Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04222014 - C.109RECOMMENDATION(S): APPROVE recommendations from the Fish & Wildlife Committee (FWC) for the allocation of 2014 Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund grant funds for 16 projects totaling $140,605. FISCAL IMPACT: The recommendation will have no impact on the County General Fund. The FWC is proposing to allocate $140,605 of the $224,458 propagation funds available as of March 7, 2014. Fish and wildlife propagation funds are restricted to costs for the protection, conservation, propagation, and preservation of fish and wildlife, pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 13100, and are budgeted in the Fish and Game Fund (110200). BACKGROUND: On November 22, 2010, the IOC received a status report from Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) regarding the allocation of propagation funds by the FWC. The IOC accepted the report along with the recommended modifications to improve the grant process in the future. The modifications included (1) updating the FWC Conflict of Interest Code, which was accomplished, and; (2) having the IOC conduct a preliminary review of annual FWC grant recommendations prior to Board of Supervisors review, which is now a standing referral to the IOC. Attached is a memo describing the outreach and selection process and criteria, and transmitting the grant funding recommendations of the County's FWC for 16 projects. The FWC exercised care in limiting allocations to allowable costs of each project for activities that protect, conserve, propagate, and preserve fish and wildlife. APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 04/22/2014 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact: Julie DiMaggio Enea 925.335.1077 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: April 22, 2014 , County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: June McHuen, Deputy cc: DCD Deputy Director, DCD Planning Technician, IOC Staff C.109 To:Board of Supervisors From:INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Date:April 22, 2014 Contra Costa County Subject:ALLOCATION OF FISH & WILDLIFE PROPAGATION FUNDS BACKGROUND: (CONT'D) The grant matrix at the back of the attached transmittal shows each project in summary form, including the amount requested vs. the proposed allocation, the rationale for the FWC's decision, and any limitations on the use of the funds. The IOC reviewed and approved the proposed allocations at its April 14, 2014 meeting. ATTACHMENTS Fish & Wildlife Propagation Fund Allocation Recommendations FWC Grant Program The Board has charged the FWC with coordinating a process by which fine money could be appropriately “expended for the protection, conservation, propagation, and preservation of fish and wildlife” [Fish and Game Code 13100]. Since 1996, the FWC has implemented a structured process for reviewing funding requests. The intent of this structured review process was to replace case-by-case decision-making with a grant process that enables comparative and efficient review of applications. The FWC developed a grant application packet (attached), which included a cover letter to explain the grant process and funding priorities, an application to solicit relevant information about the project, and a copy of the expenditure criteria established by California law for the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund. The FWC continued their second year of expanded outreach to schools with the intent to fund high value, low-cost public education projects related to the scientific principles of fish and wildlife conservation. In November 2013, the application packet was sent to the Fish and Wildlife Committee mailing list, the Contra Costa Watershed Forum mailing list, the Contra Costa County Office of Education, Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College and the California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) for distribution to interested teachers and programs that would benefit from the grant program. A press release was distributed to local and regional media outlets regarding the availability of the grant application packet and CCTV publicized it on the CountyNet Bulletin Board which reaches 350,000+ homes in the County. It was also made available on the Committee’s website and to anyone who requested a copy. FWC Grant Review Process in 2014 A total of 16 applications requesting a total of $157,069.23 were received during the application period, which ended January 6, 2014. The Fish and Wildlife Committee discussed the funding applications at its January and February 2014 meetings. Some applicants came to FWC meetings to talk about their applications during public comment opportunities. The FWC acknowledged the hard work that went into all of the applications received and appreciates the commitment to improving the resources of the County demonstrated by these applications. II. Recommendation of Funding on Grants for 2014 At the February 19, 2014 meeting, the FWC recommended full or partial funding for the 16 proposed projects. Four (4) of the recommendations would directly benefit public education of students. (see attached chart for more detailed information on all of the applications.) The specific FWC recommendations and the vote of the FWC on these recommendations are listed below. Members in attendance and voting on these items were: Susan Heckly (District II), Kevin McIlvenna (District III), Brett Morris (District IV), Daniel Pellegrini (District V), Rhonda Gehlke (At-large), Kathleen Jennings (At-large), Webb Johnson (At-large) and Scott Stephan (At-large Alternate). Martha Berthelsen (District I) recused herself from all deliberations at the January and February meetings, citing connections to two of the applications. Page 2 of 4 All recommendations are for full funding of the project as proposed unless noted otherwise. FWC Recommendations: 1) Purchase for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the installation of an electric door and automated gate system for the estimated price of $8,900.00 at the CDFW storage facility in Byron, which is used by the CDFW Enforcement Branch in Contra Costa County. [8 ayes/0 noes] 2) Appropriate $1,500.00 to Mt. Diablo Audubon Society for the printing of outreach brochures to reduce the impacts of outdoor cats. [8 ayes/0 noes] 3) Appropriate $9,997.23 to Lindsay Wildlife Museum for equipment and medications to provide temporary treatment and care of injured or orphaned wildlife over the next year. [8 ayes/0 noes] 4) Appropriate $1,000.00 to Mt. Diablo Audubon Society for curriculum materials, binocular replacement and bus transportation for a field trip to expand their “No Child Left Inside” program. [8 ayes/0 noes] 5) Appropriate $18,136.00 to Mills College for materials to conduct experimental test of disease and parasite transmission networks among California ground squirrels at Briones Regional Park. [8 ayes/0 noes] 6) Appropriate $2,000.00 to Berkeley Partners for Parks to extend an ongoing habitat restoration project along the Bay Trail at Hoffman Marsh in Richmond. [8 ayes/0 noes] 7) Appropriate $9,875.00 to East Bay Regional Park District to document the distribution and abundance of the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse within the 40 miles of San Francisco Bay Shoreline trails and properties operated by EBRPD (CCC Fish and Wildlife Propagation Funds to be used for documentation at Point Pinole and Waterbird in CCC); and continue research on how the Western pond turtle uses surrounding landscape in Contra Costa County.[8 ayes/0 noes] 8) Appropriate $10,000.00 to the Regional Parks Foundation to provide transportation to 400 low-income third grade students to enable their participation in the Kids Healthy Outdoors Challenge, a hands-on educational experience program. [8 ayes/0 noes] 9) Appropriate $40,000.00 to the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District for their Pinole Creek Passage Enhancement project to construct fish passage enhancements in the dual box culverts and flood control channel at Interstate 80 on Pinole Creek to provide upstream and downstream passage for adult rainbow trout and steelhead, with the primary goal of providing adult steelhead access to upstream spawning and rearing habitat. [8 ayes/0 noes] 10) Appropriate $6,800.00 to EarthTeam to provide students with training in hands-on scientific riparian habitat monitoring and restoration techniques while actively improving upland and creek corridor habitat along an adopted portion of Pinole Creek near Pinole Valley High School. Partial funding is recommended with funds to be used for student stipends, materials and food for meetings only. [8 ayes/0 noes] Page 3 of 4 11) Appropriate $5,800.00 to Muir Heritage Land Trust to install approximately 700 feet of swildlife friendly cattle exclusion fencing, a self-closing hikers gate, and a vehicle gate at a newly repaired pond at Fernandez Ranch.[8 ayes/0 noes] 12) Appropriate $10,000.00 to Save Mount Diablo to restore native habitat and protect critical creek resources for threatened and rare species through native plantings, fencing and educational signs. [8 ayes/0 noes] 13) Appropriate $5,602.00 to SPAWNERS to educate volunteers to monitor the presence of aquatic invertebrates in San Pablo Creek as an indicator of stream health, create public education materials with the information gathered and teach community members how to take steps towards a healthier and cleaner creek for fish and wildlife. Partial funding is recommended and not to fund the portions related to staff and consultant time to recruit volunteers or implement events. [8 ayes/0 noes] 14) Appropriate $985.00 to The Watershed Project for the collection of monitoring data and installation of safety buoys at their native oyster reef at Point Pinole and the creation of an internship program specific to the Living Shoreline Program. [8 ayes/0 noes] 15) Appropriate $2,860.00 to the City of Walnut Creek to provide over half an acre of plants at Civic Park which are native to the Walnut Creek Channel and the Walnut Creek Open Space and will nurture butterflies, other pollinators, and creatures up the food chain that depend on them. Restoration of the butterfly habitat will allow educators to broaden their curriculum with more information on pollinators. [8 ayes/0 noes] 16) Appropriate $7,150 to Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed to continue and expand their growing and successful efforts in East Contra Costa County by incorporating an internship program involving college-level students to help strengthen the volunteer programs FOMCW has built over the past 10 years. Funds will also be used to help pay for water quality monitoring equipment and supplies as well as planting equipment and supplies. Partial funding