Ben Botkin, SFEP: Hello, everyone. Thanks for joining the Webinar for the priority conservation area grant program. We'll give just a few more minutes here for folks to join another minute or 2, and then we'll go ahead and get started.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Alright. Great! I think we'll go ahead and get started then.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Well, welcome, everyone. Thanks very much for being here at our webinar regarding the priority conservation area grant program. I'm Ben Botkin, the priority conservation area grants manager.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Just a note that today's meeting will be recorded and will be posted to the Mtc website for future reference
Ben Botkin, SFEP: for our webinar. Today, we're going to be going over key elements of the Pca Grant program guidelines and providing a bit of context on the Pca Grant program, including how it aligns with Mtc. Abag's Plan Bay area and the current Pca designations.
We'll then discuss this grant rounds eligibility, criteria, such as the who, the where and the what.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: then? We'll discuss grant selection and scoring criteria. And lastly, we'll provide an overview of the application process and an outline of key dates. If you have questions as we're presenting today, we ask that you put them into the QA. That should be an option. You see in your zoom screen. Depending on timing, we may be able to answer a few questions today. But we'll plan to post responses to questions received in an FAQ on the Mtc. Grant website.
We'll also provide contact information for more project specific questions or any questions that may come to mind after the webinar so feel free to reach out.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: So the party conservation area program is rooted in Plan Bay area, the region's long-range transportation and land use plan for the 9 County Bay area.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: a guiding principle of a healthy Bay area where the region's natural resources. Open space, clean water, and clean air are conserved, and the region actively reduces its environmental footprint and protects residents from environmental hazards.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: This guiding principle? Which then, led into the plans. First, ever environment element outlines, key themes and strategies that reduce risks from natural hazards and expand access to parks and open spaces.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Key to implementing these strategies is the priority conservation area program, which has both the planning framework and the Grant program which together complement the plan's focus growth strategies.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: The Pca program was first established in 2,007 as a framework for identifying regionally significant, natural and working lands through a local nomination process resulting in the first round of designated Pcas in 2,008, and adopted by the Association of Bay Area Governments board
Ben Botkin, SFEP: the Pca. Designation Framework received a minor update in 2,014, establishing 4 types of Pca designations and expanding the definition to include regional recreation and urban greening.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: In 2022 Mtc. Received a grant from the California Department of Conservation to update the Pca designation framework to assess what's been working what needs improvement and to advance the use of data and the integration of equity and resilience into the planning framework.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: The Pca refresh process is currently circulating its draft final report that is available on the Mtc website for comment, currently. as part of the Pca refresh
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and mapping viewer was developed. That may be of assistance to potential grant applicants. This includes information on existing Pcas, including existing designated Pcas, including the Pca points and polygons. The Pca name, the nominating agency, its acreage, and the year designated
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Url is posted here, and it can be found on the Mtc. Website as well.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Complementing the Pca designation framework has been the Pca. Grant program, which has been co-managed by Mtca. Bag and the State Coastal Conservancy. The Pca. Grant program is part of Mtc's one Bay area grant program
Ben Botkin, SFEP: in the 2 Prior Grant rounds of the Pca. Program, which occurred in 2,014 and 2019 Mtc. And the Coastal Conservancy have jointly dispersed over 30 million dollars to fund 58 projects in 32 distinct Pcas
Ben Botkin, SFEP: eligible project types have included protection of natural resources and open space and agricultural lands and as well as projects that support the agricultural economy, such as farm to market infrastructure.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: habitat restoration or enhancements, bicycle and pedestrian access improvements, urban greening and planning activities.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Due to the funding source. The Federal funding source. Over 70% of previously funded projects have been bicycle and pedestrian access. And for reasons we'll get to later. This grant round will seek to target a broader suite of projects.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: In the prior to 2 rounds funding have been split equally within 2 separately managed programs with the county transportation agencies and Mtc. Managing the Grant program for the 4 North Bay counties.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Marin Sonoma, Solano and Napa.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: an Mtc. A bag in the State Coastal Conservancy, managing a competitive Grant program for the other 5 counties this was done historically to provide more parity in the allocation of one Bay area. Grant funding, and with an understanding that the North Bay counties tend to have more rural land uses, and thus may be less eligible for some of the other obe grant funding sources
Ben Botkin, SFEP: which brings us to our current grant round call
