriginal) may submit a project on behalf of one or more Aboriginal communities or organizations if they provide a letter of support indicating that they have been formally mandated to do so by the proposal application deadline. Eligible recipients include the following Aboriginal communities and organizations 1 : Aboriginal associations/organizations Territorially based Aboriginal groups District councils / Chief and Council Traditional appointed advisory committees Aboriginal Corporations Band/Tribal councils Aboriginal partnerships and groups Aboriginal School Authorities Aboriginal cultural education centres Aboriginal land/resource management authorities Aboriginal co-operatives Aboriginal societies Aboriginal Boards and commissions Other organizations (Aboriginal and non-aboriginal) if mandated by one of the above eligible recipients 1 If your organization is a not-for-profit organization that is currently incorporated under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act make sure that it has applied for continuance under the new Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act before October 17, 2014 otherwise EC may not be able to enter into an agreement with your organization should your proposal be approved.

4 5. Eligible Species The following categories of species are eligible for funding under the AFSAR SAR Stream in order of priority. 1. Species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA (Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern); 2. Species assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern; and Note: any species that the Governor in Council has considered but declined to list on Schedule 1 are not eligible for funding under AFSAR-SAR Stream, although these species may become eligible during reassessment by COSEWIC. 6. Eligible activities You must select from the following activity categories in your application. The activities listed below are all considered eligible for AFSAR funding. Other activities may be eligible for funding subject to approval. You must consult your Regional Coordinator in advance of the application deadline if you would like to undertake any activity other than those listed. IMPORTANT: For species with draft or existing recovery strategies, action plans or management plans, activities must be linked to prescribed recovery actions in those documents. Activities under the outreach category need to clearly demonstrate that they are focused and targeted on achieving the goals of recovery for target SAR by linking them to the Expected Results of the program. Any proposed outreach or awareness-building activity will need to be framed as a necessary component of a larger project plan that is directed at achieving one or more of these results. Project proposals will need to describe in detail how each activity will lead to action in implementing an Expected Result, and extend further to indicate how the activity will lead to on-the-ground species recovery, either within the timeframe of the project, or some time afterward. Instructions on how to demonstrate this aspect of your outreach activities are included in the application template (section 4.2) below. Activities associated with the core departments (EC, DFO and Parks Canada) mandate and obligations are not eligible (e.g., SARA consultation processes, development of recovery strategies or action plans, including the identification of critical habitat, development of management plans, species assessments, etc.). However, AFSAR activities can contribute to the content of recovery documents, such as through the collection of species data that can be used to inform on habitat needs, threat mitigation measures, etc. Captive breeding, captive rearing, fish hatcheries, aquaculture activities and extirpated species reintroductions, the development of Recovery Strategies or Action Plans, including the identification of Critical Habitat (as required under the Species at Risk Act), are not eligible for AFSAR funding.

5 Scientific research activities will only be considered on a case by case basis and would need a strong justification. Those with limited capacity building or habitat protection that are eligible under other federal and non-federal (i.e., the Ontario provincial Species at Risk Stewardship Fund) research programs, will not be funded under AFSAR. Activity Categories and Examples Habitat and Species at Risk protection Prevention of habitat damage (riparian or terrestrial) (e.g., educational signage, fences for the exclusion of predators or disturbances, etc.) Protection and rescue/prevention of harm to SAR (e.g. disentanglement, nest relocation, enabling species migration around roadways) (human induced threat mitigation) Development and negotiation of habitat conservation/protection agreements (e.g., legal protection, Certificate of Possession leases/transfer/exchange, formal agreements and informal conservation agreements, and other mechanisms that protect habitat of SAR) (for EC-administered Contribution Agreements only) Habitat improvement Identification of potential sites for habitat restoration; Implementation of plans for habitat restoration and enhancement (e.g., habitat management plans) Restoration and improvement of SAR habitats (e.g., shoreline improvement, erection of exclusion fences, etc.) Invasive species removal Program Planning and Development Participation in the development and implementation of SAR recovery tools (e.g., developing best practices, displaying educational signage) to improve habitat and reduce threats Compilation, dissemination and implementation of resource/land use guidelines and best management practices Development of plans for habitat restoration and enhancement (e.g. habitat management plans)

