Riparian Buffer Restoration Workshop

Transcription

1 Riparian Buffer Restoration Workshop Held on Thursday, March 29, 2007 & Tuesday, April 11, 2006 RI Dept. of Environmental Management 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI Riparian areas provide a buffer between wetlands and more intensive land use and help protect water quality and habitat. The CTP coordinated workshops for non-profit organizations, private landowners and others to learn about the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund, a portion of the Narragansett Bay and Watershed Restoration Bond that Rhode Island residents voted on in The workshops informed participants on how they could benefit from state and federal grants for restoring riparian areas. The workshop addressed: What riparian buffers are and why they are important The steps involved in a restoration project Overview of the fund and the application procedure How to apply for state grant money Federal Funding Programs The role of RIDEM's Water Quality and Wetlands Restoration Team Presenters included: Gregg Cassidy, Principal Environmental Planner, RIDEM Office of Sustainable Watersheds Russ Chateauneuf, Chief, RIDEM Office of Groundwater and Wetlands Protection and the RIDEM Water Quality and Wetlands Restoration Team Jane Kelly, Freshwater Wetlands Program, RIDEM Andy Lipsky, State Biologist, Natural Resources Conservation Service Joe Bachand, Resource Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service For more information please contact Jennifer West, CTP Coordinator, at jennifer@nbnerr.org or , x Documents Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Funding Opportunities Helping People Help the Land (PDF) Riparian Restoration Fund (PDF) Request for Competitive Grant Proposals Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund (PDF) Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application (PDF) Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Fact Sheet (PDF)

2 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) Helping People Help the Land March 24, 2007

3 NRCS is the lead conservation agency within the USDA. We work with private landowners, municipal and state governments, and organizations to conserve and improve natural resources, primarily on working lands and wildlife land.

4 Hugh Hammond Bennet proposed creation of the Soil Erosion Service to reverse the devastation from the Dust Bowl

5 What do we do? We provide technical assistance to help landowners develop and implement conservation plans for their property. We provide financial assistance to both protect and restore natural resources (cost share programs).

6 Cost Share Program Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

7 Objectives of WHIP Promote the restoration of declining or important native wildlife habitats. Protect, restore, develop or enhance wildlife habitat of at-risk species (candidate species, and State and Federally listed threatened and endangered species). Reduce the impacts of invasive species on wildlife habitats. Protect, restore, develop or enhance declining or important aquatic wildlife species habitats.

8 Eligible Habitats Coastal Marshes Freshwater and Coastal Buffers Anadromous Fisheries Upland Grasslands and Shrub lands T&E Species Habitat Freshwater wetlands

9 Wildlife Habitat Development Plan (Habitat Restoration Plan) Documents landowners objectives and goals Serves as the benchmark assessment Assist the applicant in determining the practices required for habitat restoration Documents how habitat will be restored List the cost of restoration

10 Lands that are eligible are: Privately owned lands, including lands owned by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Indian tribal lands. State, County, or local government owned lands

11 Are You Eligible? Landowners must be in compliance with the following provisions to participate in USDA programs: Highly Erodible Lands Conservation and Wetlands Conservation provisions of 1985 Food Security Act (AD-1026 Form) Adjusted Gross Income Requirements of 2002 Farm Bill landowners cannot exceed $2.5 million of non-farm income 2 out of last 3 years (CCC 526 Form).

12 Landowner Eligibility cont d If applicant is a business (Inc., LLC, partnership, etc.), ALL members of the business must be eligible. Signature Authority for businesses, towns, and non-profits must be on file at NRCS, and may include by-laws, articles of incorporation, minutes, etc. showing clearly who can sign legal documents for the entity

13 Application and Ranking Applications accepted continuously Schedule site visit to discuss needs Develop Conservation Plan Ranking will be Fall 2008

14 Contracts Identify what, when, and where conservation practices are planned. May be 5 10 years in length. 15 years for T&E Species Appendix and Conservation Plan are officially part of the Contract Are a legal, binding contract with the Commodity Credit Corporation (represented by NRCS).

