Request for Proposals A (RFP-A) FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

(GLRI)
Program Area Approximate Funding $ 225,000 GLRI Area of Concern Wildlife Protection and Habitat Restoration Invasive Species Toxic Substances

1. Restore Urban and Community Forests - Utilize existing

management plans and tree cover assessment tools to target tree planting activities to improve ecosystem and stream health, and restore wildlife habitat Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) - Forest Habitat Restoration in areas impacted by EAB Reduce Toxic Substances in Brownfield Sites - Utilize the planting of trees and vegetation to take up or trap contaminants and reduce storm-water runoff

2. 3.

$1,360,000 $1,800,000

Background The FY 2011 Federal Budget provides a $300 million earmark for an interagency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) which will target the most significant Great Lakes environmental problems in the region in five main areas of concern: toxic substances; invasive species; near shore health and nonpoint source pollution; wildlife protection, habitat and restoration; and accountability, monitoring, evaluation, communication and partnerships. Purpose The Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (NA S&PF) unit of the USDA Forest Service has received $3,605,000 of this GLRI funding to fund projects through grants or other agreements that target three of the five main areas of concern. This RFP (A) relates to Program Areas 1-3; see RFP-B for Program Area 4 (Payments for Ecosystem Services). Eligibility In FY 2011, only State Forestry Agencies and Tribes in the Great Lakes States (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York) will be eligible to submit or authorize proposals (pass-through direct to partners) for consideration within the Great Lakes watershed under this competition. Other State agencies, non-profit organizations, and municipalities within the Great Lakes Watershed in the United States are encouraged to work through the State Forestry agencies or tribal administrators to develop and submit proposals. The Great Lakes Watershed (GLW) is defined as those areas within the United States draining into either: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, or Lake Ontario or draining into the St. Lawrence River west of where the International Boundary line leaves the River. A map of the watershed including counties with lands in the watershed is attached. Although no match is required, the ability to leverage funds will be an important consideration when proposals are reviewed. State Forestry Agencies and local governments that cannot utilize additional federal funding are encouraged to explore partnerships with third party, non-profit organizations to deliver this program of work. RFP-A Page 1 of 14

To assist in development of successful proposals, it is recommended that applicants review authorities within the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (CFDA 10.675) listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance webpage: http://www.federalgrantswire.com/urban-and-community-forestry-program.html. Projects located in counties wholly within the GLW will receive priority; projects from counties partially within the GLW will be required to leverage matching funding for any and all program coverage that falls outside of the GLW region. Requirements and Evaluation Criteria Minimum Requirements 1) All proposals must lie entirely within the GLW. 2) Proposals must address the appropriate GLRI Area of Concern (see table, page 1) and indicate linkage to Great Lakes Multi-Year Restoration Action Plan, Great Lakes Regional Collaborative Strategy and/or Statewide Forest Resource Strategies (see http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/glri/ and http://glrc.us/strategy.html). 3) All funds must be used directly for projects leading to the protection, maintenance or restoration of the chemical, biological or physical integrity of the GLW in the United States. The GLW is defined as those areas within the United States draining into either: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, or Lake Ontario or draining into the St. Lawrence River west of where the International Boundary line leaves the river. 4) Proposals must exhibit capacity to succeed in the time proposed (two years from date of award), including a reasonable balance between administration, technical assistance, and on-site investments. 5) Activities described in EAB Forest Habitat Restoration proposals must be implemented in EAB quarantined counties (see Map in Appendix C). 6) The planting of trees and other plant material must be based on a landscape plan that includes specifications for plant selection, planting and maintenance. Plant material must meet the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1). Tree planting and maintenance should also follow the standards described in Principals and Practices for Planting Trees and Shrubs, International Society of Arboriculture. 7) Proposals may occur on any combination of non-federal land ownerships. Evaluation Criteria (Relative Weight) Addresses water quality and/or wildlife habitat issues for the Great Lakes or watersheds draining into the Great Lakes (40%) to include results that lead to the protection, maintenance or restoration of the chemical, biological or physical integrity of the Great Lakes watershed. Address priority landscapes (30%) as detailed in Statewide Forest Resource Strategies or other existing plans or strategies with clear connections to water quality or wildlife habitat concerns. Measurable results/outcomes expected (30%) to include specific units of work accomplished (acres treated, acres protected, trees planted) measured and reported, as a part of the project; and shall include evaluation of effectiveness in support of technology transfer opportunities. See: Program Area Information section under outcomes. Although no match is required, projects should leverage State, local and private funding and other contributions (in-kind services) from both Federal and non-Federal entities. RFP-A Page 2 of 14

