The CCS program was created to manage, restore and enhance natural and cultural resources on Service and private lands.

Projects deal with habitat improvement, wildlife population management, public use enhancement, as well as research studies that answer specific management questions.

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The program encourages the development of projects in cooperation with private and non-Federal public partners.

The focus is to encourage mutual shared interest that will increase the public awareness and participation in the community for the conservation of fish, plant and wildlife resources.

Projects must be a wildlife, habitat, or visitor services project, be matched by at least 50% of the total project from a non-federal contribution of funds, labor, equipment, or materials, be on NWRS lands, or near and in direct support of NWRS lands, and have all funds obligated by the end of 201 1. Current FY proposals are due by Dec 15, 201 0. Proposals will be assessed, in part, on the relationship of projects to the concepts of Strategic habitat Conservation (SHC) at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/SHC.

Proposals for resource management should clarify the relationship of the project to Biological Planning, Conservation Design, Program Delivery, Outcome-based Monitoring, and/or Assumption-driven Research.

Potential applicants should check with USFWS offices to develop a shared conservation proposal and submit completed proposals for the next funding round.

Proposals should include SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424B and R4 submission information form.

For more information about this Program or for information on local contacts in your area, please contact Challenge Cost Share Coordinator, ((912) 496-7366 Ext.

244 or email at (laura_housh@fws.gov).