Proposal Period Now Open For 2021 Mat-Su Habitat Protection Project

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

(Palmer) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Sport Fish is currently accepting proposals for the 2021 Mat-Su Habitat Rehabilitation & Protection Cost-Share Program. The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

The Mat-Su Habitat Rehabilitation & Protection Cost-Share Program, administered cooperatively by ADF&G and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is a financial incentive and educational outreach program directed towards private landowners and public land managers. The program provides technical expertise about rehabilitation practices, state and federal permitting assistance, and funding for salmon habitat rehabilitation and protection projects along lake shorelines and streambanks in the Mat-Su Borough. Funds are limited and not all projects can be funded; however, if selected landowners could have up to 2/3 of the cost of their project reimbursed. Additionally, ADF&G staff provides educational opportunities to landowners, public land managers, and the public on the techniques and value of fish habitat. The program uses proven bioengineering techniques to help stabilize, revegetate, and rehabilitate streambanks and shorelines.

“This is an excellent opportunity for private landowners to get financial assistance for streambank stabilization and restoration work along their properties,” stated Habitat Biologist Michael Mazzacavallo, “These projects aim to help reduce erosion and provide fish friendly alternatives for accessing your waterfronts, while also protecting and maintain healthy juvenile salmon habitat.”

For an proposal form for the program and additional information, please contact the program biologist Michael Mazzacavallo at (907) 267-2891 or by email at DFG.DSF.StreambankRehab@alaska.gov. Additional information is also available on the ADF&G Cost-Share Program webpage.

Proposals Sought for the 2021 Kenai Peninsula Habitat Rehabilitation & Protection Cost-Share 

(Soldotna) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Sport Fish is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Kenai Peninsula Habitat Restoration & Protection Cost-Share. The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

The Kenai Peninsula Habitat Rehabilitation & Protection Cost-Share, administered cooperatively by ADF&G and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is a financial incentive and educational outreach program directed towards private landowners and public land managers. The program provides technical expertise about rehabilitation practices, state and federal permitting assistance, and funding for salmon habitat rehabilitation and protection projects along streambanks on the Kenai Peninsula. Funds are limited and not all projects can be funded; however, selected landowners could have up to 50% the cost of their project reimbursed. Additionally, ADF&G staff provides educational opportunities to landowners, public land managers, and the public on the techniques and value of fish habitat. The program uses and funds proven bioengineering techniques such as coir logs, willow plantings, cabled spruce trees, rootwads, and elevated light penetrating walkways to help stabilize, revegetate, and rehabilitate streambanks.

“Many landowners are spending more time recreating from their properties and are noticing areas of concern along their streambanks. Landowners, who have concerns about their streambank should contact the Kenai Peninsula Habitat Rehabilitation & Protection Cost-Share for help,” stated Habitat Biologist Jessica Johnson. “Landowners who participate in Cost-Share help support and maintain healthy juvenile salmon habitat and populations.”

For additional information, please contact the program’s Habitat Biologist Jess Johnson at (907) 267-2403 or by email at DFG.DSF.StreambankRehab@alaska.gov. Additional information is also available on the ADF&G Cost-Share Program webpage.