Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Eco-Tourism … · Rec Hub . Eco-Tourism Support . Grants ....

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Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Eco-Tourism Support Grants Round 2 - Application and Instructions Deadline: January 27, 2017 Funded by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Natural Heritage Trust (NHT)

Transcript of Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Eco-Tourism … · Rec Hub . Eco-Tourism Support . Grants ....

Adirondack Park Upper Hudson

Rec Hub Eco-Tourism Support

Grants

Round 2 - Application and Instructions

Deadline: January 27, 2017

Funded by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Natural Heritage Trust (NHT)

Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Eco-Tourism Support Grants REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications for community development projects capitalizing on proximity to and connections with former Finch / The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owned lands that have been added to the publicly owned Forest Preserve or protected by conservation easement. The completed purchase of these lands by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) makes available new high quality recreational opportunities in the heart of New York’s Adirondack Park. Applications are requested for municipal projects implementing economic strategies and developing physical assets to bolster the recreation and tourism economy.

Projects must be consistent with the program goals and objectives outlined herein, including Smart Growth principles. Projects that include physical assets must locate those assets either on municipal lands or on private lands, provided that a license for long term use and maintenance will be developed between the municipality and property owner.

Approximately $250,000 in funding, provided to NHT by a grant from The Nature Conservancy, is anticipated to be made available under this RFA, with a maximum grant request of $125,000. Eligible applicants are municipalities in the Five Towns communities of Indian Lake, Long Lake, Minerva, Newcomb, and North Hudson.

This RFA, which represents a portion of $750,000 being provided by The Nature Conservancy to support recreation-based economic development, is restricted to municipalities. Separate funding will be made available to the private sector (for-profit small businesses and not-for-profit organizations) via a competitive microenterprise grant program. The microenterprise program will be delivered by the Essex County Industrial Development Agency and will fund private-sector projects advancing recreation and tourism-related objectives of this RFA.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION Applicants must submit one original hard copy AND one electronic copy on compact disc of the application form attached to this RFA for each project proposal. An electronic version of the application is located at http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/grants.html. Applications must be sent to the following address:

US Postal Service: The Natural Heritage Trust Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Grants

Albany, NY 12238 FedEx or UPS: The Natural Heritage Trust

Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Grants 625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12207

Contact: Dylan Walrath, DEC Phone: (518) 402-9405

E-mail: [email protected] (Subject: Smart Growth)

Applications must be postmarked by Friday January 27, 2017. Hand delivered applications must be received by 4:00pm on January 27, 2017.

Incomplete Or Late Applications WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Fax and E-Mail Transmissions WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Applicants’ questions will be accepted until January 10, 2017, and all answers will be posted on DEC’s website by January 13, 2017. Please contact Dylan Walrath if you have questions on the application process or eligibility requirements, or questions on the contents of this RFA.

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ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUNDS

DEC is a New York State agency that implements programs designed to conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment. DEC's goal is to achieve its mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives. DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests manages public lands in New York State and provides leadership in forestry and forest management.

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is guided by science and works around the world to address challenges to people and nature involving climate change, fresh water, oceans, cities, and lands. TNC pursues a non-confrontational, pragmatic approach to conservation challenges, partnering with communities, businesses, governments, multilateral institutions, and other non-profits. TNC's Adirondack Chapter, established in 1971 and based in Keene Valley, New York, has protected places like Lake Lila, Round Lake and Santanoni Preserve, and is a founding partner of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program and the High Peaks Summit Stewardship Program.

NHT is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York. It receives and manages gifts, grants and contributions to further public programs in support of parks, conservation, outdoor recreation and historic preservation statewide. The NHT is governed by a Board of Directors which includes the Commissioner of DEC.

DEC, TNC and NHT share many mission compatible goals and purposes and are working cooperatively to administer this grant program. TNC is funding the program and will participate in the application evaluation process with DEC. NHT will provide contract administration and payment oversight, while DEC will provide technical assistance and grant management of the program.

ESTIMATED TIMETABLE OF KEY DATES

Date Activity

December 5, 2016 RFA announcement

January 10, 2017 Deadline for submission of written questions

January 13, 2017 Answers to all questions submitted are posted

January 27, 2017 Application deadline

February 28, 2017 Deadline to send “authorizing resolution.”

March 3, 2017 Announcement of awards anticipated

March 2017 Begin issuing grant agreements

May 2017 Awarded projects should be underway

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MAP OF THE GRANT PROGRAM AREA

NOTE TO BUSINESSES AND NON PROFITS WITHIN OR PROXIMATE TO THE FIVE TOWNS

This RFA is designed to give municipalities an opportunity to apply for limited funding for tourism-related infrastructure or initiatives. The bulk of the funding provided by The Nature Conservancy, approximately $500,000, will soon be announced available via a competitive microenterprise grant program for private sector (for-profit small business and not-for-profit organization) applicants. This announcement is anticipated in January 2017.