6 Monitoring and data collection On-the-ground monitoring initiatives for SAR and their habitats, and related mapping and analysis Collection and management of data about SAR and their habitats (e.g., surveys, inventories, databases, etc.) Assessing the presence of SAR through community monitoring, surveys, and related mapping and analysis Creation and/or maintenance of inventories or databases for habitat and species data Project and Program Evaluation Conduct project or program results assessment(s) to evaluate the social and biological results and effectiveness of activities. Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK): Gathering and Use Contribution to the use/integration of ATK in conservation planning Gathering ATK through surveys and interviews about SAR and their habitats ATK compilation and storage (e.g. setting up/maintenance of databases) Outreach* Development of targeted outreach materials emphasizing the importance of SAR and the benefits of action to be undertaken which will be used to inform and engage community members/youth Training of individuals/community members in stewardship practices/field activities related to SAR *NOTE: There is a section in the Application Form that enables you to demonstrate how your outreach activity will lead to on-the-ground recovery action. See Section 4.2 of the template for instructions. 7. Section 11 Conservation Agreements Funding is available for the implementation of activities described under signed SARA Section 11 Conservation Agreements. The AFSAR on-line application form has been modified to accept proposals for these activities. In your application, you will need to outline how the proposed activities will implement your Section 11 agreement, and support the agreement objective(s). A new section (2.7) has been added for this purpose. The work plan must be filled in for all proposed activities and a full budget for the overall project will be required. The same AFSAR-SAR Stream project eligibility rules will apply to Section 11 applications, however it should be noted that the following Section 11 agreement activities will not be eligible for funding under AFSAR: Development of recovery strategies, action plans and management plans; Research projects on the species; and Establishment of the agreement (e.g., drafting and negotiating activities).

7 8. Eligible expenses For all eligible expenses, only those deemed to be a reasonable share for completing the Project shall be considered eligible. Eligible expenses may include reasonable and properly itemized costs for: 1. Salaries and wages 2 a. Salaries, wages and benefits 2. Management and professional service costs 2 a. Accounting, liability insurance, land surveys, legal (other than litigation) costs, Elders /knowledge holders fees, and other professional fees (other than travel) 3. Contractors¹ a. Consultants and contractors fees associated with the project (subject to regional or national limits) 4. Travel (as per the Treasury Board Travel Directive a. Travel expenses and related expenses for contracted professional service providers or other non-employees b. Travel and related expenses for recipient organization employees 5. Materials and Supplies costs a. office supplies and material b. Includes equipment purchase under $10, Communication, printing, production, and distribution costs a. Printing costs, web sites, supplies, etc. 7. Equipment Rental and Operating Costs a. Lease, rental, repair, operating expenses, upgrades and/or maintenance costs including associated gear in support of project activities (subject to regional or national limits) 8. Vehicle Rental and Operating Costs a. Lease, rental, operating expenses, upgrades and/or maintenance including associated gear in support of project activities (subject to regional or national limits) 9. Purchase of capital assets a. Purchase of tangible assets with a useful life of more than one year greater than $10,000 (subject to EC or DFO approval) 2 Salaries, contractor, consultant or other professional services costs cannot be paid in the following circumstances: Chief and Council attendance/participation in a meeting/workshop. NB: Chief and Council receive salary from AANDC to represent their First Nation. Individuals receiving salary via an Aboriginal program. Examples: Fisheries Coordinators under the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative; salaried staff under the Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management Program. Individuals receiving salary from their organizations. Example: Salaried employees of national Aboriginal organizations. Salaries of non-aboriginal consultants are eligible; however, non-aboriginal consultants should be used only when there are no suitably qualified Aboriginal consultants available for the project. It should be strongly recommended to recipients who hire non-aboriginal consultants that an effort is made to have a youth or other community member monitor the consultant to build Aboriginal capacity for future AFSAR projects for which they may wish to apply.

