NRCS Maryland Seeking Funding Proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants

Maryland Media Liaison:

Carol Hollingsworth, 443-482-2902

Annapolis, MD, February 8, 2007 ---Virginia (Ginger) L. Murphy, State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland, announced the application period to receive proposals for the Maryland State Component for FY2007 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). NRCS Maryland expects to fund approximately $335,000 in CIG proposals that would include a minimum of four CIG applications at up to $75,000 per grant. Applications must be received by 4:00 pm EST on Friday, March 30, 2007.

“This is the first time that a State component of CIG is available in Maryland,” said Murphy. “This opportunity allows groups or individuals interested in conservation to come up with innovative solutions to the conservation issues that affect Maryland.”

Proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) should stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. CIG funds innovative ideas that target on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. CIG proposals should involve landowners eligible to participate in USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications will be accepted for projects in the State of Maryland only. Funds will be awarded through a competitive grants process.

NRCS Maryland will fund CIG proposals in two categories: 1) Natural Resource Concerns Component and 2) Technology Component. Priority in these categories will be given to applications which involve Soil Resources, Water Resources, Market Based Approaches, and Wildlife Habitat projects that will directly benefit species that are State-listed as endangered, threatened, or in need of conservation.

“I encourage our conservation partners --eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals – to develop a CIG proposal that incorporates the natural resource concerns or technology components,” said Murphy. “CIGs will be awarded for projects ranging from one to three years in duration.”

Information on the Maryland State Component of CIG can be found at http://www.md.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/cig.html. Forms for applying for the CIG are available on the CIG website located at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/.

Proposals must be received in the NRCS Maryland State Office by 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 30, 2007. The address for hand-delivered applications, or applications submitted using mail, express mail or overnight courier service is: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Innovation Grants Program, Attn: Tom Morgart, Farm Bill Program Specialist, 339 Busch’s Frontage Road, Suite 301, Annapolis MD 21409-5598. Emailed and facsimile applications will not be accepted.