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Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Eco-Tourism Support Grants

The Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Tourism Infrastructure Grants will support municipal projects that implement strategies and/or develop physical assets to bolster the recreation and tourism economy in the Five Towns that host the state’s newest Forest Preserve lands. These lands—once owned by paper manufacturer Finch, Pruyn & Company—were protected by New York State in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. The communities of Newcomb, Minerva, North Hudson, Indian Lake and Long Lake complement the Park’s natural and historic resources, and give the area its exceptional sense of place. These grants are intended to capitalize on an historic opportunity to strengthen the link between community prosperity and conservation lands.

This document provides detail on the activities eligible for funding and the grant selection criteria by which applications will be evaluated. In general, funds will support projects that support the grant objectives defined herein while remaining consistent with smart growth principles and environmental protection. NHT reserves the right to withhold funding from projects that do not receive a minimum score of 70.

I. THE FORMER FINCH / NATURE CONSERVANCY LANDS In 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the completion of the state’s largest Adirondack land acquisition in more than 100 years. The Boreas Ponds Tract was the final acquisition in a series of land purchases the state completed under a 2012 agreement with The Nature Conservancy to conserve land previously owned primarily by the former Finch, Pruyn & Company paper company. These purchases, coupled with previous conservation transactions, protect 161,000 acres in all; featuring 415 miles of rivers and streams, 300 lakes and ponds, 90 mountain peaks and 16,000 acres of wetlands.

The former Finch / Nature Conservancy lands touch six counties and 27 towns in the Adirondacks, with more than 80% of the property in these five towns: North Hudson, Minerva, Newcomb, Indian Lake and Long Lake.

In 2007, TNC purchased the lands while a private equity firm purchased Finch Pruyn’s manufacturing assets in Glens Falls. The paper mill now operates under the name Finch Paper. TNC’s local Adirondack Chapter and DEC, in consultation with a variety of interest groups and community leaders, have worked together to conserve and protect the lands as follows:

• 92,000 acres protected by conservation easement continue to be privatelyowned working forests with sustainable logging;

• 65,000 acres have been transferred to the state to become part of theForest Preserve; and

• 1,100 acres have been set aside for community purposes in three towns.

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Through this project, the public has gained recreational access for the first time in more than 100 years to places like OK Slip Falls, Essex Chain Lakes, Boreas Ponds, Sugarloaf Cliffs and other locations. The conservation easement lands in this project also offer new public recreational access opportunities, including fishing access to the Branch River in North Hudson.

II. GRANT OBJECTIVESMunicipalities may use grant funds for projects that have one or more of the following objectives:

1. Position the communities to attract revenue from recreating visitors byproviding amenities to enhance their experiences.

2. Increase the duration of visits to the Five Towns3. Increase the variety and quality of recreational experiences available in

the “front-country” – lands and waters near communities and travelcorridors

4. Promote the use and enjoyment of former Finch/Nature Conservancyowned State lands

5. Strengthen linkages between the community and the surrounding ForestPreserve and Conservation Easement lands.

6. Promote a spectrum of recreational opportunities available for people of allages and abilities.

7. Leverage other private and public sources of money to maximize thebenefit that communities can realize through increased public use of theformer Finch/Nature Conservancy lands.

8. Implement the following planning initiatives:

• Adirondack Parkwide Recreation Strategy –http://www.adirondackstrategies.com/pdf/recplan.pdf

• Great South Woods Strategy and Recommendations –http://www.esf.edu/aec/greatsouthwoods

• “Five Towns” Hut-to-Hut Trail Plan –http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/106101.html

• Advantage Adirondacks; Parkwide Economic DevelopmentStrategy – http://www.adirondackstrategies.com

III. PROJECT LOCATIONProjects that include physical assets must locate those assets either on municipal lands or on private lands provided that a license for long term use and maintenance will be developed between the municipality and property owner.

Projects will be evaluated in part for their use of smart growth principles to provide visitor services and support the Adirondack Park tourism industry. Smart growth balances the need for economic development with the desire to enhance our natural and built environments. It provides for economic growth in populated, developed areas with infrastructure and amenities to sustain such growth. This

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type of growth also provides for the experience desired by Park visitors and residents. To provide the “better place” desired by tourists, community development projects should fit within an appropriate physical and land-use planning context as outlined below. Amenities should be developed in well-planned locations that will encourage visitor-driven economic activity at a scale appropriate to the location. Similarly, funds should be invested in the implementation of existing plans wherever possible.

Projects will be evaluated for how they fit in one or more of the following project location categories supported by this grant program:

• Nature Access Points – projects located at key locations that providevisitors with direct access to recreational opportunities and thebackcountry. Projects could include development of trailheads, waterwayaccess and extraction points and connector trails that are not located onbut lead visitors to Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands.Projects could include enhancement of nature access points forbusinesses that cater directly to recreational visitors such as bait shops,hunting cabins, hut to hut hiker accommodations, backcountry equipmentrental, outpost supply shops, guide services, related parking and othercommercial services.