8 10. Land acquisition, leases, easements, covenants, servitudes a. funding towards legally-binding conservation agreements *** For EC -administered projects only *** 11. Costs of preparing an independent financial accounting (where the report is required) b. Projects over $100,000 may be required to submit an independently verified financial report at the end of the project. *** For EC-administered projects only *** 12. Overhead a. office lease or rent and administration expenses (e.g. phone, fax, internet, other utilities, office insurance, and rent, etc.) directly related to the project up to a maximum of 10% of the AFSAR contribution 13. Other costs a. meeting and training fees (e.g., materials and hall rental), and registration fees for courses, conferences, workshops or seminars b. hospitality, with limits as per federal government standards (i.e. no meals, etc) c. GST / HST is an eligible G&C project expenditure, therefore Government of Canada (GoC) may reimburse Recipients for the taxes they paid while undertaking the activities of the agreement. The amount of EC s contribution includes the reimbursement for GST/HST. For example, if GoC s contribution is $25,000, this $25,000 includes EC s reimbursement for all eligible expenditures including GST/HST. GoC will not reimburse the Recipient $25,000 plus GST/HST; the $25,000 is all-inclusive. 14. Further disbursement of funding to final recipient. Note, the use of universal day rates is not accepted. Costs must be broken down by category for the Contribution Agreement to be legally binding. When costs are broken down into their respective categories, various clauses are triggered in the Contribution Agreement. Costs, other than those identified herein, are ineligible unless specifically approved in writing by the Minister of the Environment, or the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, or his/her representatives at the time of project approval and are necessary for the successful completion of the project. 9. Other requirements Matching Funds You must obtain matching non-federal funds (cash and/or in-kind) equal to, or greater than, 20% of the total value of the AFSAR contribution. Preference will be given to projects with matching contributions in excess of 20%. Please note that Band contributions for both aquatic and terrestrial projects and Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Ocean Management (AAROM) Program contributions for aquatic projects only are considered as part of this eligible match. For multi-year projects, the program s requirement for matching funds is based on the ability of the proponent to obtain those funds over the entire length of the project and approval is not contingent on securement of all matching funds at the beginning. The rate of matching can be less than 20% in any given year, as long as the 20% is met by the project s completion 3. 3 Note that each year s match will be scrutinized. If the match is insufficient by the last year of the project, the final year s funding may be reduced accordingly.

9 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA 2012) requires departments to determine whether the carrying out of a project on federal lands is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Consult your AFSAR Regional Coordinator to help you determine whether the consideration of the environmental effects of a project may be required under CEAA Overlap with other Species at Risk funding programs You can only receive funding from one federal funding program, including the Prevention Stream, for the same activity. Any proposals submitted to the other federal funding programs, (e.g. Habitat Stewardship Program, National Wetland Conservation Fund, EcoAction, etc.) must be for different activities than those listed in your AFSAR-SAR Stream proposal. 10. For accepted applications Once you have received confirmation of approval for your project, you will be required to submit additional information, including, but not limited to the following: Cash-flow statement You will be required to develop a detailed cash flow statement of all sources of revenue (including a list of all cash and/or in-kind contributions) and expenditures that are part of the approved project. Reporting obligations The Contribution Agreement, between your organization and the Government of Canada, will specify project report deadlines and will include the required forms. You will need to provide regular progress reports, annual reports (for multi-year projects) as well as a final report at the end of the project. These reports will describe your project expenses, accomplishments and outcomes. Both accomplishments and outcomes must be reported using the performance indicators identified in both EC s and DFO s Contribution Agreements. It is important to note that different projects may have different reporting requirements; your AFSAR Regional Coordinator will advise you on specific reporting requirements. Intellectual Property Rights Any Intellectual Property and/or ATK that you create as part of this project remains your property. However, EC or DFO may negotiate terms in the Contribution Agreement for sharing this Intellectual Property and/or ATK. Species at Risk Survey Data Sharing To help further SARA implementation efforts, you are required to provide species occurrence data collected using AFSAR funds to either their respective provincial/territorial wildlife data repository centre or in unavailable to EC or DFO. Your AFSAR Regional Coordinator can facilitate this submission.

10 Permitting You will be responsible for obtaining the appropriate permits associated with your project from relevant federal and/or provincial authorities (including those required under SARA, Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act,1994, and any other provincial wildlife acts that may apply) wherever your project triggers the need for a permit (e.g., it could impact SAR). Funding decisions are not guaranteed to be made in time for the beginning of the field season, and as permits will take time to arrange, you should address this need several months before the project start date to reduce delays once funding announcement is made (see Appendix 2 Fact Sheet on Permitting and consult your AFSAR Regional Coordinator). Public Acknowledgement Please consult your AFSAR Regional Coordinator prior to making any announcements, signs or publications related to the project. All such communications products originating from your project must acknowledge the Government of Canada s financial support. You are also responsible for providing final copies of any document or material utilizing the EC logo, Government of Canada logo and/or acknowledgement statements prior to printing or distribution, for EC approval of the use of said logos and/or acknowledgement statements. Official Languages You may be responsible for serving and communicating with the public in the English and French languages, where applicable. Any cost related to translation is an eligible cost under the program How projects are reviewed As the demands for funding from the AFSAR SAR Stream exceed the funds available, there is no guarantee that your project will be funded. Every effort will be made to provide you with the earliest possible notice once a decision has been made. General Your project proposal(s) will be reviewed by your region s AFSAR Program Regional Management Team using a range of criteria, including: Program objectives Eligibility requirements for i) recipients, ii) activities, iii) expenses, iv) matching funds, etc.; and Alignment with regional priorities and national priorities as stated in the regional annual call for proposals. 4 Translation costs for other languages (e.g. Mi kmak) may be eligible, contact your regional coordinator for further information.

