NAWCA Standard Grants - applications - Canada and Mexico (govt)

                                               OMB Control No. 1018‐0100 
  Expires:  XX/XX/20XX         

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT

CANADA STANDARD GRANTS PROGRAM
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501), please note the following. This information collection is authorized by the North American
Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) of 1989, as amended (16 U.S.C. 4401 et seq.). Your response is
required to obtain or retain a benefit in the form of a grant. We estimate that it will take approximately 80
hours to prepare an application, including time to review instructions, gather and maintain data, and
complete and review the proposal. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and
Budget control number. OMB has reviewed and approved this information collection and assigned OMB
Control Number 1018-0100. You may submit comments on any aspect of this information collection,
including the accuracy of the estimated burden hours and suggestions to reduce this burden. Send your
comments to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive,
Mail Stop 2042-PDM, Arlington, VA 22203.

SOLICITATION PACKAGE
FOR CANADIAN
NAWCA PROPOSALS
(REVISED October 26, 2009)

For funding consideration through the
North American Wetlands Conservation Council
under authority of the
North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
of the United States of America

NAWCC/NAWMP and Wetlands Secretariat/Coordination Office
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
7th
Floor, Place Vincent Massey
351 St. Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Québec
K1A 0H3

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Companion Documents to the Solicitation Package and Reference Materials

3

Introduction

4

Purpose of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act

6

Definition of a Wetlands Conservation Project

8

NABCI, NAWMP and NAWCA

10

Schedule of Proposal Events

11

Key Points to Remember when Writing and Submitting your NAWCA Proposal

13

NAWCA Proposal Format

16

Completing your NAWCA Proposal

17

1. Form SF-424

17

2. Application Cover Page

18

3. Executive Summary

20

4. Proposal Body

26

A. Project/Program Description

26

B. Project/Program Expected Benefits

26

C. Other Considerations

27

D. Work Plan (proposal activities)

28

Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures

30

E. Budget

34

F. Maps and Photos

36

General NAWCA Grant Agreement Information

37

Appendix 1: Guidance Questions for Proposal Development

39

NAWCA Funding Program - Contacts

42

2

KEY COMPANION DOCUMENTS TO THE SOLICITATION PACKAGE AND
REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR DRAFTING NAWCA PROPOSALS

Key Companion Documents available from the NAWCC/NAWMP & Wetlands
Secretariat/Coordination Office
:
•

Form SF-424 (Application for federal assistance)1

•

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (amended 2002); also available online at:
http://uscode.house.gov/search/criteria.shtml Type 16 for title and 4401 for section.

•

OMB Circular A122 (Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a122/a122.html

Reference Materials for Proposal Development available on the Web:
•

North American Waterfowl Management Plan 2004 Update:
http://nawmp.ca/pdf/04update-en.pdf

•

The shorebird, waterbird and landbird conservation plans:
http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/birds/nabci_e.cfm - (links available under “Programs and
Partners”)

•

Threatened and endangered species in the United States:
http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/servlet/gov.doi.tess_public.servlets.EntryPage

•

Species Assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada:
http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct0/rpt/rpt_csar_e.pdf

Reference Materials for Proposal Development Available from the Secretariat:
•

NAWCA funding estimates and proposal submission schedules for each funding
window

•

NAWCA Proposal Writer’s Checklist

•

Final Report on NAWCA Funding Allocations

•

Example of a NAWCA Grant Agreement

1

The requirement to complete this form was introduced in 2008-1. Please see instructions in page 17 of this
solicitation package

3

INTRODUCTION
This Solicitation Package is for Canadian applicants for proposals to be funded through the
1989 United States Congress North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA, or the
Act), as amended in 1994 and 2002. It provides guidelines to assist in developing a proposal
for wetlands conservation partnerships in which U.S. federal NAWCA grant monies and
other U.S. and Canadian funds are used to secure, enhance or manage wetlands in Canada.
However, legal obligations pertaining to the fulfilment of objectives in NAWCA proposals
and grant agreements exist only between the grantee agency and the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The objective of the Act is to encourage partnerships to protect North America's wetlands as
habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-associated migratory birds, fish and wildlife. It
should be noted that the statutory criteria encourage proposals with multiple partnerships,
projects supporting the purposes of the Act, and projects that have multiple benefits in
addition to those for wetland-associated migratory birds. Canadian proposals must be
submitted through the Joint Venture Provincial Steering Committees and applicable Habitat
Joint Venture Management Boards, as well as the North American Bird Conservation
Initiative / North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Canada) (see Flow Chart on
page 5).
This package includes an explanation of the wetlands conservation project grant application
process, definitions, schedule, description of information required in the proposal, and the
format for proposals. In addition, reference materials (e.g. North American Waterfowl
Management Plan 2004 Update) are available on the Internet or from the Secretariat to assist
proposal applicants (see the Table of Contents for details).
Use the instructions and templates provided to develop your proposal and be sure to include
all sections in the order listed. At the point the application is complete and has been vetted
by the applicable Joint Venture Management Board in Canada, it should be e-mailed to the
NABCI/NAWCC Canada Secretariat (see pages 14-15 for submission details).

Please read these instructions thoroughly before developing your proposals,
as incomplete or inappropriate proposals will be returned.

4

U.S. Migratory Bird
Conservation Commission
NAWCC (U.S.)
NAWCC (U.S.)
Staff
NABCI/NAWCC
Canada Council
Joint Venture
Boards
Provincial
Steering Committees
Provincial
Technical Committees
Partners

Figure 1: Flow chart showing the NAWCA proposal process within Canada and the
United States.

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PURPOSE OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT
The 101st Congress of the United States enacted NAWCA "to conserve North American
wetland ecosystems and waterfowl and the other migratory birds and fish and wildlife that
depend upon such habitats." Senator George Mitchell championed passage of this
legislation, cited as the Public Law 101-233, with the support and encouragement of U.S.
President George Bush who signed it on December 13, 1989. The North American
Wetlands Conservation Act is United States law and final decision making rests with U.S.
administrative bodies (Migratory Bird Conservation Commission). Canada is a major
beneficiary of this Act, but its powers are limited to recommending projects and programs to
the NAWCC (U.S.).
In recognition of the many public values that wetland ecosystems across North America
provide, the purposes of the Act are to:
... encourage partnership among public agencies and other interests -(1)

to protect, enhance, restore, and manage an appropriate distribution and
diversity of wetland ecosystems and habitats associated with wetland
ecosystems and other fish and wildlife in North America;

(2)

to maintain current or improved distributions of wetland associated
migratory bird populations; and,

(3)

to sustain an abundance of waterfowl and other wetland associated migratory
birds consistent with the goals of the North American Waterfowl
Management Plan, the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan, the North
American Waterbird Conservation Plan, the Partners in Flight Conservation
Plans and the international obligations contained in the migratory bird
treaties and conventions and other agreements with Canada, Mexico, and
other countries."

As well, the Act provides a mechanism to lever federal U.S. funds (NAWCA grant funds) to
non-federal U.S. funds and provide this funding to Canada and Mexico in support of
wetland projects that benefit the bird conservation plans noted in (3) above. At least 30%
and not more than 60% of the grant funds are available each year to be spent on proposals
from Canada and Mexico. Under the current legislation, proposals from Canada must have
at least a one-to-one match of U.S. non-federal funds to NAWCA grant funds being
requested through the Act. Additional contributions from Canadian partners are not
required by law, but they do indicate the level of Canadian support for the project to the
NAWCC (U.S.) and enhance the project's viability. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
administers the grant program for the Secretary of the Interior.
The Act further establishes the North American Wetlands Conservation Council in the
United States and instructs the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to
appoint an individual to serve as Council Coordinator. Both Canada and Mexico sit as ex-

6

officio (non-voting) members of NAWCC (U.S.). The nine member federal-state-private
Council recommends wetlands conservation projects to the United States Migratory Bird
Conservation Commission (MBCC). The MBCC, composed of the U.S. Secretary of the
Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, two
Congressmen, and two Senators, approves funding for the wetlands conservation projects.
In Canada, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) and actions by the
Minister of the Environment under the Canada Wildlife Act established a structure similar to
that in the United States, which brings forward proposals to U.S. agencies. A series of
mechanisms including the Joint Venture Provincial Steering Committees and Habitat Joint
Venture Management Boards (with federal-provincial and non-government representation)
evaluate and recommend proposals to the NABCI/NAWCC (Canada) Council.
NAWCC (Canada) is a Standing Committee of the NABCI (Canada) Council and is
comprised of 13 members and chaired by the Director General of the Canadian Wildlife
Service. The Council includes the chairpersons of the four Habitat Joint Ventures,
representatives of Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Wildlife
Habitat Canada, Bird Studies Canada, Nature Canada (formerly the Canadian Nature
Federation) and 4 provincial/territorial wildlife directors. Council approves Canadian
NAWCA proposals and recommends their approval to the NAWCC (U.S.).