• Gateway – projects located at an entry point into the community.Gateways into the community introduce and orient visitors to recreationopportunities and local amenities. Use of signage, landscaping and sitingalongside scenic and/or historic features will draw attention to thecommunity’s unique assets and offer a sense of arrival.

• Transition Zone – projects located in the area that transitions from theedge of the community into the walkable center, and back toward theouter reaches. Multiple use trails, bikeways and parks can be developed intransition zones to physically connect the walkable center with naturalareas. Automobile-oriented projects in this zone must be carefullydesigned to not detract from walkability and a visitor’s sense of arrival in aspecial place.

• ¼ mile Walkable Center – projects located in an area designated, plannedand market-driven as the community’s center of economic activity andtourist accommodation. Such an area must be compact, with potential forwalkability and increased commercial activity providing multipleconsolidated visitor services (e.g. restaurant, lodging, shops, gear andguides).

IV. EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE PROJECTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITHPROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (not limited to but including)

• Lodging- hut to hut hiker accommodations- infrastructure needed to support lodging

• Recreational infrastructure within the host community leading to but notlocated on Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands to

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support recreation use such as mountain biking, horse trail riding, snowmobiling, kayaking, rafting, fishing and hiking - trailhead, boat launch or town center parking - connector trails and multiple use trails - waterway access sites - equestrian facilities

• Pedestrian-oriented and bicycle-friendly projects designed to linkcommunities with surrounding former Finch/Nature Conservancy lands- dedicated bike lanes- off-road paths- seasonal shuttle service for hikers, bikers, canoeists, etc.

• Visitor orientation including traditional signage and new technologyo Visitor/welcome centero Aesthetic signage that creates an enhanced visual appearance

compatible with its location- welcome signage - dark-sky-friendly lighting

o Wayside and other Park and/or resource interpretation- information and/or programs for mobile device users- information transmitted over social media- informational and interpretive kiosks- trailhead information- publicly displayed maps or descriptive signage- topographic models

• Durable equipment to be maintained for public recreational use

V. GENERAL GUIDELINES

Who is eligible to apply? Eligible applicants include municipalities within and including, the Five Towns of Indian Lake, Long Lake, Minerva, Newcomb, and North Hudson. Municipalities may include towns and counties.

Applicants must demonstrate a linkage between their proposed project and Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands within the Five Towns that host the lands.

Is there an application limit? An applicant may apply for more than one grant. A separate application must be submitted for each grant proposal.

Are partnerships and inter-municipal applications encouraged? Yes, partnership projects are encouraged among municipalities. There can only be one designated project applicant named on the grant application. If the project involves a partnership, the designated project applicant is considered to be the one eligible applicant designated as the lead applicant. If the designated project applicant ultimately receives a grant award, that applicant will be required to assume the responsibility for entering into a contract with NHT, and will be responsible for any subcontracting associated with the project.

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A resolution will be required from the designated lead applicant’s governing body approving the application and subsequent contract before a contract governing grant funds may be entered into by the successful applicant. Letters of support/commitment must be provided at the time of application from all participating partners stating they will support or will participate in the proposed project.

How much funding is available for the community development grants? NHT anticipates that approximately $250,000, received as a grant from The Nature Conservancy will be made available.

The maximum award available for a single application is $125,000. NHT reserves the right to award a portion of the amount of grant funding requested by an applicant if such reduction in funding generally furthers the Grant Objectives and does not decrease the scoring value of a project.

Are matching funds required? No, these grants do not require the applicant to provide matching funds. The grant award may fund up to 100% of a project’s costs; however, additional points will be awarded to grant applications that demonstrate a commitment to provide additional deliverables using other funding sources (See Grant Selection Criteria, below).

When can a successful applicant begin work on their project? Recipients of a grant will be notified of an official grant award via a letter of award signed by the Executive Director of NHT. An award agreement (grant contract) must then be finalized between the grantee and NHT. Work on the awarded grant project may begin once the grant contract is fully executed. The grant contract will include a project scope of work, performance time line, project budget and standard contract clauses.

For projects that involve contractors, eligible municipalities will be required to hire contractors in accordance with General Municipal Law and any other applicable laws. Costs incurred by an applicant prior to the date of an award letter will not be eligible for reimbursement.

When will grant monies be made available to successful applicants? This is a reimbursement grant program and grantees must plan their financial arrangements accordingly. Grantees will be required to document and provide copies of all project-related expenditures in order to receive reimbursement. No reimbursement payments will be made until the appropriate documentation of the expenditure has been approved by DEC and NHT.

Will advance funding be made available to successful applicants? Applicants may be able to request up to a 25% advance on their grant amount if project-related costs are for construction and a request, including justification of need, is submitted to NHT.

