The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation not too long ago introduced two WaterSMART applications funding stream restoration initiatives, with a number of rounds of funding by way of 2028. The Enhancing Water Sources Tasks (EWRP) and Cooperative Watershed Administration Applications (CWMP) are collectively distributing $85 million for initiatives together with watershed planning, in depth baseline and post-project monitoring, low-tech process-based (LTPBR) stream restoration, wildfire threat discount and restoration, and infrastructure upgrades.
Grassroots watershed teams are uniquely positioned to learn from this inflow of funding, as a lot of the CWMP funding is unique to watershed teams. Watershed teams even have sure benefits within the EWRP program, which can also be open to different nonprofit organizations in addition to conservation districts and municipalities, amongst others.
These applications current a possibility to advance stream restoration throughout the Rockies area and past, benefiting birds by stewarding the water and habitats they depend on. To help these efforts, Audubon and The Nature Conservancy introduced a webinar on the applications, together with how grant alternatives are one of the best match with totally different phases of LTPBR undertaking growth, and the way to develop aggressive proposals.
Watch a recording of the webinar and obtain the presentation slides under.
Which Grant Program is Finest for my Challenge?
The EWRP program is a wonderful alternative to fund massive ($1-3 million), multi-component watershed well being and restoration initiatives that mix stream restoration initiatives with
- Fuels mitigation
- Water supply enhancements and flows restoration
- Monitoring infrastructure
- And/or a tough infrastructure element
Smaller stream restoration initiatives ($500k – $1 million) can also be aggressive if they’ve a nexus with water supply or provide, and incorporate nature-based options buildings or arduous infrastructure. EWRP initiatives are anticipated to have not less than 60% of undertaking design accomplished.
The CWMP program is the proper alternative for current watershed teams to fund undertaking design, in preparation for a 2027 EWRP proposal. CWMP grants may also fund watershed planning, corresponding to growing a Wildfire Prepared Watershed plan, which is useful for Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) grants, in addition to the event of latest watershed teams.
For organizations that aren’t watershed teams, Utilized Science grants fund modeling, forecasting, and data-based work, and can also fund parts of undertaking design or baseline monitoring.
The basics of every grant are outlined under, in addition to how they finest apply to stream restoration initiatives.
Overview of WaterSMART Grant Alternatives
Bureau of Reclamation Sources
WaterSMART Program Data Portal
- Overview beforehand awarded grants, and grant purposes
