Now accepting project applications for projects to be completed by June 30, 2023.
Proposals must meet criteria set out in the SCC’s VSP supplemental funding guidelines. The guidelines utilize existing SCC grant procedures (including the SCC's Grant and Contract Procedure Manual and its Conservation Practice Data System (CPDS)), and includes VSP-specific criteria. All proposals must be entered into the SCC’s CPDS system to be considered for funding. Those who submit projects for funding must be trained in the SCC’s grants and contracts procedures. Questions about this training should be directed to Karla Heinitz.
Proposals will be considered on a monthly basis.
Proposals must meet a VSP county work plan goal or benchmark, be in a VSP watershed, seek to address salmon habitat resource needs/impacts, use Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications, and be approved prior to submittal by the county VSP work group. Complete details are available in the guidelines.
Background
At its July 21, 2022 regular meeting SCC approved the VSP Supplemental Funding Guidelines. The guidelines were drafted by SCC staff after the legislature appropriated $3,000,000 in supplemental capital funds for the VSP for the rest of the FY 22-23 biennium (ending on June 30, 2023). SCC is committed to supporting private landowner’s voluntary stewardship of natural resources through VSP.
SCC staff drafted the guidelines in early April 2022, and held a webinar to review and seek input on the draft on May 25, 2022. The VSP Technical Panel and Statewide Advisory Committee discussed the draft guidelines at their June 9, 2022 meeting, and suggested amendments.
The draft was then made available for comment through July 1, 2022. Comments and amendments were incorporated into the final version approved by SCC at their July 21, 2022 meeting. Those changes included:
- No longer requiring projects to address salmon habitat, but making it optional;
- Listing, for more clarity, partner entities that will garner more points during project evaluation; and
- Adding a check-box for VSP work group meeting minutes, instead of having to upload the minutes.
This opportunity provides funding for on-the-ground conservation projects that protect the five critical areas (including salmon habitat) while maintaining agricultural viability.
Any general questions about the funding opportunity should be sent to Bill Eller or Karla Heinitz. Due to a high level of interest, SCC staff may not be able to respond to all questions immediately. If you are wondering if a particular project would qualify for funding, please run the proposed project through the guidelines before bringing questions to SCC staff.
Please review the VSP website for the link to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, supplemental funding guidelines, webinar recordings, and other additional resources. If you are having CPDS entry issues, please contact Brian Cochrane.
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