15 Contract Implementation Applicant Responsibility Must complete one practice within first 12 months Must install conservation practices according to NRCS standards Must install/implement all practices in contract Must maintain and submit bills for reimbursement of practices Must maintain and submit management records if applying a management practice Maintain the practices on your property for the practice lifespan

16 Contract Implementation NRCS Responsibility Must provide you a copy of all standards and specifications Must provide technical assistance needed to implement the contract (engineering design, management plans, etc.) Must reimburse you at rate specified in contract

17 What Happens If? Contract Revisions - allowed, but must still address resource concern originally identified No longer have control of land - new landowner has option to take over contract

18 Incomplete Contracts NRCS may request repayment of funds previously disbursed plus interest. The above may be waived if applicant makes a good faith effort to comply with the contract or experiences a hardship beyond their control.

19 PROJECTS

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25 Barton Farm

26 For More Information Upper Bay Mike Merrill Lower Bay Mike Kenyon

27 Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund Gregg J. Cassidy RI DEM, Sustainable Watersheds Office

28 Narragansett Bay and Watershed Restoration Bond Fund 1) Govt. Entities Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Control Fund 2) Non-Govt. Non-point Source Water Pollution Control Fund 3) Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund

29 Goal of the Watershed Restoration Bond Fund Restore and Protect the water quality, enhance economic viability and environmental sustainability of Narragansett Bay and the State s watersheds.

30 Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund Why are Riparian Buffers important? What is the purpose of the grant? Who s eligible? What types of projects are eligible? How are projects selected for funding?

31 What is a Riparian Buffer? Riparian is from Latin ripa, the bank of a river. Land adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and coastal waters that is maintained in a natural condition and is integral to the ecology of aquatic systems.

32 Transition Between Land & Water High Levels of Soil Moisture Frequent Flooding Unique Plant & Animal Communities

33 Link Land Uses Within a Watershed

34 Riparian Buffers Provide Water Quality Benefits at Low Cost Remove Sediments Prevent erosion

35 Riparian Buffers Provide Water Quality Benefits at Low Cost Filter Pollutants 50% of nutrients & pesticides 60% of pathogens 75% of sediment

36 Other Benefits of Riparian Buffers Greenways Recharge groundwater Flood storage Aesthetics Recreation Wildlife habitat

37 Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund Who s eligible: government & non-govt. entities & persons Purpose: water quality improvement/protection Goal: re-establishment of native species or other improvement projects that will establish or restore riparian habitats, or enhance the overall quality of riparian buffers

38 Ineligible Projects Experimental Technology Improvement in business operations rather than pollution reduction Research Land Acquisition ISDS Stormwater BMPs

39 Other Important Points Personnel costs (not directly related to project) are ineligible Match required 50% In kind services= match Landowner permission Permits required

40 Cover letter Map Application Requirements Statement of purpose of project Expected water quality improvements Specific sub-fund and why it is eligible for funding Other pertinent information Project schedule and budget Supporting Materials

41 Cover letter Minimum Purpose of project Expected water quality improvements Specific sub-fund and why it is eligible Other pertinent information Suggested Location Water Quality Protection Water Quality Restoration Readiness To Proceed Likelihood Of Success Impact of Restoration

42 Application RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Date Received Organization Address Telephone number B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome Task example: site preparation WorkPlan & Timetable Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Budget Task/Item example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0

43 Proposed activities Site preparation (including removal of invasive plants) and establishment of native vegetation in riparian area to reestablish a healthy buffer. The extent and exact location of these activities are shown on the attached map. RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Address Date Received Organization Telephone number B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome Task example: site preparation WorkPlan & Timetable Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Budget Task/Item example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0

44 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Date Received Organization Address Telephone number Desired Outcome This project will result in the eradication of invasive plants and an increase in native plant species, improving wildlife habitat and diversity and improving the buffer s capacity for ameliorating/attenuating pollutants in runoff. B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome Task example: site preparation WorkPlan & Timetable Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Budget Task/Item example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0

45 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Date Received Organization Address Telephone number B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome Tasks Schedules Obtain authorization from Feb-March 2007 DEM WQ/WR team Site Preparation April-June 2007 Planting April-June 2007 Maintenance Task example: site preparation WorkPlan & Timetable Budget Task/Item example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units 2 acres Units Schedule March-April 2007 Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0

46 Maps Earth.google.com Dem.ri.gov Melissa Street Restoration Project

47 Supporting Materials What extra information should be included in the application? Permits Documentation of match Property owner s permission statement Other (pictures) Should this site be restored?