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DEFINITION OF A WETLANDS CONSERVATION PROJECT
Section 4402(9) of the Act (amended in Dec 2002) states that the term "wetlands
conservation project" means:
(A)

the obtaining of a real property interest in lands or waters, including water
rights of a wetland ecosystem and associated habitat, if the obtaining of such
interest is subject to the terms and conditions that will ensure that the real
property will be administered for the long-term conservation of such lands
and waters and the migratory birds and other fish and wildlife dependent
thereon; and

(B)

the restoration, management, or enhancement of wetland ecosystems and
associated habitat for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife species if
such restoration, management, or enhancement is conducted on lands and
waters that are administered for the long-term conservation of such lands
and waters and the migratory birds and other fish and wildlife dependent
thereon.

In Canada, wetland conservation projects and programs should also:
1.

Contain specific objectives with measurable outputs
(e.g. milestones, products, accomplishments) on at least an annual basis.

2.

Have specific geographic and temporal bounds.
(i.e. define the area affected and the time period required to develop the
project or program).

3.

State whether they are multi-year efforts.
Each annual wetlands
conservation proposal submitted to the Council must be accompanied by
information as to whether it is part of a multi-year effort. Funding of a
single-year portion of a multi-year proposal will assist in securing, but does
not guarantee future funding. Each portion should be submitted annually
and will compete with other proposals for that specific year. Council
recommendations for funding subsequent years of multi-year wetlands
conservation proposals will be partially based on completion of the earlier
proposals within specified time frames.

4.

Conserve wetland values in the long term. Easements or other land
agreements for any tenure less than perpetuity may qualify as long term
project elements if:
a)

they are likely to result in the landowner agreeing to a longer term
conservation agreement at the end of the initial easement or land
agreement;

8

b)

it is likely the landowner will continue the practice encouraged by
the program; or,

c)

it is the maximum that provincial, territorial or federal law will allow
or the area is highly valued and present landowner will not support
long term agreements.

The longest length of agreement should be pursued that is appropriate for the
intended land management practice, however, agreements less than 10
years must be classed as one-time demonstration projects and included
under stewardship activities.
5.

Consider public access in the proposal. When it is appropriate and
compatible with the purposes for which the land was protected, public access
should be allowed and should not be discriminatory (e.g. based on
membership to a club). Limitations on the number of people permitted
access or the time at which access is permitted may be appropriate.

6.

Identify the needs for adequate matching U.S. non-federal funds. A
minimum of a 1:1 non-federal match from U.S. sources is required by the
U.S. Act. The NAWCC (U.S.) will not consider a project which does not
have a U.S. non-federal match, therefore, preliminary work to arrange such a
match should be instigated early in the project development process.

7.

Identify Canadian contributions totalling at least 25% of the total proposal
funding amount.

9

NABCI, NAWMP and NAWCA
The North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) was initiated in 1999 to
facilitate coordination and communications among public and private organizations,
initiatives, and individuals across the continent involved in conserving North American
birds and their habitats (all birds, all habitats). The need for the NABCI stems from
growing conservation needs for many of North America’s more than 1,100 bird species.
Many of their populations continue to decline, some moderately, some precipitously, and
their habitats continue to be degraded or lost.
A key focus of the NABCI is to deliver comprehensive “all bird” conservation through
regionally-based, biologically-driven, landscape-oriented partnerships.
National
coordination occurs through the NABCI Council Canada comprised of federal, provincial
and territorial governments, environmental non-government organizations, and industry
associations. Similar Councils exist in Mexico and United States.
The four pillars of NABCI are the four bird conservation plans – the North American
Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), the Shorebird Conservation Plan, the
Waterbird Conservation Plan and the Partners in Flight Landbird Plan. The NAWMP is
the oldest and most established Plan, having been signed in 1986 by the United States and
Canada, and by Mexico in 1994.
In 1989, NAWCA was enacted to protect, enhance, restore and manage wetland
ecosystems and sustain an abundance of waterfowl and other migratory birds consistent
with the goals of NAWMP.
Following subsequent amendments to the Act, the purpose of the current 2002 Act is to
protect, enhance, restore and manage wetland ecosystems; to maintain and improve
distributions of wetland-associated migratory birds; and to sustain an abundance of
waterfowl and other wetland-associated migratory birds consistent with the goals of
the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation
Plan, North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, and the Partners in Flight
(landbird) Conservation Plan.
How does NABCI and NAWMP relate to your NAWCA proposal?
In October 2004, NAWCC (Canada) agreed that in Canada “future NAWCA funding will
be used with a primary focus on implementing the North American Waterfowl
Management Plan, and with consideration to implementation of the other bird plans
where NAWCA rules permit and respecting the availability of U.S. non-federal matching
funds”.
NAWCA funding CANNOT be used to fund “all bird, all habitat” conservation projects.
NAWCA funding must be used for wetland conservation projects that benefit
waterfowl and other wetland-associated migratory birds.

10

SCHEDULE OF PROPOSAL EVENTS
Proposals will generally only be submitted in January and May to the NAWCC (US). Only
one funding year of a proposal will be considered at a time. Project proposals must be
vetted and evaluated by the Joint Venture Provincial Steering Committees, and
applicable Joint Ventures in Canada, and then submitted to the NABCI/NAWCC
(Canada) Council for approval. Each proposal approved by the NABCI/NAWCC
(Canada) Council will then be submitted for consideration by the NAWCC (U.S.) Staff,
NAWCC (U.S.), and the United States Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC).
The project is only approved once the MBCC has ruled on it. The Commission has three
regularly-scheduled meetings annually. Proposals rejected may be restructured, updated and
resubmitted through the previously described process.
Proposals need to be received by the NAWCC/NAWMP and Wetlands
Secretariat/Coordination Office a minimum of four weeks before the projects are due in the
U.S. The Secretariat reviews each proposal and works with the proposal writer to make any
necessary revisions to the proposals, which generally takes two weeks. Once finalized, the
proposals are submitted to the NABCI/NAWCC Canada Council for review. If any
revisions are requested or if any issues are raised by Council, these need to be resolved the
following week before the proposals are copied, collated and packaged for submission to the
USFWS.
The proposals are reviewed and approved by the NABCI/NAWCC (Canada) Council before
they are forwarded to the U.S. In May and late December or early January, the Secretariat
forwards copies of each proposal and a priority list to the U.S. NAWCC Staff for review.
The U.S. Staff’s slate of recommended proposals is then forwarded to the NAWCC (U.S.),
and proposals selected by NAWCC (U.S.) are then sent to the MBCC for final approval.
The MBCC meets in March, June and September. All applicants will be notified of
NAWCC (U.S.) and MBCC decisions concerning recommendation, approval, and funding
of project proposals.
After the MBCC approves a project for funding, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Program
Officer writes the grant agreements (also known as an assistance award), working directly
with the Canadian project officer identified in each approved proposal. Normally, grant
agreements are completed within 60-90 days following MBCC approval of the proposal.

11

Annual Schedule of Events for Canadian NAWCA Proposals
Funding Window

Time Frame

First Window
(e.g. 20010-1)

Activities
No Canadian Proposals

Second Window
(e.g. 20010-2)

No Canadian Proposals

Early November

Oct – early Nov
Mid to late Nov
Third Window
(e.g. 2010-3)

Early Dec

Early/mid Dec

Late Dec - early Jan

1

The US Fiscal Year is October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010

12

Actual figures received for
NAWCA funding for US FY
2010; call for 2010-3 proposals
sent to Canadian partners
Proposal/project planning with
provincial steering committees
Joint Venture review and approval
of proposals/projects
Proposals submitted to the
NABCI/NAWCC Canada
Secretariat for review
(2 weeks)
NABCI/NAWCC Canada Council
review and approval of proposals
(1 week)
Proposals prepared for submission
to the USFWS (to initiate the
review/approval process by
NAWCC (U.S.))

