New Stream Stewards Program/Backyard Habitat Improvement Grant Workshop Offered

• What: Backyard Habitat Improvement Grant Workshop

• When: Saturday January 15 from noon to 1 p.m.

• Where: Eagles Nest Meeting Room at Kitsap County Fairgrounds,
               1195 NE Fairgrounds Road, Silverdale, WA

(Port Orchard, WA) - Kitsap County Surface and Storm Water Management (SSWM) is transitioning the 15 year old Stream Team program to the new and improved Stream Stewards Program. Working cooperatively to implement the program are WSU Kitsap Extension and the Kitsap Conservation District.

Starting in 2011, Kitsap citizens have two ways to get involved and help improve stream habitat. Grab a shovel and install your own stream improvement project. Eligible projects include removing fish passage barriers, restoring in-stream habitat, or enhancing important stream side areas. Individual projects may receive up to $2,500. Grants are due February 25, 2011. Another way to help our local salmon is to commit yourself to in-depth training for individual or group volunteers for future stream improvement projects. Classes begin in March.

The kickoff event for this exciting new program is the Backyard Habitat Improvement Grant Workshop at the Kitsap Fairgrounds on Saturday January 15 from noon to 1 p.m. Kitsap citizens are encouraged to attend to not only learn what type of projects are eligible, but to bring forth and discuss their ideas. Learn about the grant award and implementation process, reimbursement, permitting (if needed), design approval and project maintenance. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about the watershed they live in and their local stream, as well as how to get involved in the on-the-ground efforts to improve watershed health and habitat restoration and enhancement.

Direct questions on the Backyard Habitat Improvement Grant Workshop to Carin Anderson 360-337-7171 Ext 22 carin-anderson@conservewa.net and about Stream Stewards to Arno Bergstrom 360-337-7225 awbergstrom@wsu.edu.

More Information: SSWM protects people, property and natural resources by addressing water quality and water quantity. The Stream Stewards Program and Backyard Habitat Improvement Grants are funded by SSWM in cooperation with WSU Kitsap Extension and the Kitsap Conservation District.

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