Roots for Rivers
A Story of Reforestation Across New Jersey
In 2018, The Watershed Institute became one of two administrators for The Nature Conservancy’s Roots for Rivers Reforestation Grant and Technical Assistance Program (the other being Sustainable Jersey). Over the course of the program, grants were provided between $1,000 and $20,000 to support efforts to undertake floodplain reforestation initiatives. Program participants also received technical assistance with designing their restoration projects. Eligible entities included nonprofit organizations, conservation groups, government agencies, municipalities, and school districts. Eligible expenses included trees and shrubs, tubes and stakes, and up to two delivery fees. The ultimate goal: to plant 100,000 trees by 2020. While the grant program will be coming to an end in June 2021, The Watershed Institute’s Outreach Specialist has revamped this page to archive the successes of The Roots for Rivers program.
Check out the projects funded between 2018 and 2020!
Grant Requirements for Recipients
Reporting Requirements
Final reports are due within one month of project completion. Click below to find a copy of the final reporting guidelines for recipients. We will be accepting final reports any time up until the end of January in 2021 (final date TBD).
Please note that the final completion date referenced in the guidelines has been changed from November 6, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
Additional Reporting Requirements for Municipalities
For the few municipalities who were awarded grant funds following the extended application period, this tab will serve as a collection of the forms necessary to complete your final reports. Note: If your municipality was funded by Sustainable Jersey and NOT the Watershed Institute, you still need to submit all necessary final reporting required documents to Sustainable Jersey. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Priscilla Oliveira.
SAMPLE OF MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION (INCLUDING LANGUAGE ABOUT THE WATERSHED INSTITUTE)
Certification declaration form (coming soon*)
*Final reports must be signed off by fiscal agent, typically the business administrator. Signing a certification declaration form indicates that the grant has been fully spent as agreed upon.
COVID-19 Organizational Impacts
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Crises, we understand that many grant recipients will be altering grant work from what had originally been awarded. While we are supportive for grant modifications that will help keep everyone safer and healthier in these trying times, any modifications must be formally documented, reviewed, and approved.
To that end, this form will serve as the template for an official grant modification request. Please download and complete this form for each separate grant project you are planning to modify. Once completed, please submit all grant modifications via email to Priscilla Oliveira ([email protected]) CC’ing Michelle DiBlasio ([email protected]) from TNC. Please include the subject line 2019 – 2020 Grant Modification.
If you have any questions, concerns, or issues filling out the form, please contact Priscilla Oliveira for assistance.
Informational Webinar
An informational webinar was held on October 16, 2019 and addressed why floodplain reforestation is important and what is involved; how to select an appropriate site and develop a project plan; the technical assistance and funding available; and how to apply to be part of the program. View the webinar under ‘Grants Program’ at Sustainable Jersey’s Webinar page at the link below.
Application Information
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements to participate in this program through The Watershed Institute included:
- Applicant must be a New Jersey county or state government agency; a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; or a conservation group *
- Project work must be conducted in New Jersey
- Project site must be located within an Ecological Floodplain Area (EFA). Use the Water Conservation Blueprint Map to determine if your site falls within an EFA
- Submissions by private individuals, as well as project sites on private land, are not eligible for funds
Use of Grant Funds
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
- Native woody plants materials (trees and shrubs) that only include bare root stock, tublings, 1-gallon and/or 2-gallon containers
- Tubes and support stakes to protect the plantings (deer fences and protection against weeds/invasive species are not covered by this grant)
- Up to two delivery fees associated with transportation of project materials
INELIGIBLE EXPENSES
- Other supplies (gloves, shovels, fencing, weed mats, etc.), equipment (mower, auger, etc.) and/or labor (or contractor) costs associated with project implementation
- Invasive, non-native species removal is not required, but it is encouraged if necessary for project success. Costs associated with this process will also be the financial responsibility of the applicant.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be screened using the following criteria:
- Project site is located within an Ecological Floodplain Area
- Project budget is within the allowable grant amount ($1,000 – $20,000), grant funds are only being requested for eligible expenses (trees/shrubs, tree tubes, stakes), and the average cost per plant (including tube and stake) is $12 or less. Other funding sources, in-kind contributions, and donations are identified (if applicable).
- Accuracy and completeness of project tracking and location table (defined acreage of planting area, linear feet of stream to be planted, etc.). Map and photos of site are used to enhance reviewers’ understanding of project.
- Relative impact of the proposed project on restoring floodplains and protecting water resources.
- Likelihood of success as demonstrated by the strength of the project team and action plan.
The Roots for Rivers Reforestation Grant and Technical Assistance Program is funded by The Nature Conservancy as part of their ongoing efforts to plant 100,000 trees in New Jersey by 2020.
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