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
NAWCA FUNDING:
•

Application is for one year of NAWCA funding only. Subsequent funding for the same
proposal requires a separate application.

•

Funding from Canadian partners (cash and/or in-kind) must be at least 25% of the
proposal’s total funding.

•

IMPORTANT: Canadian partner funds, NAWCA grant funds, and U.S. non-federal
match funds allocated to Canada MUST be expended in Canada within the appropriate
Joint Venture(s). The location where all activities will be undertaken must be clearly
indicated in the proposal and executive summary (i.e. provinces within the Joint
Venture).

•

IMPORTANT: Total NAWCA funding outlined in the targets sent out by the
NABCI/NAWCC Canada Secretariat must equal NAWCA funding in the proposals.
Therefore, DO NOT round figures in the Partners and Funding table (amount of
NAWCA and U.S. non-fed match being requested), the Work Plan Budget and
Acres Table or the Budget table2. As per the USFWS “Budgets should match
funding requests, non-federal match, and Canadian contributions reported by grantee
on the front page of the proposal".

PROPOSAL FORMAT:
•

Limit the amount of narrative information in the proposal to the minimum necessary to
convey the requested information (the proposal body cannot exceed 12 pages of text
using 12 point font, not including maps and figures).

•

The proposal will be incorporated as part of the legal grant agreement, so information
provided in the proposal should be accurate. Double check to ensure acreage and
dollar figures add correctly and are consistent between text and tables.

•

All documentation should refer to areas in acres, be written in English, and show
proposed contributions and expenditures in U.S. dollars. The proposal must state in
the executive summary and budget that any currency exchange gains will be directed
back into NAWCA projects/programs within the same Joint Venture, as previously
allowed. Do not convert any U.S. dollars in the proposal to Canadian dollars.

•

In developing project proposals, remember that this project will be reviewed by U.S.
decision makers that may not be familiar with Canadian needs, landscapes, partners and

2

Note that, starting in 2008-1, the Secretariat will be providing numbers for NAWCA funding in round
numbers (to the nearest $100). Writers must not round numbers any further (e.g., to the nearest $1,000);
the same numbers should be used in ALL tables, such that the financial numbers in the Partners and
Funding, Work Plan Budget and Acres, and Budget tables match exactly

13

projects. It is incumbent on the proponent to ensure project proposals are complete,
clear and succinctly written. Each proposal should be able to stand on its own.

PROPOSAL ACTIVITIES:
•

Demonstration projects of one year are permitted, but repeat funding will not be
considered until results of the demonstration are available. These projects are included
under “stewardship” rather than “securement” and acres are not counted.

•

Proposals involving securement other than acquisition must have a minimum term of ten
years.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS:
•

Once approved by the Joint Venture Board, and on or before the date it is due, the
proposal must be e-mailed (including maps/figures/photos) to the NAWCA Program
Coordinator at the Secretariat for review (and cc’d to the appropriate Joint Venture
Coordinator). During this review period, the Program Coordinator will work with the
proposal writer and proponent to finalize the proposal and may request clarification
and/or revisions to the proposal. It is incumbent upon the proponent to ensure the
proposal writer can be reached during the review period (up to two weeks after
the proposals are due at the Secretariat Office) to finalize the proposal with the
Program Coordinator.

•

The total amount of NAWCA funding in each proposal must be matched 1:1 by a U.S.
non-federal source and letters of confirmation (i.e. the “non-fed match letter”) from each
source must be submitted to the USFWS and the Secretariat. An original letter
identifying the source and amount of U.S. non-federal matching funds must be sent to
the NAWCC (U.S.) Council Coordinator (see address below) and a signed copy
sent/faxed to the NAWCA Program Coordinator at the NAWCC/NAWMP and
Wetlands Secretariat/Coordination Office before the proposals are sent to the USFWS.

•

It is the responsibility of the potential grantee to ensure that the USFWS and
Secretariat receive a copy of the US non-federal match letter (i.e. a letter from the US
agency/corporation that confirms its contribution of US non-federal matching funds
for the total amount shown in the proposal) for ALL U.S. agencies/corporations listed
in the Partners and Funding table of the Executive Summary.
Mail original to:

Mr. Mike Johnson, Acting Coordinator
North American Wetlands Conservation Council
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Bird Habitat Conservation
4401 North Fairfax Drive
Mail Stop MBSP-4075
Arlington, VA 22203

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Fax/e-mail a signed copy to:

Erika Van Neste

NAWCC/NAWMP and Wetlands
Secretariat/Coordination Office
Fax: 819 - 934 - 6017
([email protected])

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Exceptions to NAWCA and U.S. non-federal match rules (i.e. exceptions that affect the
Canadian NAWCA program as a whole) must be reviewed and endorsed by NAWCC (Canada)
prior to being negotiated by a grantee or partner with the USFWS. There are several grant
administration exceptions that have been negotiated by grantees directly with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. While it is desirable for Canadian partners to continue negotiating exceptions,
some of these have led to confusion and misunderstanding because they are not well known by
both Canadian or U.S. partners. Any future exceptions to be negotiated with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service that have an impact on the Canadian program as a whole must be
vetted through the appropriate Joint Ventures and NAWCC (Canada) to ensure the
transparency of activities and to ensure that the exception is beneficial to the NAWCA
program in Canada.

15

NAWCA PROPOSAL FORMAT

Please ensure the proposal is paginated correctly. There should be no page number on
the cover page, the executive summary is numbered as page 1 and 2 and the first page
of the proposal body is numbered as page 3. Maps/figures/photos must be the very last
pages of the proposal and should be numbered correctly.
The following are required for each NAWCA proposal:
1. Form SF-424. Please complete a word version of SF-424 and include with the proposal
as a separate document.
2. Application Cover Page (1 page max). Leave the Canadian Proposal Number and the
date blank and do not paginate. Do not include a footer.
3. Executive Summary (2 pages max) numbered as page 1 and 2
4. Proposal Body (12 pages max not including maps/figures). The first page of the
proposal body should be numbered as page 3. The proposal body includes the
following sections:
i. Project/Program Description
ii. Project/Program Expected Benefits
iii. Other Considerations
iv. Work Plan
v. Budget
vi. Appendices
vii. Maps/Figures/Photos

A footer must be included on every page of the proposal (except the cover page) and
should include the following information:
i. Funding Window
ii. Grantee
iii. Proposal Title

16

COMPLETING YOUR NAWCA PROPOSAL

1. FORM SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
Please see the SF-424 package, which includes:
A) Fillable word version of the form with instructions. Please note the following:
Section 8.b: Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN): is always 444444444 for Canadian applicants.
Section 11: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (will remain the same for
all submissions): 15.623
CFDA Title: North American Wetlands Conservation Fund
Section 12: Funding Opportunity number: will be provided by the NAWCC/NAWMP
and Wetlands Secretariat/Coordination Office early each funding window.
Section 18.:Estimated Funding ($):
a. Federal: Include your NAWCA request
b. Applicant: Include U.S. non-federal match
g. Total: Include the sum of a + b

B) SF-424D: Assurances (no filling out is required). It provides certain assurances that
the project will be administered and the work done as required by U.S. laws and
regulations. Of all assurances listed, the following apply to grants awarded to
Canadians: numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, and the first sentence of #3.
C). An example of a completed SF-424

17

2. APPLICATION COVER PAGE
A cover page, as per the template on page 19, must accompany each proposal. It does not
require a page number and must include the following information:

Canada Proposal Number: Leave blank.

DUNS Number: Provide
Proposal Title: Develop a succinct, descriptive, and unique title restricted to the space
provided.

Grantee Information: This is the agency or organization (1) to which the Council would
award the grant, (2) that will be accountable for reporting on and managing the grant, (3)
that will be responsible for compliance with regulatory requirements. A contact person
must be provided including their address, email, phone and fax number.

Proposal Contact: This is the agency, organization or group that will be implementing the
proposal and has complete knowledge of the proposal details. A contact person must be
provided including their address, email, phone and fax number.

Date Submitted: Leave blank (for use by NAWCC/NAWMP and Wetlands
Secretariat/Coordination Office).

