| January 26, 2009
News from the NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN For and about employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington Office reorganization
Fisheries and Habitat Conservation will have a different look after a reorganization initiated by Gary Frazer, Assistant Director – FHC. Details are still being finalized, but the action will bring the Washington Office elements of the Fisheries Program under one Division Chief, Stuart Leon, who has led the National Fish Hatchery System for more than 3 years.
The National Fish Habitat Action Plan will hold a prominent place in the new organization chart, as a separate office within the Fisheries Program. However, implementation of the Action Plan will continue to require strong support from staff in the Branch of Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance. The reorganization follows and was facilitated by the promotion of Division Chief Hannibal Bolton to be Assistant Director – Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, and is aimed at saving money and streamlining communication. Contact Stuart_Leon@fws.gov or Tom_Busiahn@fws.gov for more information.
Fish Habitat Conservation Projects
For the fourth year, the Fisheries Program is preparing to fund on-the-ground, cost-shared projects that address priorities of Fish Habitat Partnerships. On January 14, Deputy Director Ken Stansell wrote to the Regional Directors requesting lists of projects for 2009. Final approval of projects is expected in early March. Funding for projects will be allocated to the Regions as soon as possible after that, depending on Congressional action on the full-year appropriations bill for FY 2009. More than $2.7 million of Service funds are expected to be available for projects in 2009. Contact Susan_Wells@fws.gov for more information.
Since 2006, the Fisheries Program has invested more than $9 million to implement the Action Plan, including $5.8 million to support 136 on-the-ground projects in 36 States, leveraging $15.1 million in partner match.
Legislation
The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, introduced in Congress in September 2008, is expected to be re-introduced in the 111th Congress in coming months. The bill would give the Fish and Wildlife Service the lead role in a $75 million grant program for fish habitat conservation projects, and in administering the Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Office. This new Office would provide funding to support the operational needs of Fish Habitat Partnerships, as well as provide staff support to the Secretary, the Director, and the National Fish Habitat Board in carrying out the Act. Contact Angela_Gustavson@fws.gov in the Division of Congressional and Legislative Affairs for more information.
Changes on the National Fish Habitat Board
Two new State representatives were recently chosen to sit on the National Fish Habitat Board. Gary Myers, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – the longest serving State director in the nation – will retire at the end of February. He will be replaced by John Frampton of South Carolina as the SEAFWA representative on the Board.
Mike Stone of Wyoming was appointed to the Board by WAFWA. Mike was a member of the Core Work Group that wrote the Action Plan, and has frequently represented the American Fisheries Society as a proxy at Board meetings.
Chairman Kelly Hepler announced that Doug Austen of Pennsylvania, who represents NEAFWA on the Board, has been elected Vice-chairman.
Upcoming Events
National Fish Habitat Board, March 4-5, 2009, Harrisburg, PA. Susan-Marie Stedman, Susan.Stedman@noaa.gov, 301-713-4300 x132
Reservoir Fisheries: Angling for New Opportunities, a workshop at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, March 16, 2009, Arlington, VA. www.wildlifemanagementinstitute.org/
National Casting Call, April 26-27, Washington, DC. Ryan Roberts, Rroberts@fishwildlife.org, 301-713-4300 x171. www.nationalcastingcall.com
NFHAP One-Year-Out Workshop, week of June 22, 2009, Washington DC area. Tom Busiahn, Tom_Busiahn@fws.gov, 703-358-2056.
For more information The place to go on the web for general information on the National Fish Habitat Action Plan
http://www.fws.gov/fisheries/fwco/nfhap/ A web site about the Action Plan with information tailored for FWS employees
Gary Frazer, Assistant Director – Fisheries and Habitat Conservation 202-208-6394
Tom Busiahn, FWS NFHAP Coordinator 703-358-2056
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