Alaska Subsistence Management
Three programs are administered under ANILCA to fulfill this objective.
The Fisheries Resource
The Partners for Fisheries Monitoring Program (Partners Program) strengthens Alaska Native and rural involvement subsistence fisheries and research.
The program provides funds directly to Alaska Native and rural organizations to hire fishery biologists, social scientists, and educators to implement fisheries monitoring projects and rural internship programs.
The Liaison and Staff Support Grant to the State of Alaska is directed specifically to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The grant defrays salary and travel expenses that occur in support of the coordination between State and Federal subsistence fish and wildlife programs.
Monitoring Program: There are more than 330 known steelhead streams in Southeast Alaska.
The numbers of adult fish in these streams were estimated in the late 1980s.
Most populations are thought to be quite small, with an annual run size of 100 or fewer adult steelhead.
Approximately 56 streams are estimated to have run sizes of more than 200 fish, of which 12 are thought to contain more than 500 fish.
Several systems may contain adult runs of 1,000 or more fish.
Of the approximately 330 steelhead streams in Southeast Alaska, 75 are located on Prince of Wales Island.
A three-year project to assess adult steelhead populations through the use of weirs on five Prince of Wales Island streams concluded in 2007 and a final report is being prepared.
The data gathered will help ensure careful management of steelhead stocks.
The steelhead population assessment project is a cooperative effort of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Organized Village of Kasaan, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Forest Service.
A study documenting traditional methods of harvest, use and processing of steelhead was completed in 2005.
This was a cooperative effort of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Craig Community Association, Klawock Cooperative Association, and Hydaburg Cooperative Association.
Partners Program: The success of the Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program depends upon a well informed public, and support of the program and resulting projects within rural communities.
However, most rural communities and organizations do not have the capacity to meaningfully participate in the program, and many people do not understand how the program operates.
Within the Kuskokwim region, Kuskokwim Native Association was recently awarded two positions, a fishery biologist and an educator position.
The biologist will serve as a co-investigator on seven Monitoring Program projects and serve as a mentor for rural college student interns.
The educator will mentor students working on Monitoring Program projects during the summer and assist students in the fall while they bring what they learned into their classrooms.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Telephone: (907)786-3645, E-mail: kathleen_orzechowski@fws.gov.
For the Liaison and Staff Support Grant: Greg Risdahl, Wildlife Biologist, Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Division, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, AK 99503, Telephone: (907) 786-3678, E-mail: reg_risdahl@fws.gov.
Program Accomplishments
The Monitoring and Partners programs provide critical information needed for the management and regulation of Alaska's subsistence resources, as directed by the ANILCA. The Monitoring Program provides over $4 million annually for research and monitoring projects in Alaska. Approximately 80 projects are conducted annually. Projects provide information on over 70 fish populations important for subsistence fishers, who annually consume over 220 pounds of fish per person in rural Alaska. Over 100 Alaska Native and rural organizations have participated in the program. By providing sound scientific data, building capacity in rural organizations forging partnerships, and promoting local involvement, the Monitoring Program has enabled Federal and State governments to better manage fisheries and provide for subsistence uses. Through the Partners for Fisheries Monitoring Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is builidng the capability and expertise of Alaska Native organizations to participate more fully in subsistence fishery management. With both Monitoring and Partners programs, subsistence fisheries are actively managed and sustained, proposed regulatory changes are analyzed, local concerns are addressed, conflicts among user groups are minimized, and Alaska Native and rural organizations are meaningfully involved in subsistence fisheries management and monitoring. Successful partnerships among government, Alaska Native, and other organizations have promoted more effective information collection, promoted internships and mentoring in rural Alaska, and improved local understanding and support for the subsistence management program. The Liaison and Staff Support Grant provides for effective dual management and coordination between the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Office of Subsistence Management. The grant provides funding for the State to meet its responsibilities to maintain healthy fish and wildlife resources while providing contained harvest opportunities for Alaska residents. In addition to the development of State and Federal harvest regulations, i.e., seasons, harvest limits, and methods and means, dual management also includes the recognition of customary and traditional uses and subsistence use amounts, as well as the sharing of harvest data. More specifically it is intended to protect and promote the sustained health of fish and wildlife populations, to ensure conservation and stability in fisheries and wildlife management and to include meaningful public involvement.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used for approved fish and wildlife subsistence management, fisheries monitoring and traditional ecological knowledge projects.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
An individual/family, profit organization, other private institution/organization, public nonprofit institution/organization; an officer, employee, agent, department or instrumentality of the Federal government, of the State of Alaska, municipality or political subdivision of the State of Alaska; Federally recognized Indian Tribal Government (including any Native village as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act).
