The Midwest Region (Region 3) of the National Wildlife Refuge System manages the Fish and Wildlife Service Challenge Cost Share (CCS) program for the eight states of the region:
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.

The Midwest Region invites the submission

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of proposals in support of natural resource management, emphasizing the inventory and control of invasive species, habitat restoration, and conservation outreach opportunities.

Proposals are done in partnership with a USFWS field office such as a National Wildlife Refuge, Wetland Management District, or Partners for Fish & Wildlife office.

Successful applicants must have at least 50% of project costs covered by non-federal resources and this funding must be in place prior to the expenditure of any CCS funds.

The status of funding for the CCS program is uncertain as of 3/1/2011 but requests need to be in place if funding is received in the Federal FY 2011 budget.

Proposals must be developed in partnership with a Region 3 field office and sent by the partnering USFWS office to the Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share Grant coordinator (contact information below).

All projects must be approved and sponsored by a US Fish and Wildlife Service field station and benefit National Wildlife Refuge System programs.

Proposals are prepared under the most recent guidance from the Regional Office by the local unit of the USFWS.

Potential applicants should check with USFWS offices to develop a shared conservation proposal and submit completed proposals by the closing date.

For more information about this “call for proposals” or for information on local contacts in your area, please contact:
Rob Bruesewitz, Acting Region 3 Challenge Cost Share Coordinator, (612)713-5403 phone) or e-mail at Robert_Bruesewitz@fws.gov.