Stream Partners Grants Available to Improve Local Waterways

The West Virginia Stream Partners Program is accepting grant applications from community groups interested in improving local stream health.

More than $70,000 is available this year through West Virginia’s Stream Partners Program.  Community-based watershed associations wishing to implement a watershed improvement project may apply for up to $5,000. The deadline to apply for grants is April 15, 2011.

According to Stream Partners Program Coordinator Jennifer Pauer, volunteers have used funding in the past for everything from creating fish habitat by planting trees along stream banks, to developing trout in classroom programs at local schools.

“Watershed associations manage to make a big difference in their communities with their Stream Partners funds,” Pauer said. “The money and expertise that the program provides help serve as a catalyst for volunteers to become a part of the solution and make a difference in local water quality.”

Pauer said the Stream Partners Program is a unique multi- agency program that provides technical resources to watershed associations. The partner agencies are West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Forestry, Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Conservation Agency. 

“If any group or citizen would like to get involved in watershed protection, Stream Partners also offers assistance through four regional basin coordinators,” Pauer said. “Basin coordinators have the expertise to assist citizens with watershed planning, project development, grant writing, partnership building and community education.”

For more information on the Stream Partners Program call

(800) 654-5227 or e-mail Pauer at Jennifer.Pauer@wv.gov.

For online application questions, grant cover sheet and grant writing tips visit http://www.wvca.us/stream.cfm.