Funding Support for SARP

Agency Support

All SARP member agencies provide support via making staff available to attend meetings, conduct workshops, and develop the SARP Strategic Plan. Annual funding is also provided by the FWS and NMFS to conduct the meetings, workshops, and contract for facilitation.

Grant Funding

In 2003, the SARP was successful in obtaining a Multi-State Conservation Grant for the SARP to develop ANS management plans and strategies for the Southeast. The grant amount is $232,500 over a 3-year period. The funding was used to hire a coordinator to facilitate and assist State wildlife agencies in developing ANS plans. The coordinator began work in 2004. The awarding of this grant to the SARP will enable the successful implementation of one of the key projects identified by the ANS Workshop, specifically, to develop ANS plans and strategies for each of the member States.
In 2004, the SARP obtained a matching grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support the development of an Aquatic Habitat Plan for the Southeast to address concerns about declining populations of fish and other aquatic organisms. The approach for this project is to develop geographically focused, scientifically based, landscape level habitat plans for aquatic resources in four watersheds. The SARP will work with partners to hold scoping sessions to identify priority habitats and aquatic habitat issues. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) will be an integral component of these scoping sessions, and will be the basis for the development of these habitat plans. Once identified and prioritized, habitat restoration activities will be undertaken in these specific watersheds. Non-federal matching funds will be obtained from willing partners and non-governmental organizations.
Seeking grants is a critical element in the success of the SARP. Leveraging funding is one of the main goals of the Partnership and obtaining grants is a top priority for funding on-the-ground projects.

Congressional SARP Budget Initiative

The SARP has sought Congressional support for Budget Initiatives for Fiscal Years 2004 ($15M) and 2005 ($25M) in order to implement the SARP Strategic Plan goals and objectives.