The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia is hoping a new round of funding will facilitate innovation in conservation.
According to a March 28 news release, State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph announced funds would be available through Conservation Innovation Grants. Individuals and companies not affiliated with the government who are interested are encouraged to apply for projects in the state.
“A total of up to $150,000 is available for the Georgia CIG competition in fiscal year 2023. All non-federal entities and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration,” according to the release.
Those interested in applying can find information concerning the 2023 Conservation Innovation Grants State Program Notice of Funding Opportunity by visiting the website at grants.gov, the release reported. The minimum grant award will be $25,000, with $75,000 as the maximum. CIG primary concerns for the fiscal year includes wildlife habitat enhancement, pollinator habitat enhancement and soil health.
The Soil Health priority focuses on funding opportunities for Soil Health Management Systems, a compilation of NRCS conservation practices that promote the improvement of soil health, the report said. The Pollinator Habitat Enhancement priority aims to provide demonstration sites, along with teaching how to grow native grasses and pollinators in numerous ecoregions of the state.
The wildlife habitat enhancement seeks to teach and provide “technical assistance to restore, enhance and create habitat for at-risk or declining wildlife species and associated habitats, with an emphasis on Northern Bobwhite Quail, Gopher Tortoise and early successional habitats on working lands,” according to the release.
Those interested in applying for the grant have until May 22 with the deadline being just before midnight, the release said. NRCS is tentatively set to make the grant selections June 22 and provide the funds by Sept. 1.