The project application needs to clearly identify the requested funds and any associated cost-share contributions. Proposals which leverage other funds will receive stronger consideration. More information for each program area can be found in the Program Area Information section below. Grant Funding, Timeline and Submission Instructions Proposals should be submitted separately under each of the three listed Program Areas. Project sizes in each Program area are set at a minimum (federal share) of $30,000 and not to exceed $100,000 for Restore Urban and Community Forests and $50,000 not to exceed $500,000 for Reducing Toxic Substances in Brownfield Sites and EAB Forest Habitat Restoration. Projects can be consolidated with other federal funds, but activities and accomplishments must be tracked and reported separately. Funds to be passed through to third party recipients must be clearly identified: name of organization, contact information and funding amount. The work responsibilities or sub-grant objectives of third party recipients must be clearly described in the project proposal. All proposals must be signed by and submitted through the State Forester or respective Tribal Administrator. GLRI requirements will include quarterly reports due on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year with a final report due upon project completion. Awardees will be required to comply with all Federal laws and regulations related to the completion of projects as stated in the Letter of Award. If you have any questions regarding the types of projects or components that can be considered, please contact your Field Office Representative: Barbara Tormoehlen - St. Paul, MN, at (651) 649-5276, or btormoehlen@fs.fed.us; Bob Lueckel - Morgantown, WV at (304) 285-1540 or rlueckel@fs.fed.us; and Terry Miller - Durham, NH at (603) 868-7694 or twmiller@fs.fed.us. Additional information can also be obtained from Steven Davis at (610) 557-4151 or stevendavis@fs.fed.us, or Phillip Rodbell (610) 577-4133- or prodbell@fs.fed.us. Application instructions are attached. Please submit your proposals to na_glri_rfp@fs.fed.us (na_glri_rfp@fs.fed.us) in electronic form, no later than close of business on July 15, 2011. The interagency GLRI Review Team will complete the review of proposals, developing a recommended list of projects by August 15, 2011. The recommended list of proposals will be submitted to the Area Director NA S&PF and to NAASF for final review and approval. The recommended list of projects will be used by the NA to facilitate the distribution of the FY 2011 GLRI funding.

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Program Area Information FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)

Program Area: Restore Urban and Community Forests Funds will be targeted to tree planting or maintenance tiered to implementation of existing assessments, management plans, and monitoring protocols. Assessment tools include, but are not limited to, i-Tree Eco, i-Tree Streets, Urban Tree Canopy Assessment, Hazard Tree Risk Assessment, Invasive Plant Best Management Practices, and Urban Forest Health Monitoring protocols. Visit the following websites for additional information: www.Forestsforwatersheds.org; www.itreetools.org. Outcome: Take action on existing urban forest assessments and management plans that guide the strategic restoration of urban and community forests, and protection of wildlife habitat, urban ecosystems and stream health in the GLW. Outputs: Examples include number (or acres) of trees planted or maintained and wildlife populations or acres of habitat improved. Program Area: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Forest Habitat Restoration GLRI funds for this program area can be used for EAB Forest Habitat Restoration (new trees) for communities in counties affected by EAB (quarantine counties). Outcome: Reduce EAB-induced impacts in high-value areas and unique ecosystems by implementing management strategies to restore trees and forest habitat that focus on replanting non-EAB host trees and removing and destroying infested (live, dying or declining) ash trees and high risk uninfested ash trees in urban and community areas. Restore diverse, functional and healthy urban tree canopy cover where trees have been killed by EAB and removed on non-federal lands in urban or community areas to protect or improve wildlife habitat, urban ecosystems and stream health. Output: Number of new trees planted, acres of forest habitat improved. Program Area: Reduce Toxic Substances in Brownfield Sites Funds would be utilized to address contaminants and toxic substances in Brownfield sites through the restoration of green infrastructure and the planting of trees and vegetation to take up or trap contaminants and reduce storm-water runoff. Focus on protecting water quality downstream. Outcome: Contaminants and toxic substances in targeted Brownfields would be reduced or eliminated, storm-water runoff would be reduced and Brownfield sites reused by communities. Output: Number of trees and plants planted, acres of Brownfields treated, type and amount of contaminant levels of toxic substances removed or reduced, amount of storm-water runoff reduced and improved use of or value of restored Brownfield sites to the community. RFP-A Page 4 of 14

Application Instructions FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
Project Applicant: Identify the entity responsible for conducting the fiscal and performance accountability of the project. The project applicant in most cases will be the grant award recipient. Provide appropriate title for future reference to the project. This must be the same title used on the Application for Federal Financial Assistance. Proposals should identify the watershed(s), community (ies), counties, congressional districts or other appropriate geographic area(s) to which project activities will be targeted. As appropriate, projects should indicate if counties are EAB quarantined or not. Identify the GLRI Program Area your proposal addresses. Provide the name(s) and contact information (address, phone, fax, email) of the grant administrator and the state staff member who will serve as principal contact(s) for the project.

