Categories:
- Volunteer / Cooperative Programs
- Volunteer / Cooperative Programs -- Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA)
Published: April 2010
Pages: 60
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s ALEA Grant Program invests in volunteer-driven projects that:
- Protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and their habitats;
- Enhance sustainable fish and wildlife recreational opportunities;
- Improve public access to the outdoors;
- Collect and disseminate fish and wildlife science; and
- Educate the public about resource conservation.
Introduction
The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) Volunteer Cooperative Grant Program provides funding, on a cost-reimbursement basis, for individuals and organizations that undertake volunteer cooperative fish and wildlife projects in Washington State. Eligible project types include: Habitat Enhancement, Facility Development, Research, Education/Outreach, and Artificial Production.
Proposals are reviewed and scored, following established criteria, by a panel of eighteen Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) employees representing all regions and programs. A ranked list of projects is presented to WDFW’s Executive Management Team (EMT) for their review. EMT’s recommendations are then forwarded to the Director for approval.
Grantees receive their ALEA funds by submitting reimbursement requests and are paid for actual costs incurred. After completing their project, any remaining funds are forfeited by grantee. These funds may be used to award additional grants to the projects next in line for funding as determined by the ranked list.
Projects that are awarded a grant are assigned a WDFW field contact who provides technical assistance if needed. Quarterly progress reports are submitted by both the grantee and the field contact. A final report is submitted after the project is completed. These final reports form the basis of the project narratives included in this overview of projects completed in the 2007-2009 biennium.