is recommended and is not to be used on stipends. [8 ayes/0 noes] 17) Within a year of grant funding approval, or within one month of project completion, whichever comes sooner, recipients must submit a final project report which includes invoices and receipts documenting how funds were spent and the results of the project. Details will be outlined in the grant packet to all successful applicants. [8 ayes/0 noes] Please contact Maureen Parkes at 925-674-7831 or John Kopchik at 925-674-7819 with any questions. Attachments: • Grant application packet for Fish and Wildlife Propagation Funds • Chart summarizing the applications and recommendations Page 4 of 4 Contra Costa County October 31, 2013 Dear Fish and Wildlife Committee Propagation Fund Applicants: The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee is pleased to announce that completed funding applications are now being accepted for consideration for the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund (Fund). All application materials and guidelines are attached. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2014 (a postmark of January 6, 2014, does not satisfy the submission deadline). Proposals may be emailed or mailed. Any applications that are received after the due date or without a signature will not be considered. The recommendations of the Fish and Wildlife Committee will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which maintains final decision-making authority for expenditures from the Fund. The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund is entirely supported by fine revenues resulting from violations of the Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations in Contra Costa County (County). Projects awarded from the Fund must benefit the fish and wildlife resources of the County and must meet the requirements of Section 13103 of the Fish and Game Code (attached). All applications that satisfy the requirements listed in the funding application directions will be considered. The Fish and Wildlife Committee strongly encourages applications related to: • improving habitat, • scientific research, and In addition, as a continued, additional focus for 2014, the Fish and Wildlife Committee wishes to fund high value, low-cost public education projects related to the scientific principles of fish and wildlife conservation. The Committee is interested in funding one or more small projects that will benefit the largest possible number of students (e.g. curriculum kits or other tools that have a high likelihood of making a significant impact on a broad audience.) The Fish and Wildlife Committee generally does not recommend funding for operating costs and overhead, such as benefits or utilities. If an hourly rate is listed, costs need to be itemized separately (see grant guidelines for more details). The Committee expects to recommend awards to several applicants. However, it is possible that a particularly excellent proposal will be recommended to receive a large portion of the total available funds. During the 2013 grant cycle a total of $80,181.72 was awarded to 11 projects. The awards ranged from $160 to $19,140. Successful applicants may anticipate receiving notification of funding awards by the late spring or summer of 2014. The grant award funds will be disbursed on a cost reimbursement basis.* (See next page for exceptions.) Within a year of grant funding approval, or within one month of project completion, whichever comes sooner, recipients must submit a final project report which includes invoices and receipts documenting how funds were spent and the results of the project. Fish and Wildlife Propagation fund grants will be disbursed after receipt and approval of the final project report. Details will be outlined in the grant packet to all successful applicants. Catherine Kutsuris Director Aruna Bhat Deputy Director Community Development Division Jason Crapo Deputy Director Building Inspection Division Steven Goetz Deputy Director Transportation, Conservation and Successor Agency Department of Conservation & Development 30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: 1-855-323-2626 Page 1 of 2 *Exception For Non-Profit Organizations That Can Demonstrate Financial Hardship: Private, non-profit entities that can demonstrate that providing Fish and Wildlife Propagation grant funding on a cost reimbursement basis will create a financial hardship and be detrimental to the operation of the program will be eligible to receive up to ½ of the grant amount after the grant is awarded. The remaining amount of the grant will be disbursed after the entity has submitted information including invoices and receipts documenting how the initial disbursement was spent. Within a year of initial notification of the grant funding award (i.e. spring or summer of 2015), or within one month of project completion, whichever comes sooner, the entity will be required to submit information including invoices and receipts documenting how the second disbursement was spent, and provide a final project report documenting the results of the project. *Exception For Small Projects Under $1,000: Grant funding may be disbursed to private, non-profit entities prior to the beginning of the project if the award is under $1,000 and the entity has provided documentation that the project could only be initiated with advance funding. Within a year of grant funding, or within one month