Stream Restoration Challenge to award more grants

[David (Premo)]

Stream Restoration Challenge to award more grants

Open to local governments, schools and NGOs

ANNAPOLIS (February 19, 2013) –The Stream Restoration Challenge is once again accepting applications from local governments, school systems, and non-governmental organizations looking to carry out projects to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality and create service learning and environmental literacy activities for students. Through this program, the State and its partners will award the top proposals grants totaling up to $6 million to establish 1,000 acres of forested stream buffers by 2015.

“The Stream Restoration Challenge will help our students and other citizens understand watershed issues and the importance of establishing and protecting healthy, thriving forests along our streams, rivers and bays,” said Governor Martin O'Malley. “Through these projects we are not only improving water quality today, we are also inspiring the stewards of tomorrow.”

After the Challenge launch and initial call for proposals in August 2012, the State selected 29 submissions. The chosen projects will establish or extend 360 acres of critical streamside forests, and engage and educate more than 13,300 students in every phase of the restoration process. Proposals are chosen based on how effective, efficient and economical they will be, and the level of student participation they will support.

The Request for Proposal is available at dnr.maryland.gov/trustfund/streamchallenge. The submission deadline is May 30, 2013. Funding for these grants is made available through the Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.

The Arbor Day Foundation has partnered with the program to help provide tree seedlings for the restoration projects. The Foundation and its partners work nationwide to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

“We’re excited to join Maryland partners and residents in answering the call of the Stream Restoration Challenge, a high-impact replanting effort vital to the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Dan Lambe, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation.

Governor O’Malley launched the Stream Restoration Challenge in summer 2012 to help foster the mission of his Smart, Green and Growing initiative, which engages every Marylander in the State’s efforts to create a more sustainable future.