F26AS00022 Butte Creek/Sutter Bypass Weir 1 Improvement Design and Permitting Project

The objectives for the use of cooperative agriculture in the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) are: production or modification of specific cover types or growing methods that meet the life history requirements of species for which we have established objectives (e.g., waterfowl production); production of foods for wildlife species for which we have established objectives; and/or maintenance, rehabilitation, or reestablishment of natural habitat. Cooperative agriculture is when a person or entity conducts agricultural practices on NWRS lands in support of the Service’s conservation and resource management objectives and there is substantial involvement between the Service and that person or entity. The NWRS uses cooperative agreements, known as Cooperative Agriculture Agreements (CAAs), as the legal instruments to formalize the agreement between the Service and the program participant. The cost-sharing of a person or entity in cooperative agricultural on NWRS lands can vary depending on the needs and objectives of the particular NWRS land. For example, the Service may provide the cooperator with the right to perform agricultural practices on NWRS land and a percentage of any resulting crop yield, as well as the ability to use Service water, equipment, and/or refuge staff. In exchange, the cooperator may provide the Service with labor, equipment, and materials; a percentage of any resulting crop yield; and/or maintenance, rehabilitation, or reestablishment of specific habitat conditions on NWRS lands. In addition to or instead of cost-sharing, the Service may accept bids for payment for the person or entity’s agriculture use (e.g. haying or grazing) on NWRS lands in compliance with the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act. This is a nonfinancial assistance program. No Federal funds are obligated or awarded to program participants. Because a CAA is not a financial assistance award, it is not subject to the regulations at 2 CFR 200 or policy in parts 515 and 516 of the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.

Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support development and/or implementation of Great Lakes Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (Tribal AIS Plans). Therefore, a Tribal AIS Plan must be in place that supports the proposed work, or development of such a plan must be a part of the proposed work. All tribal grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes tribes or their designee are eligible.

The goal of the NAWCA program in Canada is to promote partnerships between public agencies and groups interested in:• Protecting, improving, restoring, and managing an appropriate distribution and variety of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for wetlands-associated migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in North America;• maintaining and improving the current distribution of wetlands-associated migratory bird populations; and• sustaining an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other populations of wetlands-associated migratory birds consistent with the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan, and other international obligations contained in the treaties and migratory bird conventions and other agreements with Canada, Mexico, and other countries.• The program requires a minimum 1:1 non-federal match. At least 50% of the match must be from U.S. Sources. Proposals should demonstrate how the activities of partners involved in a wetland conservation project will encourage sustainable and effective programs for the long-term conservation of wetlands-associated migratory birds. The Act defines wetlands conservation projects as:• The acquisition of real property interests in lands or waters, including water rights, of a wetland ecosystem and associated habitat if the obtaining of such interest is subject to terms and conditions that will ensure that the real property will be administered for the long-term conservation of such lands and waters and the migratory birds and other fish and wildlife dependent thereon;• The restoration, management, or enhancement of wetland ecosystems and associated habitats for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife species, wherein these activities will be conducted on lands and waters that will be administered for their long-term conservation and for the benefit of migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife that depend on them.The NAWCA Program for wetlands conservation and management grants in Canada is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Program. Thirteen partner organizations make up the North American Wetlands Conservation Council and participate in the review and assessment of proposals. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) support this program.For Canada Instructions (scoring criteria Appendix A), Grant Administration Standards, and Eligibility Criteria, refer to the documents attached to this notice of funding opportunity. All documents are also available at https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-canada-grants