Project Title: Project Location:

Program Area(s): Project Lead:

Funding requested: Applicant must identify amount of federal funds being requested. Recipient of funds: Identify recipient(s) of federal funds (name, address, phone, email, and fax). Third party pass through recipients, funding amount (best estimate) and mix of funds must be identified (Third Party need not be explicitly named if currently unknown). Project Duration: Abstract: Scope of Work: Partners: Projected starting and ending dates, not to exceed two (2) years from date of award. A short (200-400 word) summary of the project that describes the project scope, expected accomplishments, and benefits. Provide a detailed narrative (3 pages maximum) that addresses each of the evaluation criteria. List and/or describe any significant partners who will be involved and their level of commitment and the objectives/outcomes for which they will be responsible. Do not list partners who will not have a material involvement in the project. Attach letters of support, as appropriate. Provide a brief, approximate schedule showing intermediate steps and major milestones. Please indicate if a specific start date is critical. Project time line is not to exceed two (2) years from the date of award. Provide a proposed budget using the template provided in the application. Show primary budgeted activities and matching funds (if any). Although no match or leveraging is required, consideration will be given to the extent of leveraging commensurate with the extent and the quality of the outcome i.e., leveraged projects may be able to produce larger and more quality outcomes, so such project proposals will receive priority consideration. Leveraged non-federal contributions can funding, staff time, work performed, materials and services donated, etc. Recipients may choose to provide grant funds to other local groups /partners to assist in project accomplishment. RFP-A Page 5 of 14

Time line:

Budget:

Application Form FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
Project Applicant: Project Title: Project Location: GLRI Program Area: (check one) 1. Restore Urban and Community Forests (GLRI Area of Concern - Wildlife Protection and Habitat Restoration) 2. Emerald Ash Borer (GLRI Area of Concern Invasive Species) 3. Reduce Toxic Substances in Brownfield Sites (GLRI Area of Concern Toxic Substances) Project Lead: Name: Address: Phone number: Fax number: E-mail address: $______________________

Federal funding requested: Recipient of funds:

(If third party, be sure to provide name, address, phone number and funding amount for grant purposes); if multi-state project, be sure to identify each recipient as well as mix and amount of funding: Name: Address: Phone number: Fax number: E-mail address:

Project Duration: Abstract: Scope of Work: Insert or Attach Insert or Attach

Partners:

List and/or describe role of any significant partners or Third Parties. Attach material letters as appropriate.

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Timeline:

Provide a brief, approximate schedule showing intermediate steps and major milestones. Please indicate if a specific start date is critical. (Leverage is encouraged but not required) In column II, be sure to include (sum total) of all non-federal cooperators. Categories I FS Share II Cooperators Share III Total

Budget: Table I:

1. Personnel 2. Fringe benefits 3. Travel 4. Equipment 5. Supplies/Materials 6. Contractual 7. Other (identify) 8. Indirect Costs 9. Total Costs Instructions for Table I: Although no cooperator share (match) is required, projects should leverage State, local and private funding and other contributions (in-kind services) from both Federal and non-Federal entities. 1. Lines 1-7: Enter the dollar amount for each item. 2. Line 8: Identify charges. Additional lines can be added for budget items not listed. 3. Line 9: Charges not directly attributable to accomplishing the project such as overhead. You are encouraged to keep the Forest Service share of indirect charges to a minimum. Indirect rate must be approved by federal partner. 4. Line 10: Enter totals of lines 1-9.

RFP-A Page 7 of 14

Table II:

Cooperator Contributions (if provided), Cash Materials In-Kind Services Total

Cooperator

Totals Instructions for Table II: Excluding USDA Forest Service contributions, identify the value of all non-federal cooperator contributions. Please value in-kind contributions and materials at reasonable and acceptable rates.