18

TEMPLATE FOR THE PROPOSAL APPLICATION COVER PAGE

CANADIAN PROPOSAL NUMBER (leave blank)_____________________________
DUNS NUMBER ____________________________

PROJECT TITLE ________________________________________________________

GRANTEE INFORMATION
ORGANIZATION________________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON _____________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
PHONE NO. ______________________ FAX NO. _____________________________
EMAIL __________________________________________

PROPOSAL CONTACT
ORGANIZATION _______________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON _____________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
PHONE NO. ______________________ FAX NO. ______________________________
EMAIL__________________________________________________
DATE (leave blank)

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3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Executive Summary is a one to two page synopsis of work to be accomplished with
NAWCA grant dollars, U.S. non-federal matching funds and Canadian partner dollars in the
area prescribed in the proposal. It is best to complete this section last, since it is a synopsis
of information provided in the proposal – it should not contain information that is not in
the proposal. It must be able to “stand alone” as the NABCI/NAWCC (Canada) Council,
the NAWCC (U.S.) and the MBCC review only the Executive Summary for funding
approval.
A revised template for the Executive Summary was approved by U.S. NAWCC Staff in
2004 and is provided on pages 21 & 22 – this template must be used when submitting
NAWCA proposals. In addition, the MBCC requires the Executive Summary to be in a
specific format:
•
•
•
•

Left margin is 1 inch; all others are ½ inch.
Times New Roman font
11 or 12 point font
2 page maximum

Notes on the Executive Summary template:
If all of your funding flows through the Grantee, then delete the “Reported by Partner”
and “Total” columns. Do not submit executive summaries with these columns left blank
or filled in with zeros. All applicants, except those with prior approval from the USFWS,
must include and complete the “NAWCA Funds” column in the Work Plan Budget and
Acres Table on the second page of the Executive Summary.
The Partners and Funding table on page one requires certain footnotes. There is a choice of
two options for footnote #3:
If, at the time of proposal writing, your Canadian funding partners and their
contributions are confirmed, then these funds should be incorporated into the entire
proposal (i.e. they fund activities listed in the work plan and are included in the
budget of the proposal). The footnote for these funds should read: “Info will be
reported to the Canadian National Tracking System” as these are partner funds that
do not flow through the Grantee and, therefore, are not reported on by the Grantee.
If, at the time of proposal writing, your Canadian partner funds are not confirmed,
then use the footnote: “See Appendix 1 for details”. These partners and funds should
only be listed in the Partners and Funding table on page 1 of the executive summary.
They should not be included anywhere else in the executive summary or proposal
body. However, as much detail as possible about these partners and funds must be
appended. See example on pages 24-25.

20

TEMPLATE FOR:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL
Title of Proposal (200X-X)
Location: Identify the provinces and Joint Venture(s) where any activities in the proposal will be
undertaken - include Key Program Areas (KPAs) and Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs).
Grantee Organization: Name of Grantee only (no address required here)
Partners and Funding:
Partners

Reported by
Grantee

Reported by
Partner3

Total
U.S. $4

U.S. Partners
U.S. Federal (NAWCA)1
Indicate U.S. Non-Federal2
Sub-total
Canadian Partners

Sub-total
TOTAL
1

Act funds will only be used to pay for activities eligible under OMB circular A122.
May contain contributions from other agencies, channelled through ________.
3
Information will be reported to the Canadian National Tracking System OR See Appendix 1 for details.
4
Any currency exchange gains will be directed back into NAWCA projects/programs in the __JV.
2

Expected Benefits:
Indicate what the benefits are to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The production, moulting, staging and wintering of waterfowl and other wetland-associated
migratory birds;
Other wetland-associated birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, plants, etc
Species at risk;
Wetlands and associated upland habitats;
The conservation of biodiversity;
Water quality (if it relates directly to the project);
Other social and ecological aspects of significance.

Context of this Proposal: See page 23 for an example of this section. This section may include a
description of how the project fits into a larger multi-year program, if applicable, and how it fits into
the Joint Venture five-year plan. It should also describe the science/planning that underpins the
proposal. In addition, indicate how this proposal relates to:
•
•
•
•
•

NAWCA accomplishments to date
New activities and/or partnerships
Previous proposals
Other Joint Ventures (other Canadian or U.S. habitat JVs; species JVs)
NAWMP and/or other bird initiatives

21

Work Plan Budget and Acres (in U.S. dollars)
ACTIVITIES
SECUREMENT
Acquisition
Agreements
Sub-total
ENHANCEMENT
MANAGEMENT
OTHER
FUNCTIONS
TOTAL

Wetland
Acres

Upland
Acres

Total
Acres

NA*

NA*

NA*

Reported
by Grantee

Reported
by Partner

Total
Cost

NAWCA
Funds

Cost
$/Acre

* Acres are not additive as enhancement and management acres have been secured in this and/or previous
proposals.
** New in 2008-1: Please show cost per acre for management, (as well as for securement and
enhancement).
***New in 2008-1: Stewardship should be incorporated within other functions.

Work Plan Details: Do not repeat the acres in this section. Detail the types of activities that will
be undertaken to secure, enhance, and manage land and the types of stewardship activities and
other functions (communications, coordination, policy, evaluation, etc) that will be undertaken.
Securement:
Acquisition: list the type of acquisition activities to be used (fee simple acquisition, land title
donation).
Agreements: list the type of securement agreements (conservation agreements, conservation
easements, covenants, etc) to be used.
Enhancement: list the types of enhancement activities that will be undertaken.
Management: list the types of management activities that will be undertaken.

Other Functions: list ALL other functions, including endowment funds and the types of
stewardship activities that will be undertaken. Identify those activities that will not (cannot) use
NAWCA funds or that must use Canadian funds only.

Public Access: Lands purchased with NAWCA funds are open to the public, subject to
regulations to protect the ecological integrity of the site.

22

EXAMPLE of “Context of this Proposal” Section:
The 2007-3 NAWCA Proposal joins DUC professionals from across the Canadian Prairie/Parkland
and Western Boreal Forest eco-regions in the single task of achieving regional NAWMP waterfowl
goals. These individuals respect and actively support PHJV and provincial NAWMP coordinating
committees that are vital to this achievement. Coordination with the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture is
regularly maintained. This proposal will contribute 52,061 secured acres and enhance 44,483 acres
of wetland and associated upland habitat to DUC’s current PWBR Business Plan and the PHJV
Implementation Plan. National and international waterbird, shorebird and migratory landbird
conservation plans are also now poised for significant advance. This is a multi-year program that
builds on a 17-year commitment by DUC to delivery of wetland conservation programs in Canada’s
Prairie and Parklands, and more recently, the Western Boreal Forest.
New in this proposal is the introduction of a redesigned DUC internal tracking and reporting system.
This system will add to the accountability gains provided by productivity models, permitting clearer
and timelier budgeting, tracking and reporting of deficit reduction progress as well as establish the
role and contribution of stewardship (extension) and policy influence activities. Also new in this
proposal is the elimination of contributions to the Continuing Habitat Project Operation fund.

23

EXAMPLE OF AN APPENDIX
DESCRIBING
UNCONFIRMED CDN PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS

APPENDIX 1: Additional North American Waterfowl Management Plan Activities in
Saskatchewan reported through the NAWMP National Tracking System
Participating Partner

Reported by Partner

Canadian Partners
Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canadian Forest Service
Saskatchewan Environment
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural
Revitalization
TOTAL ADDITIONAL CANADIAN
CONTRIBUTIONS

U.S. $
638,400
1,170,400
53,200
239,400
159,600
$2,261,000

At the time of writing this proposal, specific amounts are not available from Canadian
contributors for amounts reported through the Canadian NAWMP National Tracking
System (NTS). However, based on planning and discussions with partners and past
experiences, it is anticipated that a minimum of $2.261 M additional U.S. dollars would
be contributed by Canadian partners towards the NAWMP program in Saskatchewan
under this proposal.

Federal Government of Canada Contributions
Canadian Wildlife Service
On behalf of all PHJV partners, the Canadian Wildlife Service leads several NAWMP
programs including: population monitoring, habitat monitoring, crop damage
prevention, directed waterfowl studies, endangered species habitat stewardship, avian
botulism, biodiversity research and integrated bird planning.
Long-term studies of ducks conducted by CWS at St. Denis National Wildlife Area have
revealed interesting details about seasonal and annual variation in production of young
females. The first main finding was the tremendous annual variation in numbers of
ducklings recruited to the study area. This “boom and bust” cycle was tied to wetland
conditions but it was not always related to nesting success in the year ducklings hatched.
The second main finding was that recruitment was highly seasonal; ducklings hatching
early in the nesting season had much higher survival than late-hatching ducklings in all
species.