Beneficiary Eligibility
An individual/Family, profit organization, other private institution/organization, public nonprofit institution/organization; an officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal government, of the State of Alaska, municipality or political subdivision of the State of Alaska, or of any foreign government.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
The standard SF-424 application forms required by 2 CFR Part 215.12, and the Department of Interior Code of Federal Regulations at 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, or its revisions, must be used. For both the Monitoring and Partners programs, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be posted biennially on http://fedbizopps.gov and http://grants.gov. Complete application information can be found on the Office of Subsistence Management (OSM) website at: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/fisindex.cfm or, if unable to access the website a proposal package containing specific requirement information can be requested from Attn: Kathleen Orzechowski, Program Specialist, Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Division, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. For the Liaison and Staff Support Grant, a Request for Proposal will be posted annually on http://grants.govAPPLY. Information can be requested from Attn: Greg Risdahl, Wildlife Biologist, Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Division, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, AK 99503.
Award Procedures
For the Monitoring Program, an inter-agency technical review committee evaluates and ranks proposals, and, for those selected for further consideration, subsequently the full investigation plans. The committee develops a draft monitoring program from the highest priority projects, based on their technical review and available funds. The draft monitoring plan is reviewed by ten regional advisory councils and the public. An inter-agency staff committee reviews all recommendations, and reconciles differences between staff and public recommendations. The Federal Subsistence Board approves biennial monitoring plans with the benefit of both a technical recommendation by the Technical Review Committee and public review by the Regional Advisory Councils. For the Partners Program, an internal review committee evaluates proposals and makes recommendations for funding. The committee evaluations are based on the criteria outlined in the request for federal assistance. The review committee ranks proposals and the assistant regional director selects proposals that best support the program within available funding. Once a Monitoring Program project or Partners Program position is selected for funding, a funding instrument, i.e., notice of award, between Fish and Wildlife Service and the recipient is drafted by the OSM. The award is processed by OSM through the contracting office and sent to the recipient for signature. The award is considered executed when signed copies of the agreement are received from the recipient and the contracting office has obligated funds to the agreement. The awards are administered by OSM. For the Liaison and Staff Support Grant, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the only non-Federal entity with management authority over fish and wildlife resources. This grant agreement is not open to competition outside the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Deadlines
Request for Proposals are announced biennially. For the Fisheries Monitoring Program and the Partners Program complete application information can be found on the Office of Subsistence Management website at: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/fisindex.cfm or, if unable to access the website, a proposal package containing the specific requirement information can be requested from Attn: Kathleen Orzechowski, Program Specialist, Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Division, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. For the Liaison and Staff Support Grant, a Request for Proposal will be posted annually on http://grants.govAPPLY. Information can be requested from Attn: Greg Risdahl, Wildlife Biologist, Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Division, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, AK 99503.
