The Coastal Program is a voluntary, incentive-based program that provides technical and financial assistance to coastal communities and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands.

The Coastal Program is not a conventional grants program, in that it

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does not solicit projects through a request for proposals.

Instead project work plans are developed strategically, in coordination with partners, and with substantial involvement from Service field staff.

Projects must advance our mission, promote biological diversity, and be based upon sound scientific biological principles.

The Coastal Program Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding is available to coastal areas within the U. S. portion of the Great Lakes basin which includes parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Special consideration will be given to proposed coastal wetland projects in the Saginaw Bay, Lake St.

Clair, Detroit River or Western Lake Erie areas.