Jonah JIO accepting project applications
Jonah Interagency Mitigation and Reclamation Office (JIO)
May 31, 2006
The Jonah Interagency Mitigation and Reclamation Office (JIO) will begin accepting project applications through June 30, 2006.
The JIO was created by the Jonah Project Record of Decision (ROD) to provide overall management of field monitoring and mitigation activities, both on- and off-site. To perform these functions, the JIO manages a $24.5 million monitoring and mitigation fund donated by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc.
The ROD represents an innovative approach to encouraging industry to minimize the footprint of development, maximize recovery of natural gas and speed up the reclamation process. The JIO provides a crucial mechanism to further mitigate project impacts by funding and implementing both on- and off-site monitoring and mitigation projects.
The following types of projects are eligible:
• Improvement and maintenance of existing habitat necessary to maintain optimum wildlife populations.
• Conservation, maintenance, protection, development or improvement of wildlife resources and habitats impacted by Jonah Field development.
• Improvement or maintenance of existing rangelands to maintain or enhance livestock use.
• Air quality improvement and/or monitoring projects.
• Improvement and maintenance of stormwater/erosion control.
• Participation in water enhancement projects to benefit livestock and/or wildlife use.
• Preservation of open space, habitat, or grazing lands by purchase or acquisition of development or other property rights.
Projects will be funded twice annually, with funds made available for approved projects in January and July. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year, but need to be submitted at least ninety (90) days prior to the next funding cycle.
All applications submitted will be considered pre-proposals and reviewed by the JIO staff to determine general eligibility. Projects selected for final consideration by the JIO in any grant cycle will be reviewed on-site by the JIO staff prior to final approval, as needed. Small projects (<$100,000) may be approved by the JIO Project Coordinator. Large projects (≥$100,000) must be approved by the Committee.
All projects related to land acquisition or purchase of conservation easements must be approved by the Committee, regardless of cost.
"The JIO office is 107 1/2 Pine St., in Pinedale (located behind High Mountain Real Estate, entering from Fremont St.). The JIO will be accepting applications for projects from interested parties through June 30th," said Mike Stiewig, JIO project coordinator.
Project application form and guidelines are on the JIO website, at: www.wy.blm.gov/jonah_office.
For more information, contact Stiewig at 307-367-5363 or the JIO office number 307-367-3991.
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