The Coral Reef and Natural Resources (CRNR) Initiative is open for applications from the U.S. Insular Areas, according to Doug Domenech, U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs.
The goal of the CRNR Initiative is to improve the health of coral reef ecosystems and other natural resources in the U.S. insular areas for their long-term economic and social benefit. Priority will be given to projects that help the insular areas address threats to coral reef ecosystems and eradicate aquatic and terrestrial plant, insect, and animal invasive species.
“Acting Secretary Bernhardt and I are committed to protecting the natural resources of the insular areas in line with the mission of the department,” said Domenech. “We have prioritized the eradication of invasive species, fulfilling requirements under S.47, the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act, signed yesterday by President Donald J. Trump.
This bipartisan public lands bill requires federal agencies to protect water, oceans, coasts and wildlife from invasive species and to achieve an annual net reduction in invasive species, by reducing either their populations or their areas of infestation.”
Applications for 2019 funding are encouraged. Applications from insular government entities, educational institutions or non-profit organizations that have grant proposals that directly benefit the four U.S. territories or three freely associated states, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 will be considered.
The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2019. Visit www.grants.gov and use CFDA No. 15.875.