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How long will a successful applicant have to complete a grant project? It is anticipated that projects will be completed within a two-year term beginning with the executed date of the grant contract. However, NHT may at its discretion approve additional one-year term extensions upon written request from a grantee justifying the need for an extension.

How does a successful applicant demonstrate progress? It is imperative that the grantee complete the project as set forth in the agreed scope of work and performance time line. Failure to render satisfactory progress or to complete the project may be deemed an abandonment of the project and may cause the suspension or termination of any obligation of NHT. Satisfactory progress toward implementation of your project includes, but is not limited to: executing contracts and submitting reimbursement payment requests in a timely fashion, retaining consultants, and completing, designs, reports, work elements or other tasks identified in the scope of work within the time allocated for their completion. NHT may recapture awarded funds if satisfactory progress is not being made on the implementation of the grant project. Applicants should not submit applications if they do not expect to initiate the project on a timely basis after receiving an approved contract.

What are the State Environmental Quality Review Act requirements? Applicants must fulfill the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). Applications involving construction or development will not be considered eligible for a grant without the completion of SEQR requirements detailed below. Information about SEQR and related forms are available and downloadable on the DEC's website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6191.html.

1. All construction or development applications must include cleardrawings, maps, photos or plans of existing and proposed natural andman-made conditions on the project site and the areas immediatelyadjacent to the site. This documentation should clearly represent thecurrent conditions of the project site and show any areas to bedisturbed. Photos should be keyed to maps.

2. Type II projects are not subject to further SEQR review once the activityis classified as Type II (see Part 617.5 of the SEQR regulations todetermine if a project is a Type II). No Environmental Assessment Formor determination of significance is required for actions which are TypeII.A note should be placed in the project file explaining that the project is aType II action and identify which Type II criterion best fits (i.e. (1)maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existingstructure or facility).

3. SEQR Forms:If your project is not Type II, it will be subject to SEQR review. Consultsection 617.4 of the SEQR regulations to determine if it is classified Type Ior Unlisted. If the project is classified as Type I, the Full EnvironmentalAssessment Form (EAF) is used for the SEQR review. For Unlistedactions, the Short EAF is used.

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Municipalities: The eligible municipality will likely be the lead agency for SEQR if the DEC is the only other involved State agency, or will be responsible for initiating lead agency designation procedures if there are other involved State agencies. The lead agency designation is required to determine the environmental significance of the project under SEQR. Municipal agencies acting as the SEQR lead agency must complete and sign Parts 1, 2 and 3 of either the Short or Full EAF. If the project's impacts have been previously reviewed under SEQR, supporting documentation of the completed SEQR review must be submitted (e.g., negative declaration, FEIS and SEQR Findings Statement,).

Are there special requirements that grantees will be required to meet?

Recognition of Funding Recipients of a grant will be required to communicate that project funding was provided by The Nature Conservancy and administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation, in partnership with the Natural Heritage Trust. This acknowledgment will be required in any communication with the public, which includes plans presented to the public, press releases and meeting notices, plus any web resources and signage funded by the grant. (Please note that use of TNC’s logo requires express permission. Grant recipients wishing to inquire about permission will need to contact TNC.)

Historic Review Requirements Projects must comply with the New York State Historic Preservation Act. Applicants should make note of historic properties involved and may be asked to provide additional information to ensure compliance. For projects that involve properties listed on, or eligible for, the State/National Register, all work undertaken as part of a grant-assisted project must conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Projects involving the rehabilitation of historic properties must also conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Information on these standards and guidelines is available on the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm.

Grants may be awarded on the condition of securing all necessary permits prior to receiving final grant approval from NHT.

Accessibility Projects must comply with all applicable laws requiring accessibility. These requirements include those established by Article 4A of the New York State Public Buildings Law, relevant sections of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the Americans with

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Disabilities Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, and Proposed ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas (36 CFR Part 1195) http://www.access-board.gov/outdoor/.

Ground Disturbance Applicants must determine to what extent, if any, ground disturbance will be involved in the proposed project (such as for grading, installation of underground utilities, etc.). Submit any maps or site plans that show the areas to be disturbed. Describe the relevant sections of any archeological studies that have been conducted or archaeological proposals that have been prepared for this project/property.

Ownership If the applicant (municipality) or partnering municipality is not the owner of property involved in the proposed project, the applicant must secure the landowner(s) support. The landowner must stipulate that he/she will enter into a legally binding agreement (eg. license for long term use and maintenance, public access easement or signage easement) with the applicant or partnering municipality, if there is not one already in place, if necessary to ensure access to improve and maintain the property throughout the useful life of the project. The application must be accompanied by either a letter of support from the landowner or a copy of said legally binding agreement. The applicant may be required to enter into a legally binding agreement with the landowner before entering into a contract with NHT.

Additional Requirements All projects must comply with the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the State Labor Law, and the Workers' Compensation Law and any other applicable State, Federal or Local laws.