of project completion, whichever comes sooner, recipients must submit a final project report which includes invoices and receipts documenting how funds were spent and the results of the project. The Committee appreciates your interest in this opportunity to improve the fish and wildlife resources in Contra Costa County. Should you have any questions about the Fish and Wildlife Committee or this funding program, please contact Maureen Parkes at 925-674-7831 or maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us. Sincerely, Maureen Parkes Fish and Wildlife Committee Staff Page 2 of 2 INSTRUCTIONS What Must Be Included in Your Proposal (not to exceed 3 pages): 1) Signed Application Cover Page (see attached) 2) Description of the project for which funding is requested. Please include an explanation of: • how this project will benefit the fish and wildlife of Contra Costa County • how this project meets the requirements of Section 13103 of the Fish & Game Code (attached) which defines the eligibility requirements for projects requesting funding from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund. Indicate which letter(s) of the Section 13103 is/are satisfied. • If your proposal is eligible under Section 13103 (d), (h), (i), or (m), send a copy of your draft proposal by December 6, 2013 to the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, 7329 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 to request a letter of support. (This letter does not count toward your page limit) 3) Project schedule - The project must be completed within a year from the date you receive notification of funding (by Spring/Summer 2015). 4) Project budget (itemized). The Fish and Wildlife Committee generally does not recommend funding for operating costs and overhead. Examples for these may include benefits such as health insurance, and operation costs such as electricity to run an office. If an hourly rate is listed, overhead costs need to be itemized separately. The Committee generally gives preferences to funding material expenses (e.g. purchase of equipment). 5) Annual budget for the applying organization (not itemized). 6) Statement describing the applying organization, listing the Board of Directors and officers of the organization, and listing all affiliated organizations. 7) Statement describing the qualifications of the sponsoring organization and participating individuals for completing the project. 8) List of individuals responsible for performing project and of individuals responsible for overseeing project. 9) Statement describing the status of permit approvals necessary to perform project (if applicable). 10) Request for an exception to the grant funding cost reimbursement requirement due to financial hardship or an exception for a small project under $1,000. (This request does not count toward your page limit and is only required if requesting an exception.) Format: • Your proposal packet, including cover sheet and any attachments must not exceed four single-sided pages or two double-sided pages, 8.5 by 1 1 inches in size. Please use 11 point font or larger and ½ inch margins or larger on your pages. If you are including a letter from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife to demonstrate eligibility under Section 13103 (d), (h), (i) or (m) of the Fish and Game Code, this will not be counted as part of your page limit. Otherwise, if you submit more than 3 pages plus required cover sheet, your proposal may be disqualified without review. • Do not attach an additional cover letter, brochures, posters, publications, CDs, DVDs, large maps or yellow-sticky paper (e.g. Post-ItTM). • Your complete application packet including signature must arrive by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2014 (Pacific Standard Time) to be considered for funding. (Please note: A postmark of January 6, 2014 does not satisfy the submission deadline. If submitted after the deadline, your proposal will be disqualified). Your complete application should be: Emailed: maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us or Mailed: Contra Costa County Fish & Wildlife Committee c/o Contra Costa County Dept. of Conservation and Development 30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553-4601 Attn: Maureen Parkes If you wish to hand deliver, contact Maureen by email or at 925-674-7831. Page 1 of 2 Final Checklist Before You Submit Your Proposal: Please note that your proposal will not be considered if you provide more materials than required below: • Signed Cover page (your proposal will be disqualified if it does not have your original signature on the cover page). • 3 pages or less on your project description (any extra attachments such as a map and an organization budget will be counted as one of the three page limit.) • Letter from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife only if your project is under Section 13103 (d), (h), (i), or (m) of the Fish and Game Code. (This is not a part of the page limit listed above). • Request for an exception to the grant funding cost reimbursement requirement due to financial hardship or an exception for a small project under $1,000. (This is not a part of the page limit listed above and is only required if requesting an exception). If you have questions regarding the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund grant process, please contact Maureen Parkes: maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us / (925) 674-7831. Page 2 of 2 13103. Expenditures from the fish and wildlife propagation fund of any county may be made only for the following purposes: (a) Public education relating to the scientific principles of fish and wildlife conservation, consisting of supervised formal instruction carried out pursuant to a planned curriculum and aids to education such as literature, audio and video recordings, training models, and nature study facilities. (b) Temporary emergency treatment and care of injured or orphaned wildlife. (c) Temporary treatment and care of wildlife confiscated by the department as evidence. (d) Breeding, raising, purchasing, or releasing fish or wildlife which are to be released upon approval of the department pursuant to Sections 6400 and 6401 onto land or into waters of local, state, or federal agencies or onto land or into waters open to the public. (e) Improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, including, but not limited to, construction of fish screens, weirs, and ladders; drainage or other watershed improvements; gravel and rock removal or placement; construction of irrigation and water distribution systems; earthwork and grading; fencing; planting trees and other vegetation management; and removal of barriers to the migration of fish and wildlife. (f) Construction, maintenance, and operation of public hatchery facilities. (g) Purchase and maintain materials, supplies, or equipment for either the department's ownership and use or the department's use in the normal performance of the department's responsibilities. (h) Predator control actions for the benefit of fish or wildlife following certification in writing by the department that the proposed actions will significantly benefit a particular wildlife species. (i) Scientific fish and wildlife research conducted by institutions of higher learning, qualified researchers, or governmental agencies, if approved by the department. (j) Reasonable administrative costs, excluding the costs of audits required by Section 13104, for secretarial service, travel, and postage by the county fish and wildlife commission when authorized by the county board of supervisors. For purposes of this subdivision, "reasonable cost" means an amount which does not exceed 3 percent of the average amount received by the fund during the previous three-year period, or three thousand dollars ($3,000) annually, whichever is greater, excluding any funds carried over from a previous fiscal year. (k) Contributions to a secret witness program for the purpose of facilitating enforcement of this code and regulations adopted pursuant to this code. (l) Costs incurred by the district attorney or city attorney in investigating and prosecuting civil and criminal actions for violations of this code, as approved by the department. (m) Other expenditures, approved by the department, for the purpose of protecting, conserving, propagating, and preserving fish and wildlife. Office Use Only: Contra Costa County 2014 Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund Application Cover Page Project title: Organization/Individual applying: (Organization type: please check one – government, non-profit, for-profit, other (explain) Address: Telephone: Fax: E-mail: Name and title of contact person: One sentence summary of proposal: Requested grant: Proposal prepared by (name & title): Signature (Typing your name does not count as a signature. If this section is empty, your proposal will not be considered): ________________________________________________ Signed on _______________ Grant Applications and Fish and Wildlife Committee Recommendations 2014 Page 1 of 6 3/10/14 Organization Type of Org Project Title Type of project Location of the Project Requested Funding Amount Recommended Funding Amount Staff Summary of the Request FWC Rationale for Recommendation A CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife government Boat/ATV/Evidence Storage Facility Access (g) purchase materials East County $8,900.00 $8,900.00 Request for funding to purchase the installation of an electric door and automated gate system at the DFW storage facility in Byron, which is used by the DFW Enforcement Branch in Contra Costa County. At the February 19, 2014 meeting, the FWC requested two additional bids. This was the lowest of three bids and the preferred option of the CDFW. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (g). It will protect and secure enforcement equipment and allow effective enforcement of fish and wildlife regulations. B Mt. Diablo Audubon Society non-profit "Cats Indoors" Campaign Brochure (a) public education Countywide $1,500.00 $1,500.00 Request to fund the printing of outreach brochures to reduce impacts of outdoor cats. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education.The outdoor cat issue is important for protecting wildlife. C Lindsay Wildlife Museum non-profit Protecting California's Wildlife Through Treatment & Rehabilitation (a) public education (b) temporary emergency treatment and care of injured or orphaned wildlife. Countywide $9,997.23 $9,997.23 This revised application is a request for funding for equipment and medications to provide temporary treatment and care of injured or orphaned wildlife over the next year. