WaterSMART: Cooperative Watershed Management Program Grants for FY 2013

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The objective of this FOA is to invite States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, existing watershed groups, and local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, county soil conservation districts, as defined in Section 6001 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act [Subtitle A of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111-11]) to submit proposals for Phase I activities to establish or expand a watershed group. Funding provided under this FOA must be used to develop a mission statement, project concepts, and a restoration plan. All work must be completed within two years from the date of award.A watershed group is defined in the Act (See: Section 6001 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111-11 [42 USC 10364]) as a self-sustaining, cooperative watershed-wide group that:1. Is comprised of representatives of the affected stakeholders of the relevant watershed2. Incorporates the perspectives of a diverse array of stakeholders, including all of the following, to the maximum extent practicable: A. Representatives of:• Hydroelectric production • Livestock grazing • Timber production • Land development • Recreation or tourism • Irrigated agricultural production • The environment • Potable water purveyors and industrial water users• Private property ownersB. Any Federal agency that has authority with respect to the watershedC. Any State agency that has authority with respect to the watershedD. Any local agency that has authority with respect to the watershedE. Any Indian tribe that either:• Owns land within the watershed • Has land in the watershed that is held in trust3. Is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed 4. Is capable of promoting the sustainable use of the water resources of the relevant watershed and improving the functioning condition of rivers and streams through: water conservation, improved water quality, ecological resiliency, and the reduction of water conflicts5. Makes decisions on a consensus basis, as defined by the bylaws of the watershed group

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