24

Overall, these findings underscore the importance of long-term evaluation of duck
habitat conservation. Investments in the PHJV program are made for long-term rather
than short-term benefits for waterfowl and other wildlife. Therefore it is important that
evaluations include the full range of environmental variation to ensure that our habitat
programs are reviewed in the proper context. CWS is committed to continuing these
types of long-term studies, directly and in partnership with others.
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada – PFRA
The Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial governments are working
with the agriculture and agri-food industry and interested Canadians to develop an
architecture for agricultural policy for the 21st century. A federal “Greencover Canada
Program” is being developed under the Agricultural Policy Framework, which will
include conversion of marginal cultivated lands to perennial cover. This program will
also promote environmental farm planning and best management practices, which should
promote the securement of migratory bird habitat in NAWMP eligible areas.
Government of Saskatchewan Contributions
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has recently been established to ensure that
wetlands are protected within the province. They are stepping up their efforts to
demonstrate to the public the broad benefits of retaining wetlands especially in the agroenvironment. Through programs like integrated watershed planning in NAWMP eligible
areas, DUC will work with SWA to protect and restore wetlands on the Saskatchewan
landscape. This will help DUC achieve its wetland protection and retention goals in
Saskatchewan.
DUC will also work with Saskatchewan Environment in securing waterfowl habitat in
NAWMP eligible areas through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund. This fund was
set up to protect native areas throughout Saskatchewan, which are some of the most
biologically diverse and productive areas for wildlife, especially for migratory birds.

Other Canadian Contributors
Other Canadian contributors include a broad list of partners. One example is the
University of Saskatchewan where DUC is working with them to protect and enhance
migratory bird habitat on First Nations reserves through a GIS and land management
program. Eligible University of Saskatchewan expenditures and those of its many
partners will be tracked in the NTS.

25

4. PROPOSAL BODY
The body of the proposal consists of several sections. It must be succinct and cannot exceed
12 pages of text using 12 point font (not including maps and figures). Please ensure that the
text is not a direct copy from previous proposals. Even if similar landscapes and activities
are being described, text should be revised and fresh. A set of "Guidance Questions for
Proposal Development" are included on page 36 to assist you with writing your proposal.
The proposal body should describe how the activities in the proposal fit into a long-term
wetlands conservation plan (such as the existing five-year JV plans) and programs in the
province.
In addition, the proposal sections (outlined below) must describe the project objectives,
stressing biological and ecological considerations. These sections must include a project
description, outline expected results, examine special considerations, and include a work
plan as discussed below.
SECTIONS OF THE PROPOSAL BODY:
(A) PROJECT/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This section is an introduction to the proposal. It must include the location of the work to
be undertaken, a general description of project/program area, a brief description of the work
to be undertaken (a detailed description will be included in Section D: Work Plan
Details), and a short description of the involvement of agencies participating in the
project/program. All of these, with the exception of the location, will be more fully
described in other sections of the proposal.
The program area where all Canadian, NAWCA and U.S. non-federal match will be spent
must be clearly identified under location in this section (be sure to list all provinces within
the appropriate Joint Venture(s) where work will be conducted). IMPORTANT: Any
NAWCA and U.S. non-federal match funds allocated to Canada MUST be expended
in Canada within the appropriate Joint Venture(s).
Overall, Section (A) should be no more than two pages in length. Do not repeat in great
detail information that will be covered in Section (B) and (D) outlined below.

(B) PROJECT/PROGRAM EXPECTED BENEFITS:
Describe and quantify how the project/program will benefit the breeding, moulting,
wintering and staging of waterfowl and other wetland-associated migratory birds. If
possible, describe and quantify the benefits to other wildlife, fish or plant species, and to the
conservation of biological diversity. In particular, describe the benefits of your proposal to
rare, threatened or endangered species (species assessed as at risk by COSEWIC2 or
2

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

26

provincially-listed species) in Canada and migratory species that are threatened or
endangered in the U.S. You may wish to include other project benefits such as social
benefits (water quality, water quantity, etc), archaeological, historical, or ecological aspects
of significance, especially if directly related to your project.

(C) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
i)

Project/Program Time Frame: Is the current proposal stand-alone or is it one portion of a
multi-year program that has been or may be proposed for funding in successive years
through NAWCA? If the current proposal is one phase of a multi-year program such as a
Joint Venture five-year plan, indicate how this proposal contributes to the multi-year
program objectives.

ii)

Relationship to Joint Ventures, NAWMP and the other bird conservation plans
(waterbird, shorebird, and landbirds): Show the linkages of this project to provincial
plans/programs, habitat and/or species Joint Venture plans/programs and the relevant bird
conservation plans.
EXAMPLE: This project is focused on the top priority areas of the approved Ontario
Implementation Plan that guides EHJV partners in Ontario. Linkages with the BDJV have
been established to integrate recovery efforts for this species. Protection and enhancement
of staging habitats benefit numerous species associated with the PHJV and SDJV. Canada
goose populations associated with the AGJV will also benefit from staging habitat
initiatives. This project also provides benefits to species associated with U.S.-based
initiatives such as the ACJV and PPJV and especially to the Lake St. Clair/Western Lake
Erie watershed proposal in the State of Michigan. Through DUC’s participation in both the
Canadian and Ontario Shorebird Plans, priority actions for shorebird conservation will be
integrated where appropriate.

iii)

Duration of Benefits: Explain how the proposed combination of any securement,
enhancement, or management techniques will conserve habitat values in the long term. Will
any benefits accrue beyond the term of the agreement? Ensure you discuss duration in terms
of both tenure of the agreement and life of the technique to be used.
EXAMPLE: The project objective is to create long-term changes in land use and
permanent wetland protection and conservation. Terms of legal securement vary depending
on specific objectives and techniques. Conservation agreements will provide security that
ranges from 20-30 years on private lands and up to 99 years on provincial Crown land.
Lands designated under the Provincial Parks Act, conservation reserves, fees simple
acquisition and conservation easements will provide protection in perpetuity.

iv)

Land Title and Easement Holder: Specifically describe the proposed title holder and term
of land securement in the following table format. Include the easement holder where
applicable. Title holder should be certain by the time of the proposal. Activity types listed
below are shown as examples only. Refer to the activities listed in your work plan in the

27

executive summary and proposal body. The activities listed in these three areas of the
proposals should all be consistent.

Format of Land Title Holder Table with Example Data:
Activities
Purchase
Conservation Easement
Management Agreement
Conservation Agreement

Title Holder
DUC/NCC
Private Landowner
Private Landowner
Alberta Government

Easement
Holder
n/a
DUC
n/a
n/a

Term
Perpetuity
Perpetuity
10 - 30+ years
50+ years

* New in 2008-1: Include both the Title Holder and the Easement Holder (where applicable)

(D) DETAILED WORK PLAN:
Overall, this section of the proposal should provide narrative information describing what
will be done with the funds shown in the Budget (Section E). Since funding of projects/
programs is approved by the MBCC on a yearly basis, the Work Plan should be selfcontained and describe, in detail, the work to be completed (e.g. securement of land,
enhancement or management work to be conducted) during the project year. The Work
Plan consists of the following four main sections:

1. PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

Describe, in detail, the specific methods that will be used to undertake the projected
activities. Include target wetland acres and target upland acres in each of the categories
except stewardship and other functions. Identify the source(s) and amount of funding
allocated to securement, enhancement, management, stewardship and other functions
in this section (see examples below). Identify those activities that cannot be funded by
NAWCA grant and U.S. non-federal match funds (e.g. policy) and indicate that
Canadian funding will be used to fund these activities (refer to eligibility section on
page 29).
The table format on the following page must be used for this section and must detail the
methods or types of activities that will be undertaken (as outlined in the executive summary
work plan details), effects on the landscape (what is the purpose of doing these activities?),
terms of the agreements, total cost, sources of funding and, where applicable - acres. Be sure
to include all sub-activities under Coordination. THIS IS A KEY SECTION REVIEWED
BY U.S. NAWCC STAFF.
See next page for the table format and examples of information to be supplied.

