Okaloosa County BOCC — January 13, 2016 — I. e. NFWF Grant $70K

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: January 13, 2016 TO: Tourist Development Council FROM: Ed Schroeder, Tourist Development Department Director Erika Zambello, Marine Economic &Tourist Development Resource Coordinator SUBJECT: NFWF Gulf Coast Conservation Grant STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval to submit an application for the 2016 Gulf Coast Conservation Grants Program in the amount of $70,000, with $70,000 in matching contributions. BACKGROUND: At its December 15 meeting, the Board approved a conceptual design plan to reverse the erosion occurring along Choctawhatchee Bay at Veterans Park and improve the upland area to provide for easier public access. To complete upland restoration, which includes removing multiple species of invasive plants and planting native plants in their place, TDD staff requests to apply to the Gulf Coast Conservation Grants Program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Application will be made in conjunction with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. Grant funds in the amount of $70,000 will be requested and the grant requires a 1:1 match. In-kind services through the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance in the amount of $11,000 and future work from Taylor Engineering in the amount of $59,000 are proposed to fulfill the match requirement. Applications are due January 28. The draft application is attached for reference. The completed application will be presented to the Board on January 19. OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove RECOMMENDATION TO BCC: Approve submission of an application for the 2016 Gulf Coast Conservation Grants Program in the amount of $70,000, with $70,000 in matching contributions.  EasyGrantsID: 52209 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – Gulf Coast Conservation Grants Program 2016, Full Proposal Title: Upland Restoration within Veterans Park, Okaloosa Island, FL. Organization: Okaloosa County Grant Information NLY Title of Project Upland Restoration within Veterans Park, Okaloosa Island, FL. Total Amount Requested $ 70,000.00 O Matching Contributions Proposed Proposed Grant Period $70,000.00 06/01/ 2016 - 06/01/ 2017 N Project Description IO Okaloosa County and Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance propose a unique project that integrates natural habitat SS restoration with recreational and educational features for the benefit of residents, tourists, and the environment. Okaloosa County views Veterans Park as a potential flagship project that will showcase the benefits and value associated with habitat restoration while providing a distinctive amenity for the public to enjoy. This narrative U describes the first recommended phase of the Veterans Park restoration initiative, the upland removal of invasive species and replanting of native species, and focuses on this county-owned Okaloosa Island property. Project Abstract C IS Veterans Park, which encompasses approximately 14 acres, borders the Choctawhatchee Bay and contains rare habitat, i