Epa Releases $15 Million For Nation ‘S Watersheds
To support community-driven initiatives that protect habitat, improve water quality, and enhance outdoor recreation, the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) has released nearly $15 million in grants to 20 watershed organizations selected as part of a new Watershed Initiative.
“The Watershed Initiative builds on the energy, commitment, in-depth knowledge of local problems, and enthusiasm of citizen-driven efforts,” said EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Water, G. Tracy Mehan III. “These Watershed Initiative grants will help tackle some of the nation’s most pernicious water quality problems–problems such as habitat loss and alteration, nutrient enrichment, pathogens, and invasive species, all of which continue to harm watersheds nationwide.”
The winning watersheds cover more than 90,000 square miles of the nation’s lakes, rivers and streams. The watersheds reside in urban and rural areas, encompass agricultural land, and are often threatened by suburban sprawl.
Funds will go toward restoration and protection projects, such as stream stabilization and habitat enhancement, implementing agricultural best management practices, and working with local governments and homeowners to promote sustainable practices and strategies.
Regional and national experts selected the winners from a highly competitive field of more than 176 nominations. The winners were chosen for demonstrating the ability to achieve on-the-ground environmental results in a short time frame.The grants range from $300,000 to $1 million. Each of the watershed organizations exhibited strong partnerships with a wide variety of support, showed innovation, and demonstrated compatibility with existing governmental programs.
The 20 winning watersheds include:
— Meduxnekeag River, Maine
— Narragansett Bay, R.I., Mass.
— Charles River, Mass.
— Raritan River, N.J.
— Susquehanna Headwaters, N.Y., Pa.
— Christina River, Pa., Del.
— Dunkard Creek, Pa., W.Va.
— Upper Tennessee River, Va., Tenn., N.C.
— Cumberland River, Tenn., Ky.
— Great Miami River, Ohio
— Greater Blue Earth Watershed, Minn., Iowa
— Manistee River, Mich.
— Rio Puerco Watershed, N.M.
— Bayou Bartholomew, Ark.
— Rathbun Lake, Iowa
— Upper White Watershed, Ark., Mo.
— Clark Fork-Pend Oreille, Mont., Idaho, Wash.
— Upper South Platte, Colo.
— Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
— Lower Columbia River Ore., Wash.