28

SECUREMENT
Description: The majority of securement funds will be used for fee simple acquisition
METHODS/TYPES OF
ACTIVITIES
Fee Simple Acquisition

EFFECTS
•

AGREEMENT
CONDITIONS
Perpetuity
Purchase at a maximum
of fair market value

Protects key waterfowl habitat based on a
•
stringent set of criteria.
•
• Demonstrates the importance of the area to
the BC government through the contribution
of financial resources by conservation
agencies and facilitates Crown land
designations.
Conservation Agreement
• Protects waterfowl habitat
• 30 year agreement with
landowner
• Enhances habitat for waterfowl and provides
more effective water management for
landowner
• Improves stream flow management
• Restores wetland and intertidal habitats
Cost: $306,000 U.S.
514 acres to be secured
Source: NAWCA, U.S. non-fed, Cdn contributions

STEWARDSHIP
Description: Extension programs are designed to promote sustainable land management on private and Crown
land. The extension process is considered the most likely method to achieve broad scale desired land use change
on farming operations.
AGREEMENT
METHODS/TYPES OF ACTIVITIES
EFFECTS
CONDITIONS
¾ May lead to Woodlot
¾ Woodlot management plans
Alberta Woodlot Extension Program: with
Plan identifying
that retain natural habitat on
partners Woodlot Association of Alberta and
wetlands and could
large scale
Alberta Agriculture, DUC promotes and
form basis of
¾ Wetland protection and
supports voluntary retention of wetlands and
security agreement
restoration potential
associated woodlots by landowners, industry
(in progress)
and the Crown in Boreal transition zone.
¾ Large scale, permanent
¾ 3 to 5 year
Winter Cereals - Core Growers Program:
with producer group partners, DUC selects and
adoption by producers to
agreements
trains leading producers (core growers) as
include winter wheat in their
formalizing core
advocates for winter wheat as a viable
cropping rotation through
grower participation
cropping option
information and demonstration
(in progress)
Cost: $83,800 U.S.
Source: NAWCA, U.S. non-fed, Cdn
contributions

Acres not applicable

29

Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures for Activities in NAWCA Proposals:
The following is a list of major activities included in NAWCA proposals and their eligibility
with respect to NAWCA grant funds, U.S. non-federal match and Canadian contributions.
As of 2005, U.S. non-federal match eligibility is now considered the same as NAWCA
eligibility – if an activity cannot be supported by NAWCA grant funds it cannot be
supported by U.S. non-federal match funds either. Some exceptions have been
negotiated with the USFWS, such as the use of U.S. non-federal match for endowment
funds, and both NAWCA and U.S. non-federal match for evaluation activities as outlined
below.
Funding for all of the following activities includes “direct expenditures” such as those for
materials, equipment or services purchased or contracted to secure, enhance, and manage
habitat including land purchase, lease and management agreement payments. All of the
following activities also include “applied direct expenditures” which include costs for
salaries, benefits, vehicle and office operations, meals and lodging/travel costs for staff
undertaking site securement, habitat enhancement and management. These applied direct
costs are allocated to each individual project on the basis of a daily staff rate that must be
negotiated between the grantee agency and the USFWS.
Securement: NAWCA/U.S. non-fed match/Cdn partner funding eligible. The protection of
wetland and/or upland habitat through land title transfer or binding long-term
conservation agreements with a landowner. Activities that acquire land through title
transfer include crown land transfers, fee simple acquisition, and land donation. Other
land securement methods allow partners to get permission to occupy or carry out specific
activities on land that is owned by someone else. In these cases, title or ownership of the
land does not change hands. These activities include Conservation Agreements,
Conservation Easements, Crown Designations, Lease Agreements, and Cooperative Land
Use Agreement. For land to be considered as secured, signed agreements with landowner
must be a minimum of 10 years duration. The activity is considered stewardship if the term
is less than 10 years.
Enhancement: NAWCA/ U.S. non-fed match/Cdn partner funding eligible. Actions carried
out on secured wetland and/or upland habitats to increase their carrying capacity for
wetland-associated migratory birds and other wildlife. Examples of enhancement
activities include wetland restoration, installation of nesting structures, installation of
water control structures, seeding cropland to perennial cover, and installation of fencing.
Management: NAWCA/ U.S. non-fed match/Cdn partner funding eligible. Activities
conducted on secured wetland and/or upland habitats to manage and maintain their
carrying capacity for wetland-associated migratory birds and other wildlife. Examples of
wetland management activities include water-level manipulation (water draw-downs,
back-floods, control operations and pumping), mechanical and chemical vegetation
control, managed burns, operation and maintenance of nesting structures (e.g., nest
tunnels and boxes) and project inspections, repairs and maintenance. Examples of upland

30

habitat management activities include managed burns, fertilizer application, contract
cutting, maintenance of fencing and signage, and payment of land taxes.

Other Functions: The following are “other function” activities. Do not include target
wetland or upland acres in these other functions. Activities that may be included under
“other functions” are:
Stewardship (Extension and/or Influenced): NAWCA/ U.S. non-fed match/Cdn partner
funding eligible. Extension activities promote the adoption and maintenance of
environmentally sustainable land use practices by landowners, land managers, and
conservation organization (for example a demonstration project). Influenced activities are
direct actions taken by landowners, land managers, or conservation agencies that protect or
enhance wetland or associated upland habitats without legal or binding agreements. These
direct actions result in applied land use changes. Do not include target wetland or upland
acres for extension or influenced stewardship activities as there are no legal or binding
agreements with landowners for a minimum of 10 years duration.
Reconnaissance and Design: NAWCA/U.S. non-fed/Cdn eligible. Biological, agrological
and engineering planning and targeting activities that occur prior to actual program
delivery.
Coordination: NAWCA/U.S. non-fed/Cdn eligible. Includes costs that are associated with
habitat program delivery and staff coordination at provincial, joint venture, national and
international levels. The only indirect expenses that should be included under
coordination and paid for with NAWCA and non-fed match funds are allowable general
head office expenses as outlined in the A-122 circular and which are based upon an
indirect cost rate formula negotiated between the grantee and the U.S. government. Some
examples of these eligible negotiated expenditures are head office accounting costs,
conservation staff and human resource costs as long as their work/use relates to eligible
NAWCA programs.
Communications: Cdn eligible. NAWCA and non-fed match eligible only if the
communications are specific to activities in the proposal (e.g. signs to identify partners
involved in the securement of a parcel of land). If general communications (about the Joint
Venture, NAWMP, NABCI or to broaden partnerships) only Canadians funds can be used.
Government Relations or Policy: Cdn eligible ONLY. The U.S. NAWCC does not allow
NAWCA or non-fed match funds to be used to influence Canadian government policy
(and the A-122 does not allow U.S. government funds to be used to lobby for changes in
federal or state legislation). However, if a pilot or demonstration project will ultimately
lead to a change in government policy but the project is currently only demonstrating a
new technique or tool for wetland conservation, it should be listed as a stewardship
(extension) activity that is eligible to be funded by NAWCA, U.S. non-fed match and/or
Canadian partner dollars. It should describe what the activity currently does and not what
it can potentially do.

31

For example, a pilot or demonstration project that is intended to determine the efficacy of
reducing taxes as a technique to ensure maintenance of natural areas is an eligible
NAWCA and non-fed match funded stewardship (extension) activity. In this example, the
only agreement is the annual application form landowners complete to request the tax
credit. Based on the applications received, a rural municipality is compensated by the
agency undertaking the project at an average rate for natural lands taxation. At this stage,
it is a demonstration project but once completed (i.e. all data has been obtained and
analyzed) representations to convince targeted municipalities and the provincial
government to establish a program that is based on tax credits and paid for by all
provincial tax payers are policy expenditures. Once it becomes a policy expenditure, it is
eligible for funding by Canadian dollars only.
Endowment Fund: Cdn and U.S. non-fed match funds ONLY can be used for the
management of secured lands in the future. Endowment funds are shown as “Other
Functions” in both the executive summary and the full proposal.
Evaluation (Assessment): Cdn/U.S. non-fed match/NAWCA eligible. However, for
evaluation activities such as the PHJV Assessment to be U.S. non-fed match and NAWCA
eligible they must support the review of progress toward NAWCA project objectives and
NAWMP goals. These activities must evaluate the effects of the NAWCA program and
have broad application throughout the Joint Venture or beyond. A description of how this
proposed component fits into both the Joint Venture approved evaluation/assessment plan
and the NAWCA project must also be included. Project-directed studies are also
evaluation activities eligible for Cdn/U.S. non-fed match/NAWCA funding as long as they
are assessing the results of activities done under a NAWCA project and included as part
of the NAWCA proposal. They may have broader implications for other NAWCA
projects but not on the program scale of a JV assessment. All evaluation/assessment
activities must be an integral part of the NAWCA project, not stand-alone
assessments or evaluation efforts.
Monitoring: Monitoring activities such as the CWS breeding and staging surveys are
ONLY Canadian eligible and while they can be included as a Canadian contribution to
the proposal it must be clearly indicated that only Canadian funds are being used for this
activity.