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (b) emergency treatment of injured or ophaned wildlife. Funds will be used to purchase medication and medical equipment. The FWC does not recommend approving the Lindsay Wildlife Museum request for an exception to the grant funding cost reimbursement requirement. Grant Applications and Fish and Wildlife Committee Recommendations 2014 Page 2 of 6 3/10/14 Organization Type of Org Project Title Type of project Location of the Project Requested Funding Amount Recommended Funding Amount Staff Summary of the Request FWC Rationale for Recommendation D Mt. Diablo Audubon Society non-profit "No Child Left Inside" Program (a) public education Countywide - Brentwood and Antioch with possibility for expanding to Martinez and San Ramon $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Request for funding of the purchase of curriculum materials, binocular replacement and bus transportation for a field trip to expand their "No Child Left Inside" program. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education. The funding will provide materials and fund transportation for field trips for schoolchildren. E Mills College non-profit Disease Transmission Across Social Networks of Free-living Mammals (a) public education (i) scientific research (m) conservation Countywide $18,136.00 $18,136.00 Request for funding of materials to conduct experimental test of disease and parasite transmission networks among California ground squirrels at Briones Regional Park. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (i) scientific research. This is an important research project that relates to ground squirrels and disease and parasite transmission; and addresses a public health issue. F Berkeley Partners for Parks non-profit Point Isabel / Hoffman Marsh Habitat Restoration (Richmond CA) (e) habitat improvement West County $2,000.00 $2,000.00 Request for funding to extend an ongoing habitat restoration project along the Bay Trail at Hoffman Marsh. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (e) habitat improvement. This is an important area for restoration that has listed species (clapper rail). G East Bay Regional Park District government Status of Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse in the EBRPD and the Movement Patterns and Habitat Use of the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys Marmorata) in Freshwater Ponds (a) public education (i) scientific research East County West County $9,875.00 $9,875.00 Request for funding to document the distribution and abundance of the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse within the 40 miles of SF Bay Shoreline trails and properties operated by EBRPD (CCC Fish and Wildlife Propagation funds would be used for documentation at Point Pinole and Waterbird in CCC); and continue research on how the Western pond turtle uses surrounding landscape in Contra Costa County. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (i) research. Research is on important wetland dependent species. Grant Applications and Fish and Wildlife Committee Recommendations 2014 Page 3 of 6 3/10/14 Organization Type of Org Project Title Type of project Location of the Project Requested Funding Amount Recommended Funding Amount Staff Summary of the Request FWC Rationale for Recommendation H Regional Parks Foundation non-profit Kids Healthy Outdoors Challenge - Field Trips (a) public education Countywide $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Request for funding to provide transportation to 400 low-income third grade students to receive a hands-on educational experience. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education. It provides low income students with bus service for field trips related to fish and wildlife conservation. I Contra Costa Resource Conservation District government Pinole Creek Fish Passage Enhancement Project (e) habitat improvement West County $40,000.00 $40,000.00 Request for funding to construct fish passage enhancements in the dual box culverts and flood control channel at Interstate 80 on Pinole Creek to provide upstream and downstream passage for adult rainbow trout and steelhead, with the primary goal of providing adult steelhead access to upstream spawning and rearing habitat. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (e) habitat improvement. This is important restoration that will enable fish to move up/down Pinole Creek and will allow passage from the mouth of Pinole Creek under I-80 into the upper watershed. J EarthTeam non-profit Sustainable Youth Watershed Internship at Pinole Creek (Pinole Valley High School) (a) public education (e) habitat improvement West County $14,664.00 $6,800.00 Request for funding to provide students with training in hands-on scientific riparian habitat monitoring and restoration techniques while actively improving upland and creek corridor habitat along an adopted portion of Pinole Creek near Pinole Valley High School. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) education and (e) improving fish and wildllife habitat. Fosters youth leadership and encourages environmental stewards. Partial funding is recommended and may be used for student stipends, materials and food for meetings only. Grant Applications and Fish and Wildlife Committee Recommendations 2014 Page 4 of 6 3/10/14 Organization Type of Org Project Title Type of project Location of the Project Requested Funding Amount Recommended Funding Amount Staff Summary of the Request FWC Rationale for Recommendation K Muir Heritage Land Trust non-profit Fernandez Ranch Pond Fencing Project (e) habitat improvement West County $5,800.00 $5,800.00 Request for funding to install approximately 700 feet of wildlife friendly cattle exclusion fencing, a self-closing hikers gate, and a vehicle gate at a newly repaired pond at Fernandez Ranch. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (e) habitat improvement. It will protect sensitive habitat for the California Red-Legged frog and provide a water source for local wildlife. L Save Mount Diablo non-profit Marsh Creek - Morgan Territory Habitat Restoration Project (e) habitat improvement East County $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Request for funding to restore native habitat and protect critical creek resources for threatened and rare species through native plantings, fencing and educational signs. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education and (e) and habitat improvement. Opportunity to improve habitat for listed species and engages the community. M SPAWNERS non-profit Teaching Volunteers to Monitor the Aquatic Invertebrates Present in San Pablo Creek as an Indicator of Stream Health (a) public education West County $8,602.00 $5,602.00 Request for funding to educate volunteers to monitor the presence of aquatic invertebrates in San Pablo Creek as an indicator of stream health, create public education materials with the information gathered and teach community members how to take steps towards a healthier and cleaner creek for fish and wildlife. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education. Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) monitoring provides a significant amount of information about the health of the creek and watershed and enhances monitoring efforts. Partial funding is recommended and not to fund the portions related to staff and consultant time to recruit volunteers or implement events.The FWC recommends approving SPAWNERS request for an exception to the grant funding cost reimbursement requirement due to financial hardship. Grant Applications and Fish and Wildlife Committee Recommendations 2014 Page 5 of 6 3/10/14 Organization Type of Org Project Title Type of project Location of the Project Requested Funding Amount Recommended Funding Amount Staff Summary of the Request FWC Rationale for Recommendation N The Watershed Project non-profit Point Pinole Native Oyster Reef: Monitoring and Safety (a) public education (e) habitat improvement West County $985.00 $985.00 Request to fund the collection of monitoring data and install safety buoys at their native oyster reef at Point Pinole. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education and (e) habitat improvement. Reefs provide habitat for invertebrates and oysters and improve the health of the waterways. The buoys provide a needed safety component to protect the public and the reefs. The FWC recommends approving an exception to the grant funding cost reimbursement requirement due to financial hardship. O City of Walnut Creek government Civic Park Butterfly Habitat Restoration (a) public education (e) habitat improvement Central County $2,860.00 $2,860.00 Request for funding to provide over half an acre of plants at Civic Park which are native to the Walnut Creek Channel and the Walnut Creek Open Space and will nurture butterflies, other pollinators, and creatures up the food chain that depend on them. Restoration of the butterfly habitat will allow educators to broaden their curriculum with more information on pollinators. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education and (e) improvement of fish and wildlife habitat. Grant Applications and Fish and Wildlife Committee Recommendations 2014 Page 6 of 6 3/10/14 Organization Type of Org Project Title Type of project Location of the Project Requested Funding Amount Recommended Funding Amount Staff Summary of the Request FWC Rationale for Recommendation P Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed non-profit Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed Project (a) public education (e) habitat improvement (i) scientific research (m) other expenditures East County $12,750.00 $7,150.00 Request for funding to continue and expand their growing and successful efforts in East Contra Costa County by incorporating an internship program involving college-level students to help strengthen the volunteer programs FOMWC has built over the past 10 years. Funds will also be used to help pay for water quality monitoring equipment and supplies as well as planting equipment and supplies. The project meets the requirements of Section 13103 (a) public education, (e) habitat improvement, (i) scientific research, and (m) other expenditures. Multiple aspects of the project provide benefits to the community and to fish and wildlife habitat. Partial funding is recommended and not to be used on stipends. The FWC recommends approving an exception to the grant funding cost reimbursement requirement due to financial hardship. $157,069.23 $140,605.23 $224,458.57 Subtotals by Region Requested Funding Amount Percentage of Total Amount Requested Recommended Funding Amount Percentage of total Amount Recommended for Approval East $34,941.67 22.2%$29,341.67 20.9% West $75,342.67 48.0%$64,478.67 45.9% Central $16,148.89 10.3%$16,148.89 11.5% Countywide $30,636.00 19.5%$30,636.00 21.7% Total $157,069.23 $140,605.23 Total Available Funds (as of 03/07/14)