| DEP OFFERS FEDERAL FUNDS TO PRIVATE
LANDOWNERS
FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION
(05/118) TRENTON - Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the availability
of $475,000 in federal grant funds for New Jersey private landowners
through the national Landowner Incentive Program (LIP).
LIP benefits threatened, endangered (state and federal) and
other at-risk species by offering private landowners financial
and technical assistance to protect, enhance or restore critical
habitats on their properties.
"Most rare species in New Jersey are found on privately
owned lands," said Commissioner Campbell. "Because of
this, effective species protection can only be accomplished through
active and thoughtful partnerships with willing landowners."
LIP grant proposals should focus on the enhancement of at least
one rare species and its habitat in a significant way. Landowners
must describe in detail how they intend to manage, protect or
restore the habitat for that species. For a list of New Jersey's
endangered, threatened and other at-risk species visit the DEP's
division Web site at www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensphome.htm.
LIP is an annual competitive grant program fully funded by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and appropriated by Congress. In
New Jersey, it is administered through the DEP's Division of Fish
and Wildlife.
LIP is a cost-share program. Successful applicants must provide
a minimum of 25 percent of the program’s total cost. Projects
must be maintained for at least five years and landowners must
be able to document measurable results.
Eligible applicants include private landowners as well as individuals,
non-profit organizations and corporations with a documented long-term
lease on private property (possessing a minimum of five years
remaining on their lease agreement).
In addition, applicants must be able to implement a project as
outlined in the management agreement and have property ranked
one or above in the DEP's Landscape Project (see www.nj.gov/dep/gis/newmapping.htm
to determine ranking). Applicants must also be willing to sign
a project agreement and management plan with the Division of Fish
and Wildlife.
Funding priority will be given to three broad categories: grasslands
of more than 10 acres, projects located within the lower 20 kilometers
of the Cape May peninsula, and properties adjacent to permanently
protected areas.
To request an application and guidelines, call 609-292-9400 between
9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit
www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/lip_prog.htm. Applications
(hard copy or electronic) must be submitted no later than 5 p.m.
on November 15, 2005 to: NJDEP, Division of Fish & Wildlife,
Endangered & Nongame Species Program, P.O. Box 400, Trenton,
NJ 08625-0400, Attn: LIP, or e-mailed to kim.korth@dep.state.nj.us.
Final decisions will be made by January 16, 2006. All applicants
will receive notice of grant approval or disapproval by January
20, 2006.
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