What types of costs will be eligible for reimbursement? Grant funds may be used for the following costs:

1. Direct salary costs for applicant employees while working directly onawarded project, including personnel service salaries and fringe benefits.Fringe benefits are limited to 15% of direct salary costs for applicantemployees while working directly on awarded project.

2. Direct non-salary costs, including costs for printing, photocopying, travel,materials, supplies, equipment (incl. rental), consultant and contractualservices, legal and other goods and services directly associated with theproject.

What types of costs are ineligible for reimbursement? The following will not be paid with grant funds:

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1. Indirect or overhead costs of the municipality, such as rent, telephoneservice, and general administrative support.

2. Salaries and other expenses of elected officials, whether incurred forpurposes of project direction, execution, or legislation, are not an eligiblecost.

3. Costs of preparing the grant application.

4. Costs associated with planning and design not integral to projectimplementation.

VI. PROCESS FOR REVIEW AND SELECTION OF PROJECTS

Pre-Review All applications will first be reviewed according to the following: 1. Has the applicant identified a linkage between the proposed project and

Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands within the Five Townsthat host the lands?

2. Is the applicant an eligible municipality (applicants must provide a validfederal ID number)?

4. Was the application received or postmarked by January 27, 2017?

If the answer to any of the above questions is "No," your application will not be considered eligible for further review or evaluation.

Review and Scoring If the answer to all of the above questions is “Yes”, the application meets eligibility criteria and will be further evaluated and scored by a review panel. The review panel will evaluate and score all eligible applications using the grant selection criteria identified in section VII of this RFA.

All eligible projects will be scored using both general evaluation criteria and cost effectiveness criteria. Reviewer scores will be averaged to produce a final score for each set of evaluation criteria.

- General criteria will account for 80% of the final score. - Cost effectiveness criteria will account for 20% of the final score.

Selection of Projects All eligible projects will be placed on a list by final score, ranked in order from highest to lowest scores. Projects having the highest final scores will be selected for funding, beginning with the highest down to the lowest ranked proposal, until available funding is exhausted. NHT reserves the right to withhold funding from projects that do not receive a minimum score of 70. NHT reserves the right to award a portion of the amount of grant funding requested by an applicant if such reduction in funding generally furthers the Grant Objectives and does not decrease the scoring value of a project.

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VII. GRANT SELECTION CRITERIA

Following pre-review, all eligible applications will be reviewed according to the following grant selection criteria. A successful proposal is not expected to meet all of these grant selection criteria. Each element of the grant selection criteria is rated using the following numerical evaluation to assess the degree to which the application meets the grant selection criteria:

Primary Grant Criteria: High - 11 points - substantially meets criterion Medium - 7 points - moderately meets criterion Low - 4 point - minimally meets criterion Does not meet criteria - 0 points - (the proposal has been determined to have no value or to not have the benefit intended by the applicant)

Project Impacts, Context and Success Factors: High - 5 points - substantially meets criterion Medium - 3 points - moderately meets criterion Low - 1 point - minimally meets criterion Does not meet criteria - 0 points - (the proposal has been determined to have no value or to not have the benefit intended by the applicant)

A. General Evaluation Criteria (All eligible applications will be scored on these criteria. Applicants should specifically address how their project addresses each of the criteria. Total number of points: 80)

Primary Grant Criteria:

1. Does the project position the communities to attract revenue fromrecreating visitors by providing amenities to enhance theirexperiences and increase the duration of their visits?11 points

2. Does the project advance implementation of the followingplanning initiatives:• Adirondack Parkwide Recreation Strategy –

http://www.adirondackstrategies.com/pdf/recplan.pdf• Great South Woods Strategy and Recommendations –

http://www.esf.edu/aec/greatsouthwoods• “Five Towns” Hut-to-Hut Trail Plan –

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/106101.html

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• Advantage Adirondacks; parkwide economic developmentstrategy – http://www.adirondackstrategies.com

11 points

3. Does the project increase the variety and quality of recreationalexperiences available in the “front-country” – lands and watersnear communities and travel corridors?11 points

4. Does the project directly promote the use and enjoyment offormerly Finch/Nature Conservancy-owned State lands?11 points

5. Does the project strengthen linkages between the community andrecreation opportunities on surrounding Forest Preserve andConservation Easement lands?11 points

Project Impacts, Context and Success Factors:

6. Does the project leverage other private and public sources ofmoney to maximize the benefit that communities can realizethrough increased public use of the former Finch/NatureConservancy lands by providing additional deliverables not fundedby NHT?5 points

7. Will the project increase the availability of recreational opportunitiesavailable for people of all ages and abilities and/or provide visitororientation, education and/or interpretation of the Adirondack Parkand its resources?5 points

8. Does project have minimal environmental impacts and/or enhancenatural resources or scenic assets of the Adirondack Park?5 points

9. Does the project fit in one or more of the aforementioned projectlocation categories supported by this grant program (specifically, ¼mile Walkable Center, Transition Zone, Gateway, or Nature AccessPoint)?5 points