Activities that CANNOT use NAWCA, U.S. non-federal, or Canadian contributions
and MUST NOT be included in Canadian NAWCA proposals are:
•

Mitigation: Canadian funds, NAWCA funds and U.S. non-federal match funds
cannot be involved in any aspect of a wetland mitigation project.

•

Predator Management: Canadian funds, NAWCA and US Non-federal match funds
cannot be used for predator management.

32

DETAILED WORKPLAN CONTINUED
2. PROJECT SCHEDULE: Provide a schedule illustrating the project's objectives and

roughly the periods in which these objectives are to be accomplished (see example on next
page). Make this calendar relative to the project's start-up time, not a specific date, since it
is unknown when the grant agreement will be consummated. Two examples of project
schedule formats are:

Example 1:
Activity

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

(Jan-March)

(April-June)

(July-Sept)

Uplands
Securement
Enhancement
Management
Wetlands
Securement
Enhancement
Management
Other Activities

4th
Quarter
(Oct-Dec)

<------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
<------------------------------------------>
<------------------------------------------>
<------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
<------------------------------------------>
<------------------------------------------>
<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Example 2:
Activity
Securement
Enhancement
Management
Recon/Design
Communications
Evaluation

1st Quarter
(Jan-March)
X
X
X
X

2nd Quarter
(April-June)
X
X
X
X
X
X

3rd Quarter
(July-Sept)
X
X
X
X
X
X

4th Quarter
(Oct-Dec)
X
X
X
X
X

3. PROJECT MONITORING: Describe the plan for ensuring that activities identified in the

project will be implemented. Indicate here that you will provide annual reports to the
USFWS that outline progress in achieving proposal acreage, goals and expenditures. See
page 37 for a detailed description of what is required in the USFWS annual reports.
4. PROJECT PARNTERS AND PARTNER RESPONSIBILITIES: This section must contain

a list of all partners and must also include a description of partner responsibilities (i.e. those
partners that will carry out the activities identified in the project work plan).

33

(E) BUDGET:
The budget table must be completed in U.S. dollars and contain, at a minimum, the
information outlined in the sample attached (note that some projects may be required to send
a much more detailed budget).
Partners are defined as U.S. federal and U.S. non-federal groups, and Canadian federal,
provincial/territorial, and private or non-government groups. U.S. federal agencies can be
partners, but the money contributed by a U.S. federal agency does not count as part of the
matching funds necessary to qualify for funding under the Act. Contributions by Canadian
partners can be cash funding or in-kind. Identify the U.S. non-federal matching partner
agency or organization and their level of commitment in dollars.
The budget on the following page is an example of a completed budget. As with the
Executive Summary tables, if all funds in the proposal flow through the Grantee, then
deleted the “Reported by Partner” and “Total $” columns in the Budget table. Be sure to
identify who the U.S. non-fed match source is in the Contributions table and list all funding
partners.
The activities listed under “Other Functions” are examples; list activities from your proposal
only (including stewardship if applicable) and identify those activities that do not use
NAWCA dollars.
Be sure to include the clause “Any currency exchange gains will be directed back into
NAWCA projects/programs in the __JV” as indicated in the example budget on the next
page. Fill in the appropriate Joint Venture.

34

(E) BUDGET
A. CONTRIBUTIONS (in U.S. Dollars). Any currency exchange gains will be directed back
into NAWCA projects/programs in the __JV.
$ Reported
by Grantee

Partners
U.S. Federal:
North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant Funds
U.S. Non-Federal:
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Canadian Partners:
Government of Canada - Environment Canada
Government of Nova Scotia
Wildlife Habitat Canada
Canadian Nature Federation

$ Reported
by Partner

Total
$

217,000

0

217,000

217,000

0

217,000

12,000
0
0
0

14,000
73,000
30,000
5,000

26,000
73,000
30,000
5,000

Town of Clarks Harbour

0

1,000

1,000

Municipality of Barrington

0

2,000

2,000

Piping Plover Guardians
Livestock Producers

0
0

1,000
5,000

1,000
5,000

$446,000

$131,000

$577,000

TOTAL

B. EXPENDITURES (U.S. Dollars)

Securement
Habitat
Activities

Reported
by
Grantee

Reported
by
Partner

Enhancement
Acres

Reported
by
Grantee

Reported
by
Partner

Management
Acres

Reported
by
Grantee

Reported
by
Partner

Acres

WETLANDS

$11,000

$10,000

20

$113,000

$18,000

162

$ 38,000

$0

32

UPLANDS

$11,000

$29,000

25

$ 36,000

$ 9,000

187

$113,000

$13,000

117

Sub-Total

$22,000

$39,000

45

$149,000

$27,000

349

$151,000

$13,000

149

Other
Functions

Reported by
Grantee

Reported by
Partner

Endowment Fund*

$48,000

$0

Extension (stewardship)

$28,000

$6,000

Coordination
Policy **
Evaluation
Communications
Sub-Total

$48,000
$0
$0
$0
$124,000

$25,000
$10,000
$10,000
$ 1,000
$ 52,000

PROPOSAL TOTAL

$446,000

$ 131,000

* This activity does not use NAWCA grant funds.
** This activity uses Canadian funds only.

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(F) MAPS AND PHOTOS
Provide a map(s) of the general area (e.g. rural municipalities/landscapes) where work will be
concentrated. If appropriate, maps should be at the landscape level. It is recognized that, in
some cases, only a general regional scale map will be appropriate for projects that involve a
range of small sites in a large geographic area. If it is possible, identify specific areas and
locations where activities in the proposal will be undertaken.
The map should be of readable quality on letter size paper (8½ x 11½ inch), with an inch margin
on the left, showing general project/program boundaries and be printed in colour. Each map
must have the name of the province(s), project title, grantee name and funding window included
on it.
It is highly advisable to include photos in addition to the required map, particularly of sample
projects or landscapes. Please include a detailed caption for each photo. If photos are of a plant
or animal species be sure to identify the species with its common name.
All maps/photos/figures submitted with the proposal will be reviewed by U.S. NAWCC
Staff, but a maximum of 2 pages of maps only will be forwarded with the Executive
Summary to the NAWCC (U.S.) and the MBCC for review.
For Joint Venture-level proposals, landscape-level maps of the program area must be
coordinated by the agency before being submitted to the Secretariat to ensure maps for each
province/region contain similar information and each area is appropriately represented (e.g.
one map per province/region).
ALL MAPS/FIGURES/PHOTOS MUST BE THE VERY LAST PAGES OF THE
PROPOSAL (after the budget page and all appendices) and paginated correctly.

36

GENERAL NAWCA GRANT AGREEMENT INFORMATION
Prepared by Sarah Mott, NAWCA Grants Administrator, USFWS
Current grant agreement or assistance award consists of a one- or two-page document with
the name of the project, the grantee and USFWS project officers, the financial information,
the project purpose, and a list of referenced documents and regulations. Your proposal and its
budget are incorporated by reference, as are the grant guidelines and certifications for
Canadian recipients. Older agreements generally include the same information, but in a
different format.
DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) Number: Each grant recipient must have a
DUNS number, which may be obtained from Dun and Bradstreet at 1.866.705.5711 on
weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST/EDT. It is also possible to obtain a DUNS
number via Internet; however, it may take several weeks to process the request
(http:\\dnb.com). The DUNS number must be associated with the office from which billing
will take place and the address registered in Dun & Bradstreet should be the same as the
Grant Recipient organization address. If the DUNS number/billing address is different than
the Project Officer address, please tell your USFWS Program Officer.
SMARTLINK: SMARTLINK is the system by which the USFWS allocates funds to
grantees. Grant recipients must establish a SMARTLINK account to access NAWCA funds.
If you have an existing Smartlink account established with the USFWS, you must confirm
that you 1) would like to have the new award funds deposited in the existing account and 2)
all existing banking information is valid. This information must be verified and/or updated
for each submission window. Send an email message to [email protected] and
provide your Smartlink Payee Account Number, organization name and the project title of the
new award. For detailed instructions on establishing a Smartlink account and updating an
existing one, visit the Smartlink website at:
http://birdhabitat.fws.gov/smartlink/SMARTLINK.htm.
Remember, your agreement cannot be written until you complete and submit the
completed SMARTLINK forms or provide confirmation that you will use an existing
Smartlink account.
Unilateral Grant Agreements: The assistance award does not require the signature of the
grant recipient. The agreement is considered executed on the date it is signed by the Chief of
the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, USFWS. If you are unwilling or unable to accept
the assistance award as issued, you must contact the USFWS Program Officer about your
concerns within 10 days of your receipt of this agreement. If you do not notify the Program
Officer, we assume that you have accepted the agreement and agreed to its requirements and
conditions.
Modifications to the 2003 DUC agreements and to older assistance awards must be processed
by the USFWS Division of Contracting and Facilities Management. Consequently, those