Authorization
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980, Title VIII, Public Law 96-487, 16 U.S.C. 3101-3233, Section 809. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 to 666).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Federal Subsistence Board decisions on funding of Monitoring Program projects are made no later than January 20. OSM decisions on Partners Program positions are announced within one year of the Request for Proposals.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Monitoring projects and positions may be approved for one to four years duration. Applicants may re-apply during subsequent Request for Proposals.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
There is no requirement for cost sharing, matching, or cost participation. However, applicants are encouraged to document matching contributions. Proposals with substantial cost sharing will be ranked higher than similar proposals with no identified cost sharing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
For the Monitoring and Partners Programs, upon approval, the project may be extended or the agreement modified for a period not to exceed five years from initial award. Awarded funds must be spent during the approved Period of Performance of the award, and in accordance with financial and reporting procedures specified in the award. For the Liaison and Staff Support Grant, award is for one year.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Progress, annual, final, performance, and significant development reports are to be submitted in accordance with terms and conditions of the award.
Financial reports (SF-269) are required a minimum of annually in accordance with 43 CFR 12.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133."
Records
Records for cooperative agreements awarded to State and Local Governments will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments." Records for cooperative agreements awarded to institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations."
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1611-0-1-303.
Obigations
FY 07 $6,393,000; FY 08 $5,200,000; and FY 09 est $5,200,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Variable amounts. In 2007, awards ranged from $3,000 to $550,000. In FY 2008, awards will range from $3,000 to $610,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Cooperative agreements/project grants will be administered in conformance with the Fish and Wildlife Service Administrative Service Manual and 43 CFR 12.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
For the Fisheries Monitoring and Partners for Fisheries Monitoring Programs: Kathleen Orzechowski, Program Specialist, Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Information Service Division, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. Telephone: (907)786-3645, E-mail: kathleen_orzechowski@fws.gov. For the Liaison and Staff Support Grant: Greg Risdahl, Wildlife Biologist, Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Division, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, AK 99503, Telephone: (907) 786-3678, E-mail: reg_risdahl@fws.gov.
Headquarters Office
Karie Crow, Administrative Officer, Office of Subsistence Management, 3601 C Street, Suite 1030, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. Telephone: (907) 786-3387, E-mail: karie_crow@fws.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
For the Monitoring Program, each proposal is evaluated using the following four criteria: (1) Strategic Priorities: Studies must be responsive to identified issues and information needs. All projects must have a direct association to a Federal subsistence fishery, and either the subsistence fishery or fish stocks in question must occur in waters within or adjacent to Federal public lands. (2) Technical and Scientific Merit: Technical quality of the study design must meet accepted standards for information and collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting. Studies must have clear objectives, appropriate sampling design, correct analytical procedures, and specified progress and final reports. (3) Investigator Ability and Resources: Investigators Ability and Resources: Investigators and their organizations should have demonstrated technical and administrative expertise to complete prior studies, or have co-investigators or appropriate partnerships with other organizations to meet all requirements of the study. (4) Partnership-Capacity Building: Studies must include appropriate partners and contribute to building capacities of rural organizations, local communities, and residents to participate in fisheries resource managment. Investigators and their organizations should be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain effective local relationships and a commitment to capacity building. For the Partners Program, each proposal is evaluated using the following equally weighted criteria: (1) Ability to successfully implement the program as described. (2) Strategic priority and past performance of the Monitoring Program project. (3) Letters of support from tribal and rural organizations, government agencies, project investigators, and schools/universities. (4) Annual and total cost of the proposal, including the use of in-kind or matching contributions that either decrease cost or expand support for implementing the Partners Program. (5) Past performance on implementing Monitoring Program projects. (6) Past performance on current or past agreements with the Office of Subsistence Management. (7) Previous experience in mentoring, training, and supervising personnel. (8) Past and current accounting practices to ensure deliverables and accountability. (9) The following items must be included in the application for successful submission and review. Each of these items carries a "Go/No-Go" impact: lack of direct linkage of a Monitoring Program project, enrollment in CCR; affirming in writing in your application that you have enrolled in CCR; providing your DUNS Number; submission of completed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B package; and submission of indirect rate documentation (the agreement, the pool, and the base) if requesting reimbursement for indirect costs, unless no indirect reimbursement is being requested. For the Liaison and Staff Support Grant, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the only non-federal entity with management authority over fish and wildlife resources. This grant agreement is not open to competition outside the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
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