AQUATIC RESOURCE MITIGATION FUND Grant Application Instructions

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

AQUATIC RESOURCE MITIGATION FUND

“ARM FUND” GRANT PROGRAM

GRANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

PRE-PROPOSAL DUE DATE: APRIL 30, 2018

APPLICATION DUE DATE: AUGUST 31, 2018

NH Department of Environmental Services

Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund Grant Application Instructions

This document includes information about the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund Grant Program, instructions for preparing a Pre-proposal and instructions for preparing an ARM Fund Grant Application. A pre-proposal must be submitted for review and consideration by the Site Selection Committee and pre-proposal submittals will be provided feedback for subsequent submittal of a full grant application.

The Pre-proposal Form and Full application Formare available in Word format for downloadingat:

The Pre-Proposal instructionsbeginon page 7 and the GrantApplication instructionsbegin on page 8 in this document, “Application Instructions.” Note:Application Form section numbers correspond with the Application Instructions section numbers, and all instructions for completing the application will be contained in this document.

INTRODUCTION TO THE NHDES ARM FUND GRANT PROGRAM

The Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund is an additional compensatory mitigation option available to wetland and stream permit applicants for impacts to wetlands, streams and other aquatic resources. This mitigation option is available for use after avoidance and minimization of impacts to aquatic resources is achieved. NHDES is authorized to collect mitigation funds in lieu of other forms of wetland mitigation as part of a wetlands application. ARM Fund payments are collected according to nine service areas and these areas can be reviewed at:

NHDES holds and manages funds to be offered as grants for potential projects that will accomplish long-term environmental results. These projects must consider the service area goals and replace and/or protect wetland and other aquatic resource functions and values that were impacted by development projects in the service area.

Projects that have deposited money into the ARM Fund and corresponding information about the wetland loss and the wetland functions and values associated with this loss, can be reviewed at:

A Site Selection Committee, made up of representatives from four state agencies and five non-governmental agencies, reviews ARM Fund grant proposals and recommends grant awards to the NH Wetland Council and a federal interagency review team (IRT) composed of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funds awarded must be approved byGovernor and Council before being disbursed.

The proposed project will score highest if it provides resource restoration within the context of a protected buffer. NHDES encourages projects that provide connectivity to other protected resources or are in close proximity to the wetland impacts. Opportunities to provide benefit to rare resources such as vernal pools are also looked upon favorably. Applicants should highlight potential and confirmed vernal pools if possible. Proposals will be scrutinized for the likelihood of project success and the sustainability of the resource functions and values that are proposed for restoration, enhancement, preservation or creation. The key to success is the long-term protection of those wetland functions that are restored or enhanced. Where project scores are comparable, preference will be given to those projects that provide long term protection of the project area and its buffer or provide long term management to ensure the greatest environmental benefit from funds available. Examples of projects that have been awarded ARM Funds can be found in our publication “Beyond the Beaver Dam”[1]. Copies are available upon request.

Eligible Applicants

Any of New Hampshire’s communities wholly or partially located within the service areas are eligible to apply. Other eligible organizations include county governments, regional planning commissions, county conservation districts, watershed/river associations, state agencies, departments within the University of New Hampshire and other institutions of higher education, community public school districts, and nonprofit organizations. Projects submitted for funding willscore higher if they have the support of the host municipality and this should be clearly documented in a letter of support or in minutes of a meeting where a vote was taken to proceed with the proposal. Partnerships among agencies are encouraged and we acknowledge that consultants (i.e. wetland scientists, engineers, fluvial geomorphologists and other areas of expertise) may be needed to complete the application and ultimately a funded project.

Eligible Projects

Although all projects within the project types below are technically eligible for an ARM Fund application submittal, some projects may not be competitive based on established ranking criteria. The ranking can be found in the NHDES administrative rules at:

Because the ARM committee is responsible for selecting projects that are likely to be sustainable long-term, projects should propose methodologies based on success elsewhere and where a monitoring plan will be implemented long-term. The project budget needs to provide for five years of monitoring for restoration, enhancement or creation projects. We recommend that you maximize potential rank points by considering the following guidance and contact the NHDES mitigation coordinator for early input.

Land/Wetland/Stream Acquisition/Legal Protection

• A rare resource (natural community, threatened/endangered plant/wildlife, or vernal pool complex) will benefit.
• Area was identified in NH Wildlife Action Plan as being of statewide or regional significance.
• Project is adjacent to other conservation lands or provides linkage to other protected parcels.
• Aquatic resources and their associated buffers will be protected.
• Easement language will ensure permanent protection of resources.
• Wetland and/or stream restoration is not required; however, applicants can increase potential points by including it with the understanding that appropriate monitoring is required up to five years post construction.

Wetland Restoration/Enhancement Projects may include but are not limited to removing fill, restoring hydrology, removing invasive species, restoring native plant communities, closing roadways, restoring wetland crossings, reducing impervious surfaces or installing upland stormwater treatment.