11 Technical criteria Links to conservation activities identified in recovery strategies/ action plans for endangered or threatened species, or management plans for species of special concern, where these documents exist. Contact your AFSAR Regional Coordinator (DFO, for aquatic projects and EC, for terrestrial projects) to determine which Recovery Expert you should speak with before preparing your proposal. This will help ensure that your proposed activities support established recovery objectives and priorities. A list of endangered or threatened species for which recovery documents are available on the SARA public registry have been included with the Call for Proposals to assist you; Coordination with other habitat conservation programs, for both recovery actions and cost-efficiency; Proponent s ability to plan, manage and complete projects successfully (i.e., description of the issues and solutions to be implemented); Appropriateness of budget and schedules. These must be realistic given the timeframe and objectives of the project; Clarity, conciseness and quality of the application; Implementation of evaluation and performance measures; and Other regional considerations, as identified in the regional call for proposals. Proposal evaluation criteria Eligible applications will be evaluated and prioritized using the following criteria: 60% for alignment with program objective and priorities; and 40% for criteria related to the technical and administrative aspects of the project proposal. A high quality project is one that Addresses multiple national and regional priorities, as stated in the regional call for proposals Implements the stewardship activities listed in recovery strategies and action plans, or in other SAR management and conservation plans; Integrates with and supports other existing stewardship programs; Benefits multiple species, with targeted species being SARA-listed; Delivers landscape/watershed level stewardship for areas identified as regional priorities; Involves individuals and communities with local experience and knowledge, and/or supports capacity building to allow communities to respond to SARA initiatives by becoming involved in SAR recovery activities; Has a high likelihood of success based on recipient experience and realistic deliverables;

12 12. How to apply Expression of Interest Prior to submitting a complete proposal to the AFSAR, it is strongly recommended that you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (Appendix 4). See the regional Call for Proposals for further details. The EOI gives you the opportunity to receive feedback on your proposal to ensure its alignment with national/regional priorities as well as program expected results. AFSAR Regional Coordinators will also be able to assess eligibility, and help develop the project proposal. This process ensures that all requirements are met, but does NOT result in a guarantee that the proposal will be recommended for funding. All EOIs must be submitted prior to the application deadline to allow AFSAR Regional Coordinators enough time to provide feedback. See regional Call Letter for specific timelines. Application Form To apply for AFSAR SAR Stream funding, you must fill in the on-line application form (Appendix 5) at Request login information from your AFSAR Regional Coordinator. If you lack Internet access, please contact your AFSAR Regional Coordinator (see Appendix 3 for the list of regional contacts) for other options. Due to Government of Canada policy, communication with proponents regarding proposal status during the project review and selection phase is prohibited until the final administrative approvals have been granted. All proponents will be notified as soon as funding decisions have been made and negotiation of the Contribution Agreement will follow. The program is unable to reimburse proponents for any expenses incurred prior to the official notification.

13 Appendix 1 List of Ineligible Species (July 2014) The Governor in Council (GIC), on the recommendation of the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to subsections 27(1.1) and (1.2) of the SARA, has declined to list the following species. As a consequence, these species are deemed ineligible for funding under the AFSAR SAR Stream, until they re-enter the SARA cycle again, including coming under COSEWIC assessment consideration again (listed on the COSEWIC website under the Candidate Wildlife Species section). (Please consult the SARA Registry for the latest information on SAR under consideration for SARA listing.) LEGAL NAME POPULATION COSEWIC STATUS GIC DECISION DATE White Sturgeon (Lower Fraser River population) Non-active 15-Aug-06 White Sturgeon (Middle Fraser River) Non-active 15-Aug-06 Lake Winnipeg Physa Data Deficient 23-Jun-11 Atlantic Cod (Maritimes population) Non-active 06-Apr-06 Chinook Salmon (Okanagan population) Threatened 23-Feb-10 Canary Rockfish Threatened 23-Jun-11 Winter Skate (Eastern Scotian Shelf population) Winter Skate (Georges Bank-Western Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy population) Winter Skate (Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence population) Threatened Special Concern Endangered 23-Feb Feb Feb-10 Coast Manroot Endangered 04-Jul-12 Laura s Clubtail Endangered 04-Jul-12 Four-leaved Milkweed Endangered 04-Jul-12