10. Does the project have one or more partners (municipalities, not-for-profit corporations or volunteers) with skills and capabilities that willcontribute to and improve the final product?5 points

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B. Cost Effectiveness Criteria: (All eligible applications will be scored on this criteria. Applicants must provide documentation to support the project budget, such as standard government wage rates, current market prices for equipment, and cost-estimates from potential contractors. Total number of points: 20)

1. Project’s budget is exceptionally cost-effective, well-balanced anddoes not contain extraneous expenses. Funding is accuratelydescribed ....................................................................................... 20

2. Project’s budget is of above average cost-effectiveness ............... 15

3. Project’s budget is of average cost-effectiveness .......................... 10

4. Project’s budget is of below average cost-effectiveness ................. 5

5. Project’s budget is not cost-effective, or is extraneousor excessive .................................................................................... 0

VIII. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM

NOTE: Please use the MS Word format form at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/93275.html

Part A. Applicant Information 1. Project Applicant: The applicant is responsible for entering into a

contract with NHT and for any subcontracting associated with the project. For projects that have multiple partners, one partner must serve as the lead applicant.

2. Project Applicant’s Address and Telephone Number: Provide thepostal address, telephone and fax number of the applicant.

3. Applicant ID: Provide the applicant's Federal Tax Identification number.

4-7. Contact Information: Provide the name, telephone and fax number, e-mail and postal address (if different from the applicant) of the person to contact regarding the proposed project.

Part B. General Project Information 1. Project Name: Provide a brief but descriptive name for your project.

2. Project Location: Provide County and Village or Town. The applicationmust include a site map which clearly shows the location of theproject. Please include one original USGS topographic map. Whererelevant, include photos showing overall property and project in enoughdetail to clearly indicate current conditions. Photos should be keyed tomaps. Applicants may use USGS topographical sheets online available athttp://www.usgs.gov/pubprod/ or DEC’s State Lands Interactive Mapper at

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http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45478.html. It is important that the map clearly displays the project location in relation to municipal boundaries, former Finch/Nature Conservancy lands, other surrounding Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands and hamlet/community centers and/or natural resource assets/recreational lands. Applicants may request a custom map showing former Finch/Nature Conservancy lands. Please contact Dylan Walrath in the DEC Division of Lands & Forests at 518-402-9405 if you need a custom map.

2-2. Ownership Information: Identify owner(s) of property(ies) involved in the project and explain the applicant’s interest in the property (e.g. the applicant may own, lease or possess easement over the property, or they may have no legal interest in the property) If the applicant is not the owner, please enter the deed liber/page of the property and include a letter of support from the landowner.

Part C. Project Timing and Cost 1-2. Schedule: Provide an estimated start and end date for the project. A more

thorough completion timeline should be provided in Part H - Scope of Work.

3-4. Project cost: Provide an estimate of the total project cost and the amount of NHT assistance requested. The dollar amounts entered must match what is calculated in the budget pages. (Parts J/K)

Part D. Resolution All applicants must submit a certified resolution of the governing body designating, by title (Mayor, Town Supervisor, Manager, Chairman, President, etc.), the representative authorized to act on behalf of that body in all matters related to their application for state assistance. (For a sample resolution, see the attachment following section IX of this RFA.)

All partners (municipal and not-for-profits) listed who have an active role in the project are also required to submit a letter of agreement with the application. The letter of agreement should contain an explanation of the specifics of the role of the partner and any commitment of resources from the partner.

Part E. Project Summary Provide a short and direct summary statement that describes the proposed project in three or fewer sentences. Include the project purpose and location; the variety of work to be performed; the need for the project and what will result if the project is undertaken. A more detailed explanation should be provided in Part H - Scope of Work.

Part F. Project Partners Provide the contact name, address and telephone number of each project partner identified in the application. Briefly state their role in the project.

Part G. Project Personnel

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Identify the key personnel who will work on the project and describe their qualifications and role in the project.

Part H. Scope of Work Describe the proposed project, including a description of the objectives to be achieved and problem(s) to be addressed. Fully describe only the project’s component tasks or stages to be funded by this Program, their costs as they relate to the amounts in the budget and a schedule for their completion. List specific deliverables that will be provided as a result of project completion. List additional deliverables to be provided from other funding sources. Please attach additional pages as necessary.

Part I. Grant Selection Criteria First, identify and describe the required material linkage between the proposed project and surrounding former Finch/Nature Conservancy-owned Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands. Then, describe the extent to which the proposed project is consistent with the specific grant selection criteria outlined in section VII of this RFA guidance. This description is an important component of the application scoring by the grant reviewers.

Part J/K. Budget Summary and Detail Include all project-related costs, including costs to be funded by NHT funds. All projects will be scored on the reasonableness of cost information.

Note: Make sure that all items of cost in the budget are clearly described in Part H - Scope of Work, and justified as necessary to the project.