• Wetland restoration efforts will enhance/restore/create wetland types and/or wetland functions & values lost in the same watershed.
• Projects will result in an increase in ecological/hydrologic integrity and/or wildlife habitat through a specific activity. The applicant shall demonstrate the increase in functional value within the project narrative and (preferably) through a numerical assessment of pre- versus post-construction condition.
• Include a land protection component as part of the project, or project occurs on a property that is permanently protected. To receive maximum points, a land protection component must be part of the project proposal.
• The wetland proposed for restoration/enhancement is identified as a priority in a regional or statewide plan.
• A rare resource (natural community or threatened/endangered plant/wildlife) will benefit.
• Restoration plans should be detailed and illustrate a clear link to improving the ecological integrity, water quality and/or wildlife habitat associated with the wetland.
• Project will demonstrate sustainability of restoration/enhancement effort by including a provision for monitoring and associated performance standards to demonstrate project success.

Stream Restoration/Enhancement: Projects may include, but are not limited to: culvert and dam removal, in-stream habitat enhancement, buffer and riparian enhancement, floodplain enhancement/reconnection, upland stormwater treatment, and upgrading deficient stream crossings.

• Stream restoration will enhance/restore/create functions lost in the same HUC 10 watershed.
• Include a land protection component as part of the project or the project occurs on a property that is permanently protected. To receive the most points, a land protection component must be part of the proposal.
• Thestream restoration project locationis identified as a priority in a local, regional or statewide plan.
• A rare resource (natural community or threatened/endangered plant/wildlife) will benefit.
• Aquatic organism passage and natural sediment transport processes are improved.
• Bank stabilization projects must include a vegetative or bioengineering solution and improve the system ecologically.
• Restoration plans should be detailed and illustrate a clear link to improving aquatic functions. Wildlife habitat (especially fish) is often the primary function enhanced or restored, but other functions may be enhanced.
• Project will improve hydraulic capacity of a stream crossing that lies within a flood-prone area.
• Project will demonstrate sustainability of restoration/enhancement effort by including a provision for monitoring and associated performance standards to demonstrate project success.
• Stream miles connected are maximized. For example, a project that opens up 50 miles of barrier free river is likely to be more competitive than a project site that has additional barriers just up and down river.

Other Considerations

• Invasive species management projects are not likely to be funded as a stand-alone project but should be considered in any restoration project. Potential areas could also be targeted as part of restoration on a land preservation parcel in the management/stewardship program.
• Because culvert and dam removal/replacements are often expensive, there are numerous culverts/dams needing replacement/removal statewide, and there are limited funds in the ARM Fund, the ARM committee is unlikely to recommend full funding for these types of projects unless applicants demonstrate the project is exceptional and has numerous and significant ecological benefits.

Eligible Project Activities

To be eligible, every project must be aimed at restoring or protecting wetlands and streams and other aquatic resource functions and values in the service area announced in the application cycle. Projects may also address potential opportunities that improve or protect habitats identified through the Compensation Planning Framework contained in the Final In-Lieu Fee Program Instrument (hereinafter “Instrument”) found at: Information in the Instrument as well as regional priority lists and resources developed to address climate change issues should also be closely reviewed. The following categories of project elements are eligible for consideration. Other categories may be considered and should be discussed with the NHDESCoordinator.

Wetland Resource Restoration

Funds can be used for wetland or other aquatic resource restoration, including the re-establishment of a filled, dredged or otherwise altered resource to its natural condition, in order to restore or enhance lost functions to the greatest extent practicable. This can be accomplished through the removal of fill, restoration of hydrology to the area, or by other means. The request for funds can include development of final restoration plans and the costs associated with the proposed restoration work such as site clearing and excavation, construction management, consulting fees, permit costs, grading and soil augmentation, disposal costs of excavated materials, and planting. The funds can also go towards the permanent legal protection of areas adjacent to the restored resource to insure long-term sustainability, and for subsequent monitoring and maintenance expenses that may be necessary until the site is successfully restored.

Stream Passage Improvements/Dam Removal

A request for funds can be used for projects that produce habitat improvements that enhance functionswithin a degraded stream,or improve connectivity in a riparian system. Undersized and perched stream crossings can pose impediments to aquatic organism passage, reducing the ability of waters to adequately support fish habitat. Stream crossings that overtop, and areas that experience regular flooding, degrade water quality and instream aquatic habitat by increasing sediment loads into the river and eroding stream banks.Multiple agencies and partners have developed a stream crossing assessment protocol for New Hampshire, the data from which can be used to assign aquatic organism passage and geomorphic compatibility categorieswhich identify crossings that may also experience issues during floods. These projects are costly so documenting the priority of the crossing as it re-establishes the natural functions, processes, or linkages among the components of the watershed is important. In addition, how the project reconnects fragmented aquatic habitat (e.g. floodplain areas) that provides fish and terrestrial species access to historic areas is key. Culvert replacements must also meet the NH Stream Crossing Guidelines.