Tribal Official Signature: or (as appropriate) State Foresters Signature:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

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Appendix A - Great Lakes Watershed (GLW) Map FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)

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Appendix B - Counties Wholly or Partially in Great Lakes Watershed FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
Counties Wholly in the Great Lakes Watershed
Indiana DeKalb LaGrange Steuben Michigan Alcona Alger Allegan Alpena Antrim Arenac Baraga Barry Bay Benzie Branch Calhoun Cass Charlevoix Cheboygan Chippewa New York Erie Genesee Jefferson Monroe Niagara Ohio Cuyahoga Defiance Erie Fulton Hancock Wisconsin Brown Calumet Door Clare Clinton Crawford Delta Dickinson Eaton Emmet Genesee Gladwin Grand Traverse Gratiot Hillsdale Houghton Huron Ingham Ionia Orleans Oswego Seneca Wayne Wyoming Henry Huron Lake Lorain Lucas Florence Kewaunee Manitowoc Ottawa Paulding Putnam Sandusky Seneca Marinette Menominee Oconto Van Wert Williams Wood Iosco Isabella Jackson Kalamazoo Kalkaska Kent Keweenaw Lake Lapeer Leelanau Lenawee Livingston Luce Mackinac Macomb Manistee Marquette Mason Mecosta Menominee Midland Missaukee Monroe Montcalm Montmorency Muskegon Newaygo Oakland Oceana Ogemaw Ontonagon Osceola Oscoda Otsego Ottawa Presque Isle Roscommon Saginaw St. Clair St. Joseph Sanilac Schoolcraft Shiawassee Tuscola Van Buren Washtenaw Wayne Wexford

Outagamie Ozaukee Sheboygan

Waupaca Winnebago

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Counties Partially in the Great Lakes Watershed

Illinois Cook Lake Indiana Adams Allen Elkhart Kosciusko Lake Minnesota Aitkin Carlton Cook Itasca Lake LaPorte Noble Porter St. Joseph Wells

Michigan Berrien Gogebic Iron

Pine St. Louis

New York Allegany Cattaraugu s Cayuga Chautauqu a Chemung Ohio Allen Ashland Ashtabula Auglaize Crawford Pennsylvani a Crawford Erie Potter Wisconsin Adams Ashland Bayfield Columbia Dodge

Cortland Essex Franklin Hamilton Herkimer

Lewis Livingston Madison Oneida Onondaga

Ontario Schuyler St. Lawrence Steuben Tioga

Tompkins Yates

Geauga Hardin Marion Medina Mercer

Portage Richland Shelby Stark Summit

Trumbull Wyandot

Douglas Fond du Lac Forest Green Lake Iron

Kenosha Langlade Marathon Marquette Milwaukee

Oneida Portage Racine Shawano Vilas

Washington Waukesha Waushara

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Appendix C - EAB Quarantine and Non-Quarantine Counties FY 2011 FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)

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Appendix D - List of EAB Quarantine Counties in Great Lakes Basin FY 2011 Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
Illinois Cook lake Indiana Adams Allen DeKalb Elkhart Kosciusko LaGrange Noble Porter St. Joseph Steuben Wells

Michigan Alcona Alger Allegan Alpena Antrim Arenac Barry Bay Benzie Berrien Branch Calhoun Cass Charlevoix Cheboygan Chippewa New York Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua Chemung Ohio Allen Ashland Ashtabula Auglaize Crawford Cuyahoga Defiance Pennsylvani a Crawford Wisconsin

Claire Clinton Crawford Delta Eaton Emmet Genesee Gladwin Grand Traverse Gratiot Hillsdale Houghton Huron Ingham Ionia Iosco

Isabella Jackson Kalamazoo Kalkaska Kent Keweenaw Lake Lapeer Leelanau Lenawee Livingston Luce Mackinac Macomb Manistee Mason y

Mecosta Midland Missaukee Monroe Montcalm Montmorenc Muskegon Newaygo Oakland Oceana Ogemaw Osceola Oscoda Otsego Ottawa Presque Isle

Roscommon Saginaw Sanilac Schoolcraft Shiawassee St. Clair St. Joseph Tuscola Van Buren Washtenaw Wayne Wexford

Erie Genesee Livingston Monroe

Niagara Ontario Orleans Schuyler

Steuben Wayne Wyoming Yates

Erie Fulton Geauga Hancock Hardin Henry Huron

Lake Lorain Lucas Marion Medina Mercer Ottawa

Paulding Portage Putnam Richland Sandusky Seneca Shelby

Stark Summit Trumbull Van Wert Williams Wood Wyandot

Erie

Potter

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Brown Fond du Lac

Kenosha Milwaukee

Ozaukee

Racine Sheboygan

Washington Waukesha

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