48 Project Ranking Location Water Quality Protection Water Quality Restoration Readiness To Proceed Likelihood Of Success Impact of Restoration

49 Project Ranking-Location 75 % of streams in a watershed are first (low) order

50 Ranking-Water Quality Protection

51 Ranking- Water Quality Restoration Effects of Different Size Buffer Zones on Potential Reductions of Sediment and Nutrients from Field Surface Runoff (Norris 2001). Width Type Sediment red. N red. P red. 15 Grass Grass Forest Forest/grass Forest/grass Wider is better Trees & Shrubs better

52 Water Quality Restoration Center for Watershed Protection cwp.org Chesapeake Bay Program Chesapeake bay.net Maryland Cooperative Extension riparianbuffers.umd.edu/ Iowa State University Extension forestry.iastate.edu/topics/woodland_ mgmt/buffstrips.html NRCS

53 Ranking- Readiness to Proceed Applicant owns the parcel or has the owner s written permission Necessary permits have been obtained Conceptual Plans and Site Plans have been completed Applicant has demonstrated the capacity to plan and implement riparian buffer restoration There are no known issues that could hinder implementation

54 Ranking- Likelihood of Success The property is permanently protected The application is of high quality The project is cost effective The applicant has a proven track record of successful restoration The project leverages other funding The project leverages partnerships

55 Riparian Buffer Grants Timeline Prepare Proposal Proposals Due May 1st March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May June July Grants evaluated by DEM Offe r Le tte r Scope of Work Refined Landowner Permission Letter Permit Approval Contracts signed Project plan Developed Procure Materials Select Contractors Restoration Proceeds Submit Reimbursement Request Record of expenses/invoices P ictures Final Report

56 For More Information Contact: Gregg J. Cassidy Senior Environmental Planner RI DEM, Sustainable Watersheds Office 235 Promenade Street Providence, RI (401) , extension 4403

57 Implementation Schedule Proposals: May 1 Grants evaluated: Offer letter: end of June Scope of work refined Landowner permission letter Permit approval Contracts signed Project plan developed Procure materials Select contractors Restoration Proceeds Reimbursement Record of expenses/invoices Pictures Final report

58 FY06 REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE GRANT PROPOSALS for Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund SECTION I GENERAL INFORMATION Purpose of the Request for Competitive Grant Proposals (RFP) The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is pleased to announce the availability of riparian buffer restoration grants. The grants, provided on a matching basis, will give financial assistance for projects for the construction, re-establishment of native species or other improvement projects that will establish or restore riparian habitats or enhance the overall quality of riparian buffers for water quality improvement/protection. Submission of Proposals Deadline: May 1, 2007 Eligible parties (refer to "Eligibility of Applicants") wishing to apply for grants should prepare proposals according to the proposal format and requirements of Appendix I. Incomplete proposals or proposals not following Appendix I may be considered ineligible or receive a lower ranking. All project proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 1, All proposals must be submitted to: Gregg J. Cassidy, Senior Environmental Planner Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Sustainable Watersheds Office 235 Promenade St. Providence, RI It is anticipated that the awards will be announced by June 29, Development of grant agreements will follow. (Projects should not be initiated until after grant agreements are approved as this may affect eligibility for funding. The RFP will be posted on DEM's web site at: The RFP will also be posted at: Page 1 2/22/2007

59 Project Categories Riparian buffers are areas of land adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and coastal waters that is maintained in a natural condition and is integral to the ecology of natural systems. The goal of the Narragansett Bay and Watershed Restoration Fund is to restore and protect the water quality, enhance the economic viability and environmental sustainability of Narragansett Bay and the State s watersheds. The Riparian Buffer Restoration sub-fund is intended for reestablishment of native species or other projects that will establish or restore riparian habitats. Eligibility of Applicants Persons, governmental, and non-governmental entities. Eligible entities shall possess the administrative capacity to manage the grant. Interested entities, which are unable to meet the administrative capacity requirements, may wish to consider partnering with state, municipal and other agencies that possess the appropriate capacities. Eligible Activities Riparian area restoration involves activities undertaken to restore land adjacent to riparian areas to a natural condition. Eligible expenses generally include the costs of salary, travel, supplies, construction, and contractual services directly related to the project. RIDEM generally will not subsidize personnel costs not directly related to the performance of the project. Applicants who have questions regarding the eligibility of project activities should contact Gregg J. Cassidy at (401) ext 4403 or gregg.cassidy@dem.ri.gov. Page 2 2/22/2007

