Posted: 26 May 2005
Almost $300,000 tipped for 2005 Environment Fund
A proposed $170,000 extra funding could boost this year’s Northland Regional Council Environmental Fund to $286,000.
Applications for the 2005 fund are now open and can be made until Friday 15 July.
Council Chairman Mark Farnsworth says since 1996 the fund has provided about $100,000 annually to help people improve and protect Northland’s natural environment.
Mr Farnsworth says this year extra funding has been proposed as part of the Council’s Draft Annual Plan process. The proposed extra spending recognises the effort and commitment that Northlanders are putting into improving native biodiversity.
The fund typically contributes up to 50 percent of the total cost of a project, with most grants for between $500 and $5000. Applicants must be able to provide the remainder of the cost with time, cash costs, other funding or in-kind contributions such as voluntary labour and donated materials.
“Projects must be of long-term benefit to the local environment and clearly show evidence of good resource management. Examples of previously funded projects include protecting native bush and wetlands by fencing out stock, replanting streamsides and pest eradication to preserve native habitat.”
Mr Farnsworth says projects designed to generate personal or commercial profit, required under a resource consent, or to simply beautify a site, are not eligible for funding.
The fund is open to individuals and voluntary groups for eligible projects on private land. Landowners, community and conservation organisations, local Maori groups and schools have all successfully applied to the Environment Fund in the past.
Last year - together with extra money from a nationwide Government biodiversity fund and some joint funding from the Far North District Council - the NRC Environment Fund contributed almost $200,000 towards 59 projects all over Northland.
Thirty of last year’s successful applicants were from the Far North, 12 from the Whangarei District and 17 from Kaipara.
Mr Farnsworth says as proposed, there could be four project types funded this year;
- General
- Wetland protection and enhancement
- Pest animal and plant control
- Revegetation and enhancement with native plants.
About $100,000 is earmarked for general projects that restore and protect native habitats such as streamsides, remnant forest, shrubland and coastal margins. General projects are eligible for up to 50 percent financial assistance.
Projects that enhance, protect or restore natural wetlands are eligible for up to 66% financial assistance (depending on an area’s significance) and could account for another $100,000 of the fund.
Another $75,000 has been proposed for projects that protect habitat for native flora and fauna by removing environmental pest plants and animals. These projects may be eligible for up to 100% of costs, depending on the local, regional or national significance of the area being protected.
Meanwhile, the fourth section of the fund - revegetation and enhancement with native plants – is being sponsored by the Honda New Zealand Tree Fund. This provides the Regional Council fund with another $11,600 for the planting of native trees for revegetation, enhancement, erosion control, and shelter and streamside enhancement. Up to 50% of costs can be met.
Mr Farnsworth says people who are unsure which category their project may fit in to should contact Land Management or Biosecurity staff at the Regional Council.
He says application forms are available from Northland Regional Council offices, by calling (0800) 002 004, sending an email to mailroom@nrc.govt.nz or visiting Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz
Applications must be with the Council by 5pm on 15 July with successful applicants notified by 30 September this year.