Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2019

Summary 

U.S. Department Of Agriculture - Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the availability of funds to assistlandowners and conduct other activities as part of pilot projects establishedby USDA’s NRCS and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for the eradication and control of feral swine. Applications are being accepted forpartners to carry out activities as part of these pilot projects in  States of Alabama, Arkansas, California,Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, SouthCarolina, and Texas. APHIS has determined that these states have the highest feral swine population densities and corresponding associated damages.  Maps of feral swine distribution may be foundat: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/feral-swine/sa-fs-history . 

A total of up to $33,750,000 is available for these activities in FYs 2019 - 2023.  Non-federal, not-for-profit entities (NFE) areinvited to submit applications. Projects may be between one and three years induration. The maximum amount for a single award in FY 2020 is $1,500,000 andapplicants must match at least 25% of federal funding.

APPLICATIONS DUE DATE:Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 19, 2019.

The purpose of the FSCP is to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human andanimal health. Feral swine are a destructive, non-native, invasive species andtheir populations have been increasing across the United States.  An estimated $2 billion in damage, includingagricultural, is caused by feral swine each year.  The species can have significant negative impacts on plant and animal habitats, soils, water quality, as well as other natural and cultural resources. Livestock and humans are also susceptible to diseases carried by feral swine. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 directs USDA to carry out thepilot program where the Secretary has determined that feral swine have been identified as such a threat.  NRCS State Conservationists and APHIS State Directors, in coordination with Statetechnical committees, have identified pilot projects which can be carried out within states with high feral swine densities. Pilot projects will consist broadlyof three coordinated components: 1) feral swine removal by APHIS, 2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and 3) assistance to producers for feral swinecontrol provided through grant agreements with non-federal partners. This opportunity for proposals is intended to address objective 3 described above fornon-federal partners to provide landowner assistance for on-farm trapping and provide related services as part of the pilot projects described above.  Funding for these services will be provided through grant agreements between partners and NRCS.

NRCS financial assistance for producers and provided through grant agreements is limited to providing financial assistance for activities that will help landowners control the feral swine population.  These activities may include, but are not limited to, outreach, training, equipment, and operations for feral swine trappingthat are consistent with APHIS technical standards.  Subsequent actions, including disposal, are the responsibility of those carrying out the trapping activities, and must occur consistent with all associated federal, state, and local laws.  Funds distributed by NRCS for the FSCP maynot be used to provide producer financial assistance for:

• Ground shooting

• Euthanasia (use of barbiturates)

• Aerial gunning

• Drop Nets

• Snares

• Cable Restraints

• Foot Holds

• Relocation

• Frightening devices

• Immobilization

• Reproductive inhibitors

• Toxicants

• Any other state or locally identified prohibitedtechniques or practices

NRCS is acceptingproposals that address the expected partner roles in the identified pilot projects. Additional information about specific pilot projects including target areas and the roles for which partner assistance is being requested can befound here: www.nrcs.usda.gov/FSCP

Please also see the Full Announcement in the Related Documents tab of this opportunity.