1. Salaries and WagesFor each applicant employee assigned to this project, indicate the title,annual salary (if an hourly employee, please indicate rate andapproximate number of hours to be worked on the project) including fringebenefits, and total dollar amount to be charged to the project. (Fringebenefits include social security, workers compensation, unemploymentinsurance, health insurance and any other benefits. Fringe benefits arelimited to 15% of direct salary costs for applicant employees while workingdirectly on awarded project.)

2. TravelDescribe the purpose, start and end points, mode of travel, costs and howthey are calculated. (Vehicle mileage/fuel, commercial carrier costs, perdiem rates and other similar expenses must not exceed Federal Travelguidelines listed athttp://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21283.

3. Supplies, Materials and EquipmentState the cost and describe briefly the supplies, materials, and equipmentto be purchased with grant funding.

4. Contractual Services

Page 17 of 19

State the cost and briefly describe the extent and purpose of contractual services. Municipalities must procure services pursuant to the General Municipal Law.

Page 18 of 19

IX. CHECKLIST OF MANDATORY APPLICATION SUBMITTALS

Use the following checklist to review completeness of the application package, including required number of copies. If any application requirements are not included, the application may not be eligible for further review.

Application Forms (and Supporting Documents Listed Below)(One original hard copy and one electronic copy on compact disc)

Letter(s) of support/commitment to document partnerships with municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and community support, if applicable.

Federal Tax ID Number

A complete and accurate budget and scope of work

SEQR Requirements (See IV - General Guidelines)

Map and photos of project location (See Part B - Project Location)

Other Information

_____ Certified Resolution from the Governing Body of the lead applicant (please submit before February 28, 2017)

If the applicant is not the owner of property involved in the proposed project, a letter of commitment or legal agreement from the landowner(s) must be included in the application. (See General Guidelines - Special Requirements)

Documentation of Historic Preservation compliance, if applicable

Documentation of prior Ground Disturbance, if applicable

If project implements an approved plan, provide relevant texts

FORMAT - Submit one original hard copy AND one electronic copy on compact disc. Submit hard copy on standard 8.5" x 11" paper with a single corner staple. Please do not use 3-ring binders, spiral bindings, side stapling, etc.

Page 19 of 19

Sample Governing Body Resolution of Support Authorizing Submission of Grant Application

I, , the [the duly elected and qualified secretary] [of (the Town/Village of Municipality, New York)], do hereby certify that the following resolution was adopted at a (regular) (special) meeting of the (governing body)(board) held on (date) and is [incorporated in the original minutes of said meeting] OR [on file and of record], and that said resolution has not been altered, amended or revoked and is in full force and effect.

RESOLVED:

That (individual’s name), as (title), of [(municipality)], or such person’s successor in office, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Grants, a program of the Natural Heritage Trust, in an amount not to exceed $ (grant request), and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the Natural Heritage Trust for such financial assistance to this [(municipality name)] for (grant project name).

Date _________________ Print Name (Signature of Clerk) Official Seal

Authorizing Resolution - Page 1 of 2

CERTIFICATE OF RECORDING OFFICER

That the attached Resolution is a true and correct copy of the Resolution, authorizing the signing of a Grant Application for the Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Grants, as adopted at a legally convened meeting of the

________________________________________________________________ (Name of Governing Body of Applicant)

duly held on the _________________ day of ____________________________

20___; and further that such Resolution has been fully recorded in the

_____________________________________________________ in my office. (Title of Record Book)

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this _____________ day of_______________, 20_____.

If the Applicant has an Official Seal, ________________ _ Impress here. Signature of Recording Officer

__________________________ Title of Recording Officer

Authorizing Resolution – Page 2 of 2

APPLICATION FOR FUNDING Natural Heritage Trust

Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Tourism Infrastructure Grants Funded by The Nature Conservancy

NOTE: Please use the MS Word format editable version of this form at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/93275.html

1. APPLICANT: _________________________________________________________________________(name of applicant/lead applicant)(Town - Village - County)

Partners: _______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

(Town - Village - County)

2. APPLICANT MAILING ADDRESS:

(no. & street) ________________________________________________________________________

(city) ___________________________ NY (zip) _______________________

PHONE: (_____) ________________ FAX: (_____) __________________

Federal Tax Identification No.

