INLAND FISHERIES GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31 LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the 2002 Inland Fisheries Grant program, which offers grants up to $30,000 for local projects that enhance our state's aquatic resources. The program is intended to foster citizen and community understanding and appreciation of inland fisheries resources and to encourage participation and commitment to the improvement and protection of inland fishing opportunities, habitat and fish communities. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations or units of government (including school districts). Preference is given to nonprofit organizations and governmental units. The maximum grant award is $30,000 per project. Applicants are strongly urged to seek assistance from DNR Fisheries Division staff in preparing their application. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2002. Projects that benefit the people of Michigan and that meet one or more of the program objectives cited below are eligible for funding: * To protect, maintain, and/or enhance inland aquatic environments that support (or are capable of supporting) a significant public fishery. * To rehabilitate degraded inland fish communities or waters that support (or are capable of supporting) a significant public fishery. * To provide additional or more diverse fishing opportunities on inland waters that support (or are capable of supporting) a significant public fishery. * To foster educational and interpretive communications on inland fish, fishing and fisheries management to increase interest in the protection, maintenance, enhancement or rehabilitation of fish and other forms of aquatic life and their habitat. Examples of projects eligible for funding include fish habitat restoration, bank stabilization, upland erosion control, fish community rehabilitation, access development and improvement (fishing piers, platforms and boat ramps) and fish culture. The DNR Fisheries Division receives an annual appropriation of up to $200,000 to administer this grant program. Although the DNR is accepting new applications for the 2002 grant cycle, no final decision on whether grants will be issued this year has been made. If applications are not considered this year, they may be carried over into 2003. For more details about project eligibility, contact a fisheries biologist at the nearest DNR Fisheries Management Unit Office. Go to www.michigandnr.com for a directory and watershed map that shows the boundaries for each Fisheries Management Unit. Application forms and instructions for the 2002 grant program are available online and at each Fisheries Management Unit Office.
Source: MDNR
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