Solicitation for Wildlife Friendly Fencing Projects for the 2023-2025 Biennium
WSRRI is pleased to announce an open solicitation for wildlife friendly fencing (WFF) projects throughout the shrubsteppe habitat of the Columbia Plateau. See map below. WSRRI was formed in 2021, when the Washington State Legislature directed the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to collaborate with the State Conservation Commission (SCC) and Department of Natural Resources to restore shrubsteppe wildlife and habitats. Learn more about WSRRI here.
In the 2023 Legislative Session, SCC received $1.5 million to fund WFF projects for WSRRI. Read more about WSRRI, eligible project types, and how to apply in the WSRRI WFF Solicitation.
Eligible projects include:
- Replacement of burned fence with WFF (100% cost share)
- Retrofit of existing fence to WFF standards (100% cost share)
- Fence removal when not being replaced with new WFF (75% cost share)
- Virtual fence (read more in the funding procedures for the cost share scenario and read more about virtual fence here)
Proposal evaluation:
For the 2023-2025 Biennium, all project applications will be evaluated for benefit to Species of Greatest Conservation Need and other wildlife. All submitted projects will be reviewed for selection, but special consideration will be given to those within Pygmy Rabbit Recovery Areas and Important breeding and wintering habitats for Greater Sage-Grouse and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. Read more about proposal evaluation in the WSRRI WFF Solicitation, linked above.
Timeline for project submission and selection:
Applications for WSRRI WFF projects may be submitted at any time.
First review deadline: September 22, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Projects meeting the first review deadline will be reviewed and ranked for WSRRI support within 2-3 weeks of that deadline. Should funding still be available after the first review, WSRRI will review applications every four weeks until available resources are committed.
We will notify conservation districts when all funding is committed, but we encourage ongoing submission of applications to allow WSRRI to thoughtfully piece together resources for compelling projects.
WFF projects selected for funding for the 2023-2025 biennium will need to be completed by June 30, 2025.
How to apply:
We encourage you to read the the full WSRRI WFF solicitation and WSRRI WFF funding procedures to ensure your project is a good fit. Conservation districts please apply using the Formstack link below. Others please reach out to your conservation district to discuss your project, your conservation district can apply on your behalf.
Questions?
Aug 25 - Sep 8: Please contact Shana Joy, SCC
Sep 9 - Sep 22: Please contact Allisa Carlson, SCC
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