PRIVATE LANDOWNERS

Applications will be accepted through (postmarked by) January 15, 2013 for protection and management of at-risk grassland bird species such as short-eared owls, upland sandpipers, and Henslow’s sparrows. Program funding is approximately $1,000,000. Eligible applicants must be private landowners who own at least twenty-five contiguous grassland habitat or shrubland the landowner is willing to convert to grassland within one of the program’s Grassland Focus Areas. Selected landowners will be reimbursed $110 or $113 per acre per year. The higher rate will be applied for parcels of land located within 25 miles of large urban areas (population of more than 100,000), reflecting higher soil rental rates near population centers. Complete program information and location of the focus areas will be found by clicking on the Landowner Incentive Program tab at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/32891.html

An application can be downloaded through the same web address.

For an application, contact: Marcelo J. del Puerto, Department of Environmental Conservation at the above address or call (518) 402-8907, e-mail: [email protected] (Preferred method)

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL

Fiscal Year 2012 Recruitment and Retention Grant Request for Applications (RFA) is soliciting applications for funding made available by the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel.

The grant program seeks to promote the development of, or support existing, regional recruitment and retention efforts.The primary objectives are to support organizational leadership development through education and training and to develop and implement recruitment and retention programs and materials.

Only organizations that are located within, and serve the State of New York are eligible to apply. Eligible organizations include: volunteer fire companies or fire departments; municipalities and/ or fire districts acting on behalf of fire departments, fire companies and /or emergency services organizations operating under the authority of that municipality or district and comprised of 50% or more of volunteers; volunteer emergency medical service organizations and local, regional or statewide organizations representing volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel.

Organizations that are not eligible for the Grant Program are fire departments, companies and /or emergency services organizations whose volunteer membership is less than 50% of their total manning strength; federal fire departments and those departments under contract with the Federal Government whose sole responsibility is fire protection on Federal property; For-profit fire departments and other emergency services organizations and organizations affiliated with NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services or a component thereof.

The formation of new regional recruitment and retention partnerships or supporting existing regional efforts is highly encouraged. A Submitting Partner and all Participating Partners must be identified and be eligible organizations.

Applications will also be accepted for Statewide Organizations who demonstrate that they serve a statewide interest and will provide benefits statewide.

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM January 7, 2013. The applications must be submitted as an attachment by email to [email protected].

For an application and instructions contact: Robin Quintin, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, 1220 Washington Ave., State Office Campus, Bldg. 7A, Albany, NY 12242, 1-866-837-9133, e-mail: [email protected]