Technical biological assistance associated with the ecological monitoring of Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). | USDA NRCS IN CTA 19 GEN0010216

Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS IN CTA 19 GEN0010216

This grant opportunity, offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), funds technical biological assistance to support ecological monitoring on conservation easements in Indiana that fall under the former Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). The work centers on field-based monitoring of NRCS-identified easement sites and is meant to help NRCS evaluate how well these protected wetlands and associated uplands are functioning, what ecological benefits they are providing, and what practical steps could be taken to improve habitat quality over time.

The core project task is to complete ecological monitoring reviews of selected easements. These reviews are expected to include an assessment of ecological function, which typically means looking at how effectively the site supports wetland and upland habitat conditions, native vegetation communities, and wildlife use, as well as whether restoration goals are being sustained. Beyond simply documenting conditions, the selected party is also expected to recommend proposed actions that could enhance the sites, which may include restoration, management, or maintenance strategies tailored to observed needs on each easement.

In addition to monitoring and enhancement recommendations, the cooperative agreement specifically emphasizes the need for technical expertise in developing prescribed burn plans and creating pollinator/Monarch plans. That indicates NRCS is looking for a partner that can help plan habitat management tools (like controlled fire where appropriate) and design actions that support pollinator conservation, including habitat considerations for monarch butterflies. The opportunity covers both wetland and upland habitats on the selected easements, reflecting the reality that WRP/WRE properties often include mixed habitat types that must be managed together to maintain overall ecological value.

The award is structured as a discretionary cooperative agreement under CFDA 10.902 (Natural Resources). NRCS anticipated making one award, with a total maximum federal funding amount (award ceiling) of $562,500. The selected party is expected to staff the project with two individuals who have an educational background in wildlife biology, ecology, or biology. Each individual must have at least a Bachelor of Science degree in one of those fields and demonstrate knowledge in key applied areas needed for this work, including plant identification, understanding of wildlife species, and restoration of both wetland and upland habitats. In practice, this combination of requirements points to hands-on ecological field competence rather than purely administrative or planning capacity.

The opportunity was published under Funding Opportunity Number USDA NRCS IN CTA 19 GEN0010216, created May 20, 2019, with an original closing date of July 1, 2019. Proposals were required to be submitted by email, due by 4:00 p.m. Eastern on July 1, 2019, with late submissions not considered. Applicants were instructed to confirm receipt with the NRCS contact, Jerry Roach, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, either by phone (317-295-5820) or email (Jerry.Roach@usda.gov). While email submission was the primary method, hand delivery or mail was also accepted at the USDA-NRCS Indiana State Office located at 6013 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278. Eligibility was listed broadly as “Others” with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.

Overall, the funding is intended to bring in skilled biological staff to help NRCS maintain accountability and adaptive management on Indiana wetland reserve easements by combining ecological condition monitoring with on-the-ground management planning support, particularly around prescribed fire and pollinator/monarch habitat improvements.

• The Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Technical biological assistance associated with the ecological monitoring of Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE)." and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.902.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 20, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 01, 2019 Applicants must submit proposals via e-mail to the following address Jerry.Roach@usda.gov. Proposals must be received by 400 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, on July 1, 2019. Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered. The agency will rely on system generated date and time receipt documentation to determine whether applications meet the submission deadline. Applicants must contact Jerry Roach, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs at 317-295-5820 or Jerry.Roach@usda.gov to confirm receipt. Hand delivery or mail will be accepted at USDA-NRCS State Office 6013 Lakeside Boulevard, Indiana 46278. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $562,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for USDA NRCS IN CTA 19 GEN0010216

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