14 APPENDIX 2 Fact Sheet on Permitting Will I need a Species at Risk Act Permit for my Project? If your project includes an activity that will contravene either (A) General Prohibitions or (B) Critical Habitat Prohibitions under SARA (see below), a permit under SARA or other legislation administered by a competent minister (the Minister of the Environment, the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency 5, or the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans) will be required prior to undertaking such activities. How do I know if prohibitions apply? A. General Prohibitions What are the general prohibitions? General prohibitions under SARA came into effect on June 1, It is important to note that these prohibitions do not apply to species of special concern. SARA establishes prohibitions protecting individuals of a species listed on Schedule 1 (the List) and their residences. Under s. 32 and s. 33, SARA makes it an offence to: Kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of a listed endangered, threatened or extirpated species Possess, collect, buy, sell or trade an individual of a listed endangered, threatened or extirpated species, or its parts or derivatives Damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of a listed endangered or threatened species, or a listed extirpated species if a recovery strategy has recommended its reintroduction into the wild in Canada When do the general prohibitions apply? These general prohibitions apply to the following listed endangered, threatened or extirpated species: Aquatic species (under SARA, an aquatic species is defined as a wildlife species that is a fish, which under s. 2 of the Fisheries Act, includes crustaceans and marine animals) or a marine plant (as defined in s. 47 of the Fisheries Act) anywhere in Canada Migratory birds protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (listed in Birds Protected in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act; Environment Canada 1991) anywhere in Canada 5 As of December 12, 2003, the Minister of the Environment is responsible for Environment Canada and the Parks Canada Agency.

15 All individuals and residences of endangered, threatened and extirpated species 6 on the List, when they occur on Federal lands (listed species in the territories, except for aquatic species, migratory birds or species on land under the authority of the competent ministers, are covered only to the extent that the Governor in Council makes an order, as described below) The general prohibitions may apply to other species or other areas by order of the Governor in Council (s. 34, s. 35 and s. 36). A record of all orders is included in the SARA Public Registry ( Orders may apply to the following: Species on the List other than aquatic species or migratory birds protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, where they occur on lands in a province that are not Federal lands Species on the List where they occur in the territories (except for aquatic species, migratory birds protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 or species on land under the authority of the Minister of the Environment or the Parks Canada Agency) Species not on the List, but classified as endangered or threatened by a provincial or territorial minister, where they occur on Federal lands in the province or territory B. Critical Habitat Prohibitions How is critical habitat protected? Critical habitat is by definition the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed endangered, threatened, or extirpated wildlife species. Critical habitat will be identified in recovery strategies and action plans that are included in the SARA Public Registry ( There are a range of possible mechanisms to protect critical habitat, including stewardship or conservation agreements, other legislation, regulations, or prohibitions. What are the critical habitat prohibitions? Under s. 58 of SARA, it is an offence to destroy any part of the critical habitat of any listed endangered or threatened species, or of a listed extirpated species 7. However, this prohibition only applies under certain circumstances. Critical habitat prohibitions apply: Automatically, to critical habitat identified in Federal protected areas 8 By Ministerial Order, to critical habitat identified on other Federal lands By order of the Governor in Council, to habitat of a provincially or territorially classified endangered or threatened species that has been identified as essential to the survival or recovery of the species, and is on Federal lands. 6 Prohibitions apply to residences of extirpated species only when a recovery strategy has recommended reintroduction of the species into the wild in Canada. 7 if a recovery strategy included in the SARA Public Registry [ has recommended reintroduction of the species into the wild in Canada 8 Federal protected areas identified in s. 58 (2) are National Parks of Canada named and described in Schedule 1 to the Canada National Parks Act, Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 or National Wildlife Areas under the Canada Wildlife Act.

16 By order of the Governor in Council, to critical habitat on provincial, territorial or private lands. That is, the Governor in Council can, by order, make it an offence to destroy any part of the critical habitat on provincial, territorial or private lands, if such habitat is not protected by other mechanisms. This provision has been termed the critical habitat safety net (s. 61). What activities are permitted, and how do I apply for a SARA permit if I think I need one? SARA authorizes competent ministers to enter into an agreement or issue a permit authorizing otherwise prohibited activities affecting a listed wildlife species, any part of its critical habitat, or the residences of its individuals. Sections of the Act set out the conditions under which an authorization may be issued, as well as the nature of the terms and conditions that may be included in the authorization. Under subsection 73(2) of SARA, authorizations may only be issued for one or more of the following purposes: a. the activity is scientific research relating to the conservation of the species and conducted by qualified persons; b. the activity benefits the species or is required to enhance its chance of survival in the wild; or c. affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity Subsection 73(3) establishes that authorizations may be issued only if the competent minister is of the opinion that all three of the following pre-conditions are met: a. all reasonable alternatives to the activity that would reduce the impact on the species have been considered and the best solution has been adopted; b. all feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the activity on the species or its critical habitat or the residences of its individuals; and c. the activity will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species. Applications for authorizations should be made to one of the following three government departments/agency: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, responsible for aquatic species, other than individuals of species in Parks Canada waters; The Parks Canada Agency, responsible for all individuals of species in or on Federal lands and waters administered by the Agency; The Department of the Environment (Canadian Wildlife Service), responsible for all other species, including migratory birds, and with overall responsibility for administering the Act. To apply for a permit issued by the appropriate government department/agency, access the links provided on the SARA Public Registry at:

17 APPENDIX 3 List of Regional Contacts Terrestrial Projects AFSAR Regional Coordinators for general administration of projects and technical support on terrestrial species Atlantic Region Sheri Faulkner Jackson Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service P.O. Box Waterfowl Lane Sackville, NB E4L 1G6 (506) Sheri.Faulkner@ec.gc.ca Prairie and Northern Region Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Carmen Callihoo Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service 200, Avenue Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3 (780) Carmen.Callihoo@ec.gc.ca Pacific and Yukon Region British Columbia Kate Shapiro Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service 5421 Robertson Rd, RR1 Delta, BC V4K 3N2 (604) Kate.Shapiro@ec.gc.ca Quebec Region Cédric Paitre Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service , d Estimauville Avenue Quebec, QC G1J 0C3 (418) Cédric.Paitre@ec.gc.ca Northwest Territories Donna Bigelow Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service nd Street (4 th Floor) P.O. Box 2310 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P7 (867) Donna.Bigelow@ec.gc.ca Yukon Saleem Dar Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service Alaska Highway Whitehorse, YK Y1A 5B7 (867) Saleem.Dar@ec.gc.ca Ontario Region Tania Morais Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service 4905 Dufferin Street Downsview, ON M3H 5T4 (416) Tania.Morais@ec.gc.ca Nunavut Lisa Pirie Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service P.O. Box 1714, Qimugjuk Building 969 Iqaluit (Nunavut) X0A 0H0 (867) Lisa.Pirie@ec.gc.ca

18 Aquatic projects AFSAR Regional Coordinators for technical support on aquatic species Pacific Louvi Nurse Fisheries and Oceans Canada Treaty and Aboriginal Policy Burrard St. Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4 Tel.: (604) Fax: (604) Quebec Élodie Lavisse Fisheries Management / Aboriginal Programs Fisheries and Oceans Canada Management Branch 104 Dalhousie Street Québec, Quebec G1K 7Y7 Tel: (418) Fax : (418) elodie.lavisse@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Newfoundland and Labrador Central & Arctic Bethany Schroeder Fisheries and Oceans Canada 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6 Tel : (204) Fax : (204) Bethany.Schroeder@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Gulf Josiane Massiéra Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aboriginal Fisheries Division 343 University Avenue PO Box 5030 Moncton, NB E1C 9B6 Tel.: (506) Fax: (506) Josiane.Massiera@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Ontario Stephen Haayen Fish Habitat Biologist Fisheries and Oceans Canada Eastern Ontario District - Peterborough Office 501 Towerhill Road Unit 102 Peterborough, Ontario K9H 7S3 Tel: (705) Fax : (705) Stephen.Haayen@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Maritimes Tom Howe Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aboriginal Affairs Branch PO Box 1035 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4T3 Canada Tel: Tom.Howe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Judy Guest Resource Management Division Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre 80 East White Hills PO Box 5667 St John s, NL A1C 5X1 Tel.: Fax: Judy.Guest@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

19 APPENDIX 4 Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk SAR Stream Expression of Interest Project Title Is the project in support of a signed Section 11 agreement? Yes No Proponent Information (this is the organization or identity that would sign a Contribution Agreement with Environment Canada or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The information must correspond to the name and address to be used on any cheques if the application is approved. Must be a legal entity. Name of Proponent Address: Phone Number: Fax Number: Address: Other Communities/Organizations involved in the project (if partnering) Regional Priorities Addressed (SAR Stream) Target Geographic Area/Threat: Target Species: --Species at Risk Act (SARA) Schedule 1 designation: --COSEWIC designation, if relevant: Proposed Activities: Briefly describe the project - goals, objectives, activities, methods, budget estimates partnerships and timeframe (max: 25 lines). completed form to your EC/DFO AFSAR Regional Coordinator by October 10 th, Early submissions are strongly encouraged.