60 Evaluation and Selection of Proposals Project proposals will receive an initial screening by representatives of the Office of Water Resources for basic eligibility criteria. Eligible proposals will be referred to interagency review committees that will evaluate the eligible proposals based on the expected water quality benefits. Upon completing the proposal evaluation, the interagency review committee will make recommendations for funding to RIDEM's director. Preparing the Proposal for Final Approval For projects that are selected, RIDEM may request the applicant to modify project proposals based on comments received during project evaluations and the selection process. The applicant must submit the revised project proposal to the RIDEM prior to final approval. RIDEM will conduct a final review of the proposal in coordination with appropriate agencies and, if satisfied that all review comments have been adequately addressed and that the proposal is satisfactory will approve it for funding. SECTION II--FISCAL MANAGEMENT Match Amount Requirements and Sources Match refers to funds or services used to conduct a project that are not borne by grant funds. All project match must: (1) relate directly to the project for which the match is being applied; (2) be reasonably valued; and (3) be supported by documentation. Match may include: direct expenditure of the applicant s own funds; funding acquired through third party sources, or in-kind contributions 1 by the applicant or other sources that are directly related to the project. Federal or non-federal public agencies, organizations or individuals may provide third party in-kind contributions. Volunteer services provided to the sponsor for project activities and travel costs may be valued as match at rates consistent with rates ordinarily paid by employers for similar work. General volunteer time is currently valued at $18.04/hour. Match is an indicator of local commitment to a project and figures prominently in proposal eligibility and ranking. Proposals must include funds or services to match the grant funding on a 50% grant-match ratio. At least 50% of the total project budget is provided by the grantee. 1 The term "in-kind contributions" refers to services that are directly related to the project, but do not otherwise have a specific marketable value or price. Page 3 2/22/2007

61 SECTION III TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GRANT AWARDS Administrative Capacity RFP applicants must have institutional capacity to comply with the applicable federal Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements (40 CFR Part 31 or 33) as appropriate. This includes, but is not limited, to managing allowable project costs, nonfederal match, cost accounting, audit procedures, records access, record keeping, subcontracting, and progress reporting. Failure of the selected applicant to accept and carry out these obligations may result in cancellation of the grant award. Project Agreement Applicants must enter into an agreement with RIDEM to establish mutually agreeable terms for completing the project. Items in the agreement include, but are not limited to: Assigned RIDEM grant agreement number and project title. Scope of work including tasks, schedules and deliverables. (Agreements usually have the approved project proposal incorporated as the scope of work. RIDEM and sponsor responsibilities. Project points of contact for RIDEM and the sponsor. Statement of the project s total budget, matching budget, and state or federal budget. Statutory and regulatory requirements for contracting such as fair-share allotments (i.e., minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises). Requirements for subcontracting. Project payment schedule and payment terms. RIDEM and the State of Rhode Island take no responsibility for project work done outside the term or scope of the agreement or prior to full approval of an agreement. Sponsors should NOT anticipate any funding for work that is done before approval of a grant agreement. Agreements are not valid until the Rhode Island Department of Administration issues the appropriate encumbrance (i.e., purchase order). All agreements must be signed and dated by an authorized agent of the sponsor and RIDEM. Grant Agreement Extensions and Deferrals Project sponsors must be prepared to initiate projects upon award of a grant. In very rare circumstances, RIDEM may grant a project deferral for up to one year provided that the grantee provides an appropriate explanation for an unanticipated delay in the project. Page 4 2/22/2007

