Applicants Sought for Klamath River Coho Habitat Restoration Projects
YREKA, CALIF. (May 1, 2018) – The Bureau of Reclamation, PacifiCorp and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in close coordination with NOAA Fisheries, are seeking applications for funding to implement coho habitat restoration projects within the Klamath River and its tributaries downstream of Iron Gate Dam.
The joint Request for Proposals (RFP) will make available up to $1 million in grants during 2018 through Reclamation’s Klamath River Coho Habitat Restoration Program (up to $500,000, contingent upon appropriations) and PacifiCorp’s Klamath River Coho Enhancement Fund ($500,000). The pre-proposal deadline is Friday, June 1. The RFP is available on NFWF’s website at http://www.nfwf.org/klamathbasin/klamathcoho/Pages/2018combinedrfp.aspx.
Reclamation, PacifiCorp, NOAA Fisheries, and NFWF will host an RFP Webinar for the public, which will include an overview of the programs, details regarding the types of projects that will be given priority, and an overview of the proposal process and requirements. The Webinar will be held:
Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 10 am to 12 noon PST
Register for the Webinar here:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8159851112933824514
The programs aim to fund projects that meet the requirements outlined in the 2013 Biological Opinion on Reclamation’s Klamath Project Operations and to achieve conservation objectives contained in PacifiCorp’s Klamath Hydroelectric Project Interim Operations Habitat Conservation Plan for Coho Salmon. Both programs enhance the survival and recovery of coho salmon in the Klamath River, where coho are listed as threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.
Successful proposals will provide access to cold water habitat, create or enhance instream habitat, remove barriers or otherwise improve access, or provide water conservation. Regardless of the project type, successful proposals must demonstrate direct benefits for coho salmon. The geographic focus of these programs is within the mainstem Klamath River and tributaries below Iron Gate Dam.
Since 2009, PacifiCorp and Reclamation have contributed a combined $6.3 million toward habitat restoration for coho salmon in the Klamath River.
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About the Bureau of Reclamation
Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, and the nation’s second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov. Follow us on Twitter @USBR and @ReclamationCVP.
About PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp provides electric service to 1.8 million customers in six western states. Operating as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington, and California and as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar through safe, reliable electricity. Visit our website at www.pacificorp.com.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores our nation’s wildlife and habitats. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF directs public conservation dollars to the most pressing environmental needs and matches those investments with private contributions. NFWF works with government, nonprofit and corporate partners to find solutions for the most intractable conservation challenges. Over the last three decades, NFWF has funded more than 4,500 organizations and committed more than $4.8 billion to conservation projects. Learn more at www.nfwf.org.
About NOAA Fisheries
NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels.
Media Contacts:
Erin Curtis, Bureau of Reclamation, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov
Bob Gravely, PacifiCorp, 503-813-7282, bob.gravely@pacificorp.com
Rob Blumenthal, NFWF, 202-595-2457, rob.blumenthal@nfwf.org
Jim Simondet, NOAA Fisheries, 707-825-5171, jim.simondet@noaa.gov