20 APPENDIX 5 Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) Application Form ** Please write the proposal so that reviewers who are unfamiliar with the species, area, past or ongoing projects will gain a full understanding of your intent. ** Please note that this template is offered as an application guide only. You must submit your proposal on-line at to be eligible for consideration (however those lacking internet access may arrange for other submission options). Contact your AFSAR Regional Coordinator for access to the on-line application form. Project Title This title will be used in all communications related to the proposal. Therefore, it must describe the work undertaken and/or the project purpose, the project location if possible, and be easily understood by an external audience (15 words max.) Example: Encouraging landowners participation in conserving habitat for Burrowing Owl in southern Alberta. NOTE: Please use capitals for proper nouns and appropriate species names only Do not make reference to the year or phase of a project (e.g. Year 1 of 3) as it is now possible to submit a multi-year proposal on-line. This project is in support of a signed SARA Section 11 Conservation Agreement: Yes No 1. Proponent Information 1.1 Project Management Team and Contact Information d. Full Legal Name of Proponent Organization: (this is the organization or identity that would sign a contribution agreement with Environment Canada (EC). The name must correspond to the name to be used on any cheques if the application is approved. Must be a legal entity or individual.) e. Please provide a brief description of your organization, including its mandate (10 lines max. e.g. A cultural education centre created in 1998 which provides education, outreach and extension services to the community in the field of wildlife conservation and sustainable development. )

21 f. Principal Proponent s Name (individual authorizing the proposal) Name: Title (Mr./Ms./Dr./Chief) Address: Phone Number: Fax Number: Address: g. Project Manager s Name (individual who will be the main project contact) Name: Title (Mr./Ms./Dr./Chief) Address: Phone Number: Fax Number: Address: h. Address for all correspondence (including payments if the project is accepted) Address: City: Province/Territory Postal Code i. Please provide your organization s web site address (if applicable) j. Please provide identification numbers for your organization (if applicable). Choose at least one of the following options Dropdown box to choose at least one of the following options. Number: *Business Number *GST Number *Charitable Number *First Nations Band Number *Other

22 1.2 Organization Type Please identify your organization type(s) and provide a brief explanation if you identify other organizations. Aboriginal Organization Types Aboriginal associations/organizations Territorially-based Aboriginal groups District Councils / Chief and Council Traditional Appointed Advisory Committees Aboriginal Corporations Band/Tribal Councils Aboriginal partnerships and groups Aboriginal School authorities Aboriginal cultural education centres Aboriginal land/resource management authorities Aboriginal co-operatives Aboriginal societies Aboriginal boards and Commissions Other organizations (mandated by eligible proponents) (Aboriginal and non-aboriginal) if mandated by one of the above eligible recipients 1.3 Stewardship Team & Stewardship Program/Project Delivery Experience Project Team Who will work on the project (e.g. project coordinator, volunteers, paid staff, consultants, technical experts, etc.)? What are their qualifications and their roles/responsibilities? a) Team Members d) Qualifications / Experience c) Roles / Responsibilities d) Current or Former Federal Public Servant

23 1.4 Stewardship Program/Project Delivery Experience Briefly provide a description of your organization s experience in delivering stewardship programs, including any that have focussed on SAR 9. (25 lines maximum) What relevant experience does the project leader have? Include reference to any previous work funded by AFSAR. 1.5 Primary Province/Territory in which the project will be undertaken: (Your project may include activities in other provinces or territories; you must specify one lead province/territory.) 2. Proposal Background 2.1 Federal Species List the SAR that would directly benefit from this project. (Projects must include COSEWIC designated species.) Please indicated which of these are the target species (See the Public Registry for more information. Any species which the Governor in Council has considered but declined to list on Schedule 1 of the SARA is now ineligible for funding under the AFSAR Program. The current list of these species is found in Appendix 1 of this Guide.) a) Species Name (common and scientific) b) Population c) COSEWIC Status d) SARA Status (Schedule 1) e) Is the species a target of the project? f) Recovery Team/ Strategy in place? g) Culturally Significant Species? Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No 2.2 Provincial/Territorial Species List provincial/territorial SAR that are protected under provincial or territorial legislation that are a direct target of this project. Do not include any COSEWIC-designated or SARA-listed species in this section. a) Species Name (Common and Latin) b) Population c) Provincial / Territorial Status d) This species is a specific target of the project e) Recovery Team / Strategy in place? f) Culturally Significant Species? Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No 9 Stewardship refers to the wide range of voluntary actions that Canadians undertake to care for the environment, ranging from conserving wild species and their habitats directly, to improving the quality of habitat by mitigating human impact.

