RRWC, Michigan

River Raisin Stewardship Assistance Program

The River Raisin Watershed was one of ten organizations in the State of Michigan to be selected to receive a 2007 Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Michigan's Volunteer River, Stream, and Creek Cleanup Program (VRSCCP) provides small grants in the range of $500 to $5,000 to help implement cleanup of trash and debris within or along the banks of rivers, streams, and creeks to improve the waters in Michigan. Grant applications were received, reviewed and assessed by Great Lakes Commission and DEQ. The RRWC was awarded funding to establish the River Raisin Watershed Council Stewardship Mini-Grant Program. The RRWC seeks to establish an annual mini-grant program to support local volunteer efforts to clean up the River Raisin and its tributaries. The goal of the program is to raise awareness of and involvement in the preservation of our water resources and increase the aesthetic beauty of our water corridors while helping to improve overall water quality. The program will provide guidance and monetary support for projects in the River Raisin Watershed for the removal of trash and debris from the water and along the banks of the river. The Great Lakes Commission and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality requires project activities are to minimize the removal of large woody debris that serves as vital habitat for the biological communities. Repositioning large woody debris in the water body can occur in order to facilitate the passage of the stream corridor while maintaining the cover necessary for fish and other aquatic organisms (MDEQ permit may be required.) Mini-grant recipients would also have the opportunity to use the River Raisin Watershed Council’s trailer to haul equipment. The trailer houses rakes, pulleys, bags, gloves and hand saws for use in clean up efforts.

• A minimum of 4 projects will be funded!

• Volunteer Appreciation Items will be given away!

• Trash bags, gloves, shovels and waders will be provided in limited numbers.

• It is our goal to clean a total of ten miles along the River Raisin and fill four dumpsters!

Schools, Colleges, Universities, groups, agencies, municipalities, businesses and individuals are welcome and encouraged to apply for funding to facilitate clean up efforts!!!

Program Summary:

The River Raisin Watershed Council (RRWC) has created the River Stewardship Assistance Program to assist riparian landowners and local governments in the management and/or removal of debris and other such obstructions as well as projects that improve the health of the River Raisin watershed. This grant program is a tool used by the RRWC to promote recreation, river stewardship, and to enhance the health and aesthetic beauty of our watershed. With a total of $4,000 in funding for fiscal year 2007, the program will provide financial aid to local governments and property owners for approved projects.

Program Criteria:

1.) Project must be in or along the banks or surface waters (including lakes) of the River Raisin Watershed.

2.) The River Stewardship Assistance Program is a re-imbursement grant program. Funds will be distributed after project completion, as verified by RRWC personnel.

3.) Projects and associated grant applications must be approved before work is started. Work not approved will not be grant-eligible.

4.) The applications will be reviewed by the RRWC Executive Committee. The RRWC Executive Committee shall have approval authority for the grant applications. The decision of the RRWC Executive Committee shall be final and binding.

5.) Work must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The RRWC reserves the right to inspect all completed work before payment of the grant.

6.) The application must be completed and signed by the applicant and/or the applicant local government.

7.) Once a project is approved for funding, work must be completed and inspected within one year from contract date, or the grant funds will revert back to the funding pool.

8.) Each applicant is allowed one approved application per fiscal year.

9.) The RRWC will review the project for adherence to “best management practices” for the type of project involved in the application.

10.) The grantee is required to sign an indemnification agreement to utilize the River Raisin Watershed Council’s trailer and equipment.

11.) The individual who transports he River Raisin Watershed Council’s trailer must have a valid drivers license and be over the age of 18. The grantee is responsible for picking up and returning the trailer and equipment.

12.) Before and after pictures are required of the site and a short summary of work completed. (Pictures and summary may be used in newsletters or on the RRWC web site.)

Qualifying Improvements:

Grant dollars are available for the removal of debris or other types of rubbish, up to a maximum of $______ . Grant funds may be used to purchase/rent/lease materials and equipment for the project, to purchase refreshments for the project, or to publicize the project.

Application:

Anyone interested in applying for the RRWC River Stewardship Assistance Program should mail a completed application form and liability waiver to the RRWC at 1042 Sutton Rd. Suite #3 Adrian, MI 49221. The RRWC shall not discriminate against anyone for any reason, including but not limited to race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or any other reason.

The RRWC will review the application at the next scheduled Executive Committee meeting. Applicants will then be notified, in writing, of the RRWC Executive Committee’s decision.

Funding decisions will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must adhere to the specified criteria to be eligible for funding.