In addition to culverts and dam removals, possible improvement projects may include tidal flow restoration, including removal of tidal restrictions, stream or river restoration/enhancement activities, and water quality improvements (e.g. upland stormwater treatment, planting buffers). The NHDES Mitigation Coordinator should be contacted relative to information on deficient culvert crossing locations and analyses available for assessing geomorphic compatibility and aquatic organism passage.

Land Preservation

NHDES recognizes the importance and the long-term benefits of protecting upland areas associated with wetlands and other aquatic resources. The greater the buffer provided to the wetland or surface water, the more likely the area will continue to provide valuable functions. Requested funds can be used for land preservation, which includes the permanent protection of aquatic resources and associated upland areas using legal mechanisms so that the resource remains in a natural or undeveloped condition. Funds can be used for acquisition of conservation easements or fee simple ownership of land for protection in perpetuity. The conservation interest to be acquired must be land that is not already permanently protected. Allowable expenses include purchase of the fee or easement, wetland assessment of the property and associated transaction costs such as property surveys, baseline documentation reports, appraisals, environmental hazard assessments, title review, closing costs, legal fees, and registry fees. In addition, ARM monies may be used to establish dedicated stewardship funds to ensure the long-term management and protection of the land. If multiple owners are involved in the conservation project, the NHDES Coordinator should be contacted to determine if each parcel should be a separate application. Note, ARM template language can be found on the NHDES Mitigation webpage[2]. If public access is not permitted, please provide justification and the terms.

Project Funds and Leveraging of Funds

The ARM Fund grant program does not require match funds. However, demonstrating contributions of other project funds and services will enhance the application, and show project readiness. Applicants are encouraged to pursue partnerships as much as possible and leveraged funds should be noted in the budget materials. Having more partners that assist with funding a project is often a key to success. Please note most of the money in the ARM Fund is collected to meet state and federal requirements. Therefore money from the ARM Fund cannot be used as match for other federal grant programs that require non-federal match. If there is a question about leveraging funds, the NHDES Mitigation Coordinator should be contacted.

2018 Available Funding According to Service Area & Resources to be Replaced

ARM Fund payments are collected according to nine service areas. The NHDES mitigation program tracks the projects that have deposited money into the ARM Fund as well as the corresponding information about the wetland and stream loss and the functions and values associated with the loss. The goal for a strong grant application is to replace and/or protect the resources and functions lost as identified in the following table or in the ARM Fund Ledger found at:

Service Area / Functions and Values to be Replaced / Wetland Loss (square feet) / Stream Loss (linear feet) / Total Funds Available
1. Androscoggin River / Carry over funds from 2015. Wildlife habitat, shoreline anchoring, bank impacts. / 80 / $17,000
2. Saco River / Carry over funds from 2015. Fisheries habitat, water quality. / 9,497 / 329 / $22,000
3. Pemigewasset – Winnipesaukee Rivers / Carry over funds related to fisheries habitat. Wildlife and fisheries habitat, shoreline anchoring. / 1,526 permanent; 262,435 temporary / 155 / $94,000
4. Salmon Falls – Piscataqua Rivers / Wildlife and fisheries habitat, water quality, flood storage, shoreline anchoring, shoreline stabilization. / 200,311 permanent;
407,476 temporary / 325 perennial; 750 intermittent / $1,260,000
5. Merrimack River / Carry over funds from 2016. Wildlife habitat water quality, flood storage, shoreline stabilization, shoreline anchoring, bank impacts.
(Vernal pool buffer impacts.) / 418,406 permanent; 546,393 temporary / 4,943 perennial; 4,908 intermittent / $1,792,000
Entire watershed and $828,000
CTAP Funds*
6. Lower Connecticut River / Carry over funds from 2016. Fisheries habitat, water quality, flood storage, shoreline anchoring. / 77,872 permanent; 20,299 temporary / 2,109 / $1,700,000
7. Contoocook River / $40
8. Middle Connecticut River / Carry over funds from 2016. Wildlife habitat, water quality. / $115,000
9. Upper Connecticut River / Fisheries habitat, shoreline anchoring. / 95 / $19,000

* CTAP communitiesinclude: Allenstown, Atkinson, Auburn, Bedford, Bow, Candia, Chester, Concord, Danville, Deerfield, Derry, Dunbarton, Fremont, Goffstown, Hampstead, Hooksett, Hudson, Litchfield, Londonderry, Manchester, Pelham, Pembroke, Raymond, Salem, Sandown and Windham.

2018 Grant Process and Project Timeframe

APPLICATION STEPS / DEADLINE
Request for Pre-Proposals Released / February 2018
Pre-Proposal Submission Deadline / April 30, 2018
Applicants are notified for Full Application Submittal / Week of May 14, 2018
Grant Application Submission Deadline / August 31, 2018
Army Corps of Engineers Public Notice is Issued
Applications sent to NH Division of Historic Resources / Week of September 10, 2018
ARM Committee and Federal Agencies Conduct Site Visits / September 27and October 2, 4, 10 & 12
Committee Evaluation & Scoring Meeting / October 24, 2018
Army Corps Review/Wetland Council Review/Approval / November 2018
Announcement of Awards / December 2018

Application Process