62 RIDEM typically issues grant agreements for one to two years. If the grantee is unable to complete project work within this timeframe an extension may be requested. Requests for extensions must be in writing and describe satisfactory progress toward the completion of the project. Requests must also discuss an appropriate reason for the delay in project completion (e.g., unanticipated additional tasks). RIDEM may refuse extensions or deferrals. RIDEM urges project sponsors to complete projects within the timeframe of their grant agreements. Invoicing & Payment Once a grant project has been approved for funding, payments will be made to the sponsor according to the payment schedule and terms contained in the project agreement. Payments will be made on a reimbursement basis, whenever possible in the form of single-payment grants. Reimbursement payments are not scheduled more frequently than once a month. Again, funding should NOT be anticipated for work that is undertaken prior to approval of a grant agreement. RIDEM is not liable for any cost incurred by sponsors or any sponsor subcontractor(s) prior to final state approval of the grant agreement (i.e., contract) and no payments in advance of final project approval will be made. Liability of the State of Rhode Island is limited to the terms and conditions of the agreement. RIDEM grant agreements are not valid until a Purchase Order (PO) is issued. Audits Sponsors will be subject to fiscal assurances per terms of the project agreement. Fiscal assurances include but are not limited to the audit requirements established by the State of Rhode Island and the US Office of Management and Budget in Circular No. A-128 or A-133, as amended and as appropriate. The sponsor must have fiscal systems that operate in accordance with these circulars. Reporting Requirements Final project reports are required for all projects. Progress reports in a format provided by RIDEM may be required for any project. Specific reporting requirements will be explained to sponsors and detailed in project agreements following project selection. Page 5 2/22/2007

63 Permitting Many grant projects will require a permit from RIDEM or review by another governmental agency to proceed. Acceptance of a proposal under this RFP in no way absolves the applicant from any permitting or review requirement. Acceptance of a proposal does nothing to improve the likelihood that a project will receive a permit or accelerate any permitting or review process. Applicants should consider the need to acquire permits and other agency reviews and plan projects accordingly. Failure to obtain and comply with permits is generally considered a material breach of a grant agreement and may jeopardize project funding. Compliance Actions and Grant Applicants It is RIDEM s policy that financial assistance shall neither directly or indirectly benefit parties whose willful action or inaction has resulted in damage to the environment. At the director s discretion, RIDEM may restrict or limit funding due to the occurrence of criminal, civil enforcement actions or compliance matters. Generally, such a restriction or limitation may be removed once appropriate corrective action is taken in accordance with a consent agreement or court order. To be eligible for grants, applicants must disclose any existing violations and compliance actions related to their proposal. This includes issuance of any notice of intent to enforce. Grant applicants must also inform DEM Office of Water Resources in the event that an enforcement or compliance action is undertaken after a grant application is filed. For more information contact Gregg J. Cassidy at ext Gregg.Cassidy@dem.ri.gov Page 6 2/22/2007

64 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Date Received Organization Address Telephone number B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome WorkPlan & Timetable Task example: site preparation Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Task/Item Budget example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0

65 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FACT SHEET Office of Water Resources, March 2007 PURPOSE The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is pleased to announce the availability of riparian buffer restoration grants for reestablishment of native species or other projects that will establish or restore riparian habitats. Riparian buffers are areas of land adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and coastal waters that is maintained in a natural condition and is integral to the ecology of natural systems. Funding for these grants is provided by the Narragansett Bay and Watershed Restoration Bond to restore and protect the water quality, enhance the economic viability and environmental sustainability of Narragansett Bay and the State s watersheds. ELIGIBILITY AND ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES Eligible parties include state, local and regional government agencies as well as nonprofit agencies and private individuals with appropriate administrative capacity. The grants, provided on a matching basis, will give financial assistance for projects for the re-establishment of native species or other improvement projects that restore riparian habitat to a natural condition for the purpose of water quality improvement/protection. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Cover letter stating: o The purpose of the project, including existing conditions and proposed activities. o Expected water quality improvements o Other pertinent information Map of the Proposed Restoration Site Project Work Plan & Timetable Budget Supporting Materials and Information APPLICATION PROCESS All project proposals must be received by DEM, Office of Water Resources no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 1, A review team will rank the projects based on: The public benefits of the project Technical merits of the project Consistency with approved plans Readiness to proceed Awards will be announced by June 29, 2007 and development of grant agreements will follow. (Projects should not be initiated until after grant agreements are approved as this may affect eligibility for funding. FURTHER INFORMATION: Information and application materials may be obtained from: Gregg J. Cassidy, Senior Environmental Planner Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Sustainable Watersheds Office 235 Promenade St. Providence, RI (401) ext. 4403

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