Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture Now Accepting Proposals For Brook Trout Conservation Projects

The Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, part of the National Fish Habitat Partnership, is requesting Brook Trout Project RFP proposals that are focused on Brook Trout conservation actions.  Short intent to apply proposals are due January 14, full proposals by February 15.

Federal funding is being made available through the National Fish Habitat Partnership as outlined under the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act of 2020.

The maximum award amount for an individual project is $50,000. EBTJV expects to fund 3-5 projects for FY26. 

These funds can only be used for on-the-ground brook trout conservation and restoration projects in the native eastern range, and related design and short-term monitoring activities; they may not be used for research projects.  

To ensure available funding is being directed most effectively, proposed projects must be geared toward meeting the EBTJV’s range-wide habitat goals and objectives, as well as its key conservation  actions.  Read more here.

Projects must also fall under at least one of the NFHAP National Conservation Priorities. EBTJV prioritizes projects that are most likely to be fully implemented in the 2-year EBTJV/NFHAP project performance period.

Eligible projects include (but are not limited to)

-- Restoring aquatic connectivity by removing small dams and replacing undersized culverts;

-- Executing strategies that eliminate competition from non-native species (including removal);

-- Planting native shrubs and trees in riparian zones to provide shade and stream bank stabilization;

-- Adding large woody material to streams to add complexity, improve sediment sorting, and reconnect groundwater;

-- Restoring native brook trout to watersheds where it has been extirpated.

implementing watershed conservation practices that reduce sediment and nutrient pollution.

Eligible Applicants

-- State, county, and local governments

-- Private, Public, and State controlled institutions of higher education

-- Watershed groups and coalitions

-- Nonprofits having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS

-- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

-- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)

Visit the Brook Trout Project RFP webpage for all the details.

For more information on the partnership, visit the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture webpage.

[Posted: December 16, 2024]  PA Environment Digest