GJO Horsethief Canyon SWA Grant Renewal (HCSWA) | BOR UC 19 NO11

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the GJO Horsethief Canyon SWA Grant Renewal (HCSWA)?

The GJO Horsethief Canyon SWA Grant Renewal (HCSWA) is a continuation grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. It supports natural resources work connected to the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project, specifically the ongoing operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of wildlife habitat areas established as mitigation in Mesa County, Colorado.

What problem is this grant renewal meant to address?

The grant renewal is meant to ensure that wildlife habitat losses are compensated over time. Infrastructure improvements under the Grand Valley Unit of the Salinity Control Project upgraded canal and lateral systems to reduce salt loading to the Colorado River, but those changes also unintentionally dried up scattered wetlands and other habitat. This funding helps maintain the replacement habitats created along the Colorado River corridor to offset those losses.

How does this grant relate to the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project?

This grant renewal is tied to mitigation needs created by salinity control improvements. While the project reduces salinity (improving water quality and downstream uses), the construction and system changes can alter local hydrology, impacting wetlands and riparian areas. The HCSWA renewal supports continued management of mitigation habitats established as part of that broader salinity control effort.

Where is the work located?

The work is located in Mesa County, Colorado, along the Colorado River corridor. The habitat areas referenced were acquired, developed, and preserved as permanent wildlife habitats in that river corridor setting.

What types of activities does the grant support?

The grant supports habitat restoration and enhancement actions focused on keeping mitigation lands functional and resilient. The description highlights restoration of native cottonwood riparian forests, development or maintenance of wetlands, and establishment of permanent grassland and shrub habitats.

What does "operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship" mean in this context?

In this context, it means ongoing management of the established mitigation habitat areas rather than treating habitat creation as a one-time project. The goal is sustained habitat function over time, including maintaining conditions that support wetlands, native vegetation communities, and a mix of habitat types suitable for wildlife along the river corridor.

What kinds of habitats are being maintained or improved?

The opportunity describes a mosaic of habitat types, including native cottonwood riparian forests, wetlands, permanent grasslands, and shrub habitats. These habitat types are commonly associated with river corridors in western Colorado.

What wildlife benefits are expected from the supported habitat work?

Based on the opportunity description, the maintained and enhanced habitats are intended to support a range of species associated with river corridors, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and other wildlife that rely on riparian areas, wetlands, grasslands, and shrublands.

Why is this a continuation grant instead of a new competitive opportunity?

It is categorized as a continuation grant intended to sustain an existing, specific mitigation and habitat management effort. The expected number of awards is one, signaling the renewal is targeted to continue ongoing management of established mitigation lands rather than fund multiple new projects.

Who is the federal agency offering this funding?

The funding is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation.

Who are the key partners mentioned in the project background?

The background describes partnerships among the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife, CPW) to acquire, develop, and preserve permanent wildlife habitats along the Colorado River.

Who is the primary implementing entity under this grant renewal?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is identified as the key implementing entity responsible for operating and maintaining the habitat areas supported by this grant renewal.

How much habitat is covered by the mitigation lands described?

The opportunity states that the habitat areas together total more than 2,000 acres of high-quality habitat along the Colorado River.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is BOR UC 19 NO11.

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The CFDA (Assistance Listing) number provided is 15.509.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The opportunity uses a grant as the funding instrument.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is listed under the Natural Resources activity category.

Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

Eligibility is limited to state governments, aligning with CPW's role as the managing agency for the mitigation habitat areas.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity indicates an expected number of awards of one.

What is the maximum funding amount available (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is listed as $1,817,341.

When was this funding opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on September 9, 2019, and had an original closing date of September 22, 2019.

What is the overall purpose of the funded work?

The overall purpose is to ensure that habitat losses caused by salinity control infrastructure improvements are compensated by the continued management of replacement habitats. The emphasis is on long-term functionality and resilience of mitigation lands along the Colorado River corridor.