24 2.3 Recovery Activities Recovery Team Chairs and Members have undertaken numerous activities benefiting these same species and may be able to provide examples of successful methods and approaches. Proponents are encouraged to contact and involve Recovery Experts, especially where a Recovery Strategy/Action Plan is in place for the targeted species, as early as is possible in planning stages of project. Please list all recognized recovery experts or the responsible federal, provincial or territorial agency that were involved in the development of the project. 2.4 Threats or Limitations Addressed by Project AFSAR SAR Stream projects must support the recovery of species at risk. Recovery Strategies (RS), Action Plans (AP) and Management Plans (MP) establish the course of action to be taken and should be consulted in the preparation of your project. Contact your AFSAR Regional Coordinator for additional information. List specific threats to SAR addressed by your project, the prescribed recovery actions to address these threats and the project activities that will help to implement these recovery actions. Please only include those threats and actions that pertain to your project. If a recovery strategy or action plan is not in place, please justify project activities on the basis of other conservation or management plans. Useful links: Status reports and recovery strategies/action plans COSEWIC and SARA species summaries

25 Please delete the examples listed below in the Table prior to submitting those specific threats related to your project a) Specific threat(s) related to the habitats and/or SAR, as presented in RS/AP/MP or status reports (as addressed by the project). Examples: Abalone Illegal Harvest Abalone Low Recruitment b) What does the Recovery Strategy / Action Plan / Management Plan recommend to address this threat? (include only the recommendations that will be addressed by this project) Examples: AP3.2 Proactive protection plan: Develop a Coast Watch program to involve communities in monitoring abalone populations under the lead of First Nations and coastal communities AP3.3 Communications campaign: Raise awareness of the plight of abalone AP3.3 Communications campaign: Stop or discourage illegal harvesting activities AP3.5 Population rebuilding: Conduct small scale enhancement of habitat AP3.6 Population status: Survey methodology and habitat mapping juvenile index collectors to estimate the abundance of different life stages of abalone c) Describe project activities proposed in the work plan under Tab 4 (please refer to Activity #) that will help to implement prescribed recovery actions. Examples: (Activity5) Monitoring areas of crucial habitat through specific monitoring efforts that will also be conducted by project staff and by community locals during food fishing and other activities. (Activity2)Project activities in established stewardship areas will also increase monitoring presence in remote areas of historically productive abalone habitat. (Activity1) Deliver a public awareness program that contributes to human behaviour changes and community surveillance. (Activity 3) Maintain and improve a network of artificial structures placed in natural habitat to enhance juvenile abalone survival and evaluate the project for an indication of population status and early warning of recruitment changes Burrowing Owl habitat loss, fragmentation, and change Burrowing Owl collisions with vehicles Protect and manage nesting habitat Operate habitat protection programs aimed at the Certificate of Possession (CP) holders Action: Make direct contact with individual CP holders and their families to explain the population status of the Burrowing Owl and potential mitigation measures Reduce mortality arising from vehicle collisions Investigate the use of highway signs adjacent to nesting and foraging areas, to warn motorists (Activity2) Conduct habitat assessments to create individual CP holder reports including recommendations for habitat improvement (Activity4) Warn motorists of Burrowing Owls in areas through road warning signs near nesting and foraging areas

26 2.5 Land Type Please indicate in which land type the project will be undertaken and provide the associated information Type of land Reserves and Lands set apart for the use and benefit of Aboriginal people under the Indian Act or under section 91 (24) of the Constitution Act of Name(s) of the First Nation Reserve: Other lands directly controlled by Aboriginal people (e.g. Métis Settlement lands, and land claim / treaty settlement lands), and lands set aside in the Yukon and Northwest Territories pursuant to Cabinet Directive, circular No.27. Name(s) of the Land: Lands and waters where traditional activities (harvesting or other) are carried out. Description of Land(s) / Area(s): Federal waters Name of water: 2.6 Location and Significance Specific Habitat and Geographic Location (specific latitude and longitude are mandatory) Name of the Habitat Habitat Description (Ecosystem Type) MANDATORY: Latitude and Longitude (degrees, minutes, seconds) Habitat size (ha) Specific Location (nearest town or city) Etc. Please also address the importance of the site for the target species (e.g. estimated percent of species range, or identified critical habitat, covered by this project) (10 Lines max.) 2.7 SARA Section 11 Agreements If your project relates to a signed Section 11 agreement, describe how the proposed activities will contribute to the implementation of your signed Section 11 agreement, and support the agreement objectives. Include a description of how the activities will effectively or legally protect the individuals, residences, and/or critical habitat of the target species at risk of the project.