37

modifications are not unilateral. The grantee’s signature is required prior to execution by
USFWS.
Annual and Final Reports: An annual report is due within 90 days of the end of each project
year (the anniversary date of when USFWS signed the assistance award). Annual reports must
describe progress toward stated habitat objectives, other activities, expenditures to date
(including NAWCA grant and U.S. non-federal match funds) and any problems encountered.
Prior approval from the USFWS Program Officer is required before proposal objectives can be
modified. A final report is due to the USFWS Program Officer within 90 days of the end of the
project period.
Both annual and final performance reports must include:
•
•
•

a comparison of actual accomplishments with proposed project objectives for the period
covered and explanation of any differences;
an SF269 (long version) financial statement. Documentation of the expenditure of U.S.
non-Federal dollars must be at least equal to those funds identified as U.S. non-Federal
dollars in the project budget prior to final payment of U.S. Federal dollars.
Documentation of real property acquisition, as required by the guidelines of your
agreement and described below.

The final performance report must also include:
•
•

a comparison of each partner’s proposed matching commitments with the amounts
actually contributed;
map(s) [U.S. Geological Survey 7½ minute topographic] indicating the boundaries of all
interests in real property that the recipient, subrecipient, or match provider has purchased,
restored, enhanced, or created with NAWCA funding or matching dollars.

Additionally, the following information must be provided as described:
•

•

On January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year, whether or not any cash
transactions occurred, the grantee must send the Report of Federal Cash Transactions
(Standard Form 272) through the PSC-272, the electronic method of submitting this
report through SMARTLINK.
If the grantee or a match provider (a) acquires an interest in real property with NAWCA
funding, (b) seeks reimbursement with NAWCA funding for such acquisition, or (c)
acquires the real property with matching funds, the Recipient must send the USFWS
Program Officer the following documentation with the first report (annual or final) due
after the acquisition: a copy of the summary and signature pages of the appraisal, a copy
of the recorded deed or other instrument conveying title to all interests in real property
purchased with grant or matching funds, and a closing, settlement, or adjustment
statement showing a written breakdown of the costs involved in the purchase of an
interest in real property.

38

APPENDIX 1
GUIDANCE QUESTIONS FOR PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
This section is an edited version of the Technical Assessment Questions from the United
States Standard Grant Proposal 2005 Proposal Outline document. These questions are
used in the U.S. to score U.S. NAWCA proposals, they are not used to score or review
Canadian proposals. They are only included here to provide some guidance on the type of
information that may be included in Canadian proposals. Questions not relevant to the
Canadian program have been deleted or amended.

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION 1: How does the proposal contribute to the
conservation of waterfowl habitat?
High Priority Species: tule greater white-fronted goose, dusky Canada goose, cackling
Canada goose, southern James Bay Canada goose, northern pintail, mottled duck, American
black duck, mallard, lesser scaup, greater scaup (NOTE that these species change annually).
•
•

•
•

How proposal will aid in meeting objectives of waterfowl conservation plans.
How many individuals/pairs will use the proposal area and for what life cycle
stage and whether this is an improvement in population numbers over the current
situation.
How proposal will impact species and improve habitat quality (describe beforeand after-proposal environment).
Explain what procedure will be used to ensure that high quality habitat is targeted.

Other Priority Species: Pacific greater white-fronted goose, Wrangel Island snow goose,
Atlantic brant, Pacific brant, wood duck, redhead, canvasback, ring-necked duck, common
eider, American wigeon
•
•

•
•

How proposal will aid in meeting objectives of waterfowl conservation plans.
How many individuals/pairs will use the proposal area and for what life cycle
stage and whether this is an improvement in population numbers over the current
situation.
How proposal will impact species and improve habitat quality (describe beforeand after-proposal environment).
Explain what procedure will be used to ensure that high quality habitat is
targeted).

39

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION 2: How does the proposal contribute to the
conservation of other wetland-associated migratory birds?
Bird Conservation Regions and Priority Birds:
•

How the proposed activities will aid in meeting habitat conservation objectives of
migratory bird conservation plans.

•

Whether the project area will be used as breeding, migrating, and/or wintering
habitat.
Explain what procedure will be used to ensure that high quality habitat is targeted.

•

Other wetland-dependant birds:
•

Impact of the proposal on each species or group of species; how the proposal will
aid in meeting objectives of migratory bird conservation plans; whether the
proposal area will be used as breeding, migrating, and/or wintering habitat; and
importance of each tract or logical groupings of tracts shown on maps in the
proposal to the species).

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION 3: How does the proposal location relate to
the geographic priority wetlands described by the North American Waterfowl
Management Plan, the North American Landbird Conservation Plan, the Canadian
Shorebird Conservation Plan, the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan
and/or Canada’s Waterbird Conservation Plan (or provincial plans where they exist)?
Describe:
•

•

National Priority Wetland Areas: succinctly describe how the proposed grant and
match activities will aid in meeting the national/continental priority wetland
habitat conservation objectives of migratory bird conservation plans.
Regional important wetland areas: succinctly describe how the proposed grant and
match activities will aid in meeting regionally important wetland habitat
conservation objectives based on Joint Venture science and planning information.

40

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION 4: How does the proposal contribute to longterm conservation of wetlands and associated uplands?
•

Significance of the proposed work to long-term wetlands conservation in terms of 1)
threats to wetlands values (address acquisition of water rights, if applicable); 2)
conservation or management of larger wetland areas; and 3) objectives of wetlands
conservation plans.
Justification for modifying existing wetlands from one type to another.
For proposed restoration and enhancement activities, how long results will last and
when maintenance or additional work will be needed.
Reliability and success of proposed vegetation control techniques.
Summary of the long-term conservation and management plan for the proposal area.
How easement restrictions and reserved rights serve to ensure long-term wetland
conservation and health.

•
•
•
•
•

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION 5: How does the proposal contribute to the
conservation of habitat for Federally-listed/proposed species at risk; provincially
listed/proposed species; and other wetland-dependent fish and wildlife?
Federally (COSEWIC) listed species:
•

•
•
•

How many individuals/pairs will use the proposal area and for what life cycle stage
and whether this is an improvement in population numbers over the current
situation.
How proposal will improve habitat quality (describe the before- and after-proposal
environment).
Whether proposed actions and proposal area are identified in a recovery plan or
other species plan.
Explain what procedure will be used to ensure that high quality habitat is targeted.

Provincially listed species (not included above):
•

How many individuals/pairs will use the proposal area and for what life cycle stage
and whether this is an improvement in population numbers over the current
situation.

Provincially listed species (not included above) continued:
•
•
•
•
•

How proposal will improve habitat quality.
Whether proposed actions and proposal area are identified in a recovery plan or
other species plan.
Whether the completed proposal will relieve the need for any special protective
status for the species.
Explain what procedure will be used to ensure that high quality habitat is targeted.
Benefits to other wetland-dependent fish and wildlife species.

41

NAWCA FUNDING PROGRAM - CONTACTS

Canadian NAWCA Proposals:
NAWCA Program Coordinator
NAWCC/NAWMP and Wetlands Secretariat/Coordination Office
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
th
7 Floor, Place Vincent Massey
351 St. Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Québec
K1A 0H3
(for couriered packages use postal code J8Y 3Z5)
Phone: 819-994-0512
Fax: 819-934-6017
Email: [email protected]

Canadian NAWCA Grant Agreements:
Canadian Grants Administrator
Division of Bird Habitat Conservation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive
MBSP 4075
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 703-358-2463
Fax: 703-358-2282
Email: [email protected]

42