F25AS00317 Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration

The Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), aiming to support ecological restoration efforts in the Maumee Area of Concern. This initiative is part of a broader federal collaboration to address environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region. Specifically, this grant supports a management action approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to restore approximately 55 acres of wetland habitat within the Crane Creek watershed, which ultimately flows into Lake Erie. The effort seeks to improve fish populations, benthic organisms, and aquatic habitats through strategic restoration interventions, including the installation of barrier shoals and islands to control sediment and water flow. The proposed project, located within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) in Ohio, aims to rehabilitate impaired biological conditions resulting from agricultural runoff and siltation. It is intended to support the removal of Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs), including degraded fish populations, degraded benthos, and loss of fish habitat. The restoration team includes experienced practitioners and stakeholders from federal and state agencies, NGOs, and local environmental groups, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retaining responsibility for the long-term maintenance of the restored habitat. The anticipated improvements are expected to contribute to delisting the Maumee AOC while enhancing water quality and ecological services to the public. Eligible applicants include a wide range of governmental, tribal, nonprofit, academic, and commercial entities. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. However, while optional, proposals that include cost-effective budgets and leveraged resources will be evaluated more favorably. Total funding available is up to $1.5 million, with one award expected. This award will cover costs related to design, engineering, permitting, construction, habitat installation, and other restoration activities. Pre-award costs and foreign travel are not eligible under this funding. Applicants are required to register in SAM.gov and GrantSolutions.gov prior to submission. Applications must include the SF-424 form, budget documents (SF-424C), a project abstract, project narrative, and, if applicable, lobbying disclosures and real property forms. Submissions must be made electronically via GrantSolutions by 11:59 PM ET on January 23, 2026. Proposals will be reviewed based on technical merit, applicant qualifications, budget realism, timeliness, and stakeholder engagement. Reviewers will assess the feasibility and completeness of proposed restoration actions, project team expertise, cost-effectiveness, community support, and outreach strategies. The project performance period is expected to begin February 3, 2026, and conclude by November 1, 2027. Awards will be announced via GrantSolutions, and performance monitoring and reporting will be required throughout the implementation.

Emphasize cost-effectiveness, technical soundness, and community engagement. Provide detailed restoration methodology and evidence of past performance.