Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Partnership Funding

River Network and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are excited to announce the fourth year of funding for nonprofit organizations working on stewardship activities on USFS administered Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSR) and surrounding lands.

From addressing wildlife/human conflict to restoring forestlands devastated by wildfires to connecting rivers with new communities, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Partnership Funding provides nonprofit partners with critical funding for on-the-ground work. Two years of a pandemic highlighted the importance outdoor spaces have in our daily mental and physical well-being.

River and riparian stewardship, community outreach and education, and water monitoring by local organizations are vital to protecting these rivers. Local groups across the country work to restore lands, increase public access to our waterways, and seek further engagement to these special rivers in partnership with USFS staff. and engage a broader constituency in doing so. The goal of this funding is to support a shared stewardship approach, between local groups and the USFS, encourage broader constituency engagement in conservation efforts and ensure the protection of designated rivers and streams (including cultural, historic, recreational, and fish and wildlife values).

Award and Duration of Funding

This partnership funding will range from $5,000-$10,000 per award for work occurring between June 15^th 2022, and January 31st, 2023. There is currently a total of $50,000 available. Groups may make one request.

Matching Funds

There is a suggested, but not required, matching contribution of at least 50% of the award (e.g. if requesting $10,000, there is a suggested match of $5,000). The match may include cash, contributed funding and/or in-kind contribution. For this particular grant, contributed funding is a member organization paying for a portion of the project through actual cash outlays for salaries, equipment, supplies or other expenses. In-kind contributions generally include volunteer labor or use of existing equipment and vehicles.

Eligibility

• Any 501(c)(3) organization working or planning eligible stewardship work on USFS administered WSRs and surrounding lands may apply (to determine whether your Wild and Scenic River is administered by the USFS and find the local USFS contact, please see above spreadsheet).
• All applicants must be a free or paid member of River Network.