3. APPLICANT ID: _______________________

Co-Applicant(s) ID: _______________________

_______________________

_______________________

4. CONTACT PERSON: _______________________________ TITLE: _________________________

5. PHONE: (_____) _______________ FAX: (_____) ________________

6. E-MAIL: ____________________________________________________

7. CONTACT MAILING ADDRESS (if different from applicant)

(no. & street) __________________________________________________________________________

(city) ____________________________ NY (zip) _______________________

PART A – APPLICATION INFORMATION

APPLICATION – Page 1

1. PROJECT NAME: _____________________________________________________________________ 2. PROJECT LOCATION: ______________________________________ (Attach Map of Project Location)

Classification of Land: Public Land _____ Private Land _____ Combination ____

Ownership Information: Owner(s)______________________________________ (Use additional sheets if necessary) *If applicant is not the owner, please refer to General Guidelines – Special Requirements Applicant’s interest in property, if not fee simple ownership (e.g. lease, easement) ____________________________________________________________________________

Termination Date of Applicant’s Interest _________________________________________ Deed Liber _____ Page _____

1. Proposed Start Date: _______________ 2. Expected Completion Date: _______________

3. Total Project Costs: _______________ 4. Grant Assistance Requested: _______________ Grant Assistance Requested Not to Exceed 100% of Cost Resolution(s) is attached. Resolution(s) will be submitted by February 28, 2017. I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury that information provided on this form and the attached statements and exhibits is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. False statements made herein are punishable as a Class A misdemeanor pursuant to Section 210.45 of the Penal Law. Print name: _____________________________ Title ________________________ of (entity)______________________________ Date: _____________________________ Signature ______________________________________________________________

PART B – GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

PART C – PROJECT TIMING AND COST

PART D – RESOLUTION AND CERTIFICATION

PART E – PROJECT SUMMARY Provide a short and direct summary statement that describes the proposed project in three or fewer sentences. Include the project purpose and location; the variety of work to be performed; the need for the project and what will result if the project is undertaken. A more detailed explanation should be provided in Part H - Scope of Work.

PART G – PROJECT PERSONNEL Identify the key personnel who will work on the project and describe their qualifications and role in the project.

PART F – PROJECT PARTNERS Please list each partner with their contact name, address and telephone number. Briefly state their role in this project.

APPLICATION – Page 2

Scope of Work: List of Project Deliverables (including those funded from other funding sources): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 1.

Budget Category NHT Assistance Other Funding

Sources Total

Salaries and Wages

Travel Supplies, Materials and Equipment

Contractual Services

Total

PART J – BUDGET SUMMARY

PART I – GRANT SELECTION CRITERIA Describe the extent to which the proposed project is consistent with the specific grant selection criteria on pages 13-15 of the Request for Applications. How you address the Criteria is an important component in how grant reviewers will score your application.

PART H – SCOPE OF WORK Describe the proposed project, including a description of the objectives to be achieved and problem(s) to be addressed. Identify the project’s component tasks or stages to be funded by this program, their costs as they relate to the amounts in the budget and a schedule for their completion. List specific deliverables that will be provided as a result of project completion. List also Project deliverables that will be funded from other funding sources. Please attach additional pages as necessary.

1. General Criteria

2. Cost Effectiveness Criteria

Describe required economic, programmatic or physical linkage to Forest Preserve / Conservation Easement lands

APPLICATION – Page 3

1. SALARIES & WAGES, including fringe benefits (List by title and affiliation)

TITLE ANNUAL SALARY AMOUNT CHARGED TO THIS PROJECT

SUBTOTAL $______________________ SUBTOTAL $______________________ SUBTOTAL $______________________ SUBTOTAL $______________________ PROJECT TOTAL $______________________

PART K – BUDGET DETAIL

2. TRAVEL(Describe the purpose, start and end points, mode of travel, associated costs, and how calculated.)

3. SUPPLIES/MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT(Describe and indicate cost by type.)

4. CONTRACTUAL SERVICES(Describe services to be acquired and cost of each, if more than one type of service will be secured.)

APPLICATION – Page 4

APPLICATION COMPLETENESS CHECKLIST Do You Have? _____ Application Forms (An original and one electronic copy of each project application) _____ Letter(s) of support/commitment to document partnerships with municipalities, not-for-profit

corporations and community support, if applicable _____ Federal Tax ID Number _____ A complete and accurate budget and scope of work _____ SEQR Requirements _____ Map and photos of project location Other Information _____ Certified Resolution from the Governing Body (must be submitted with application or received by NHT

no later than February 28, 2017) _____ If the applicant is not the owner of property involved in the proposed project, a letter of commitment or

legal agreement from the landowner(s) must be included in the application. _____ Documentation of Historic Preservation compliance, if applicable _____ Documentation of prior Ground Disturbance, if applicable _____ If project implements an approved plan, provide relevant texts FORMAT - Submit one original hard copy AND one electronic copy on compact disc. Submit hard copy on standard 8.5" x 11" paper with a single corner staple. Please do not use 3-ring binders, spiral bindings, side stapling, etc. For questions regarding this application – Phone: (518) 402-9405

E-mail: [email protected] (Subject: Smart Growth) Applications must be sent to the following address: US Postal Service: The Natural Heritage Trust Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Grants Albany, NY12238

FedEx or UPS: The Natural Heritage Trust Adirondack Park Upper Hudson Rec Hub Grants 625 Broadway Albany, NY12207

Applications must be postmarked by Friday January 27, 2017. Hand delivered applications must be received by 4:00pm on January 27, 2017

APPLICATION – Page 5