Ben Botkin, SFEP: in response to a Federal audit of those prior rounds. This call for projects will no longer be split between the North Bay and the rest of the region, but will be for all 9 Bay Area Counties and Mtc. A. Bag and the State Coastal Conservancy will be evaluating these projects, and Mtc. Will ultimately be responsible for selecting projects for funding.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Unlike prior rounds, Mtc. Does have available local funds that can be brought to this funding source as well, which will allow for funding a broader suite of projects. Conservation type, acquisition, protection and enhancement type projects that may not have otherwise been eligible for Federal funds.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: This grant round is also being dispersed in 2 separate phases. This current ramp grant round is for phase one, and we anticipate in the next year a second phase of funding that will follow the Pca refresh implementation process.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Just as we noted, had these 2 phases for phase one, we have 8.5 million available. And these are for projects in currently designated Pcas and in recognition that there's a a significant demand for conservation funding
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and not wanting to wait until completion of the Pca refresh implementation.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: However, that second phase we have set aside 8 million dollars that will ultimately support projects in existing new or Updated Pca. Designations subsequent to the implementation of the refresh
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and did just want to note here. Something for folks to have on their radar is Senate Bill 1425 which requires each jurisdiction to update their general plans. Open space element
by 2,026 and there may be opportunities for the Pca. Refresh and future rounds or the Pca Grant program to support some of those activities.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: So regarding eligibility, criteria for phase one these will be for projects located in existing designated Pcas within the 9 County Bay area. I do want to note that regarding a project being located within an existing Pca. We will consider projects that are not located entirely within a Pca
Ben Botkin, SFEP: on a case by case basis. But applicants would need to demonstrate a strong, clear, physical, or cultural benefit to an existing adjacent Pca, such as improved habitat connectivity or enhanced community access
Ben Botkin, SFEP: eligible applicants will remain the same as prior rounds and include local governments, county transportation agencies, parks and open space districts, tribes, water and utility districts, land trusts and nonprofits and community based organizations.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: eligible activities will in again be the same as prior rounds and include planning and design phases, project implementation, including engagement permitting and environmental review as well as project construction
as well as habitat and agricultural land acquisition and protection.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: And this can include conservation easements.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: The eligible project types are also remaining the same as Prior Grant rounds and include protection, restoration, or enhancement of natural resources, open space or agricultural lands.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Pedestrian and bicycle facilities and trails.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: urban greening and visual enhancements
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and more information about all of these are available in the the Grant Program guidelines.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: We have also established evaluation criteria
Ben Botkin, SFEP: for these projects, and these are detailed in Appendix A of the Grant guidelines and include projects meeting Pca program goals ideally. Projects would be multi-benefit and perhaps meet more than one goal
Ben Botkin, SFEP: as well as the partnerships and benefits to potential equity priority communities.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: regional significance and likelihood of success.
So folks may note that we do not have a formal match requirement. As part of this grant ground, however, as part of the likelihood of success, we will be considering funding sources being brought to bear. In addition to Pca. Grant funds.
That would ultimately result in a successful project.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: We have also established a series of funding targets for phase one. And this includes seeking to invest 70% of funds or 6 million dollars of the 8.5 million in projects that result in long term protection, restoration, or enhancement of habitats and agricultural lands.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: This can include projects that support the agricultural economy as well in a way that would result in long-term protection and viability of agricultural lands.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: We are also S seeking to target funds by location with a minimum of one per county, and we'll continue to seek to target 50 a minimum of 50% of funding to Pcas in the 4 North Bay counties. We're in Sonoma, Napa and solano.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: We are also seeking to fit fund a mix of project types. Though we are seeking, you know that 70% target for the protection and enhancement and restoration. We do still want to balance portfolio projects, including trail and urban greeting projects as well
Ben Botkin, SFEP: regarding the application process. We are setting this grant program up as a 2 step process with phase, one being to complete a letter of interest. Application form
Ben Botkin, SFEP: this form is in excel and consists of 12 questions. Responses should be concise, but provide enough information for the Evaluation Committee to assess the project.
With Pca refresh implementation. We anticipate that the Pca Grant program may be evolving too. So by having this Loi process, we're hoping to get a better understanding of the various funding needs across the region.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: After Lois are evaluated, we will be providing notices to successful and unsuccessful applicants in early June, with a limited number of projects and applicants being asked to provide full proposals.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Full proposals will then be due at the end of August. and with this grant round we are hoping to fund up to about 20 projects, but that will depend on the nature of the applications and the projects received
Ben Botkin, SFEP: regarding the schedule and deadlines. So we have letters of interest. Application forms are due on May eighth
Ben Botkin, SFEP: then scoring will happen, and June sixth will be sending out those invitations for full applications and notices to other applicants. The week of June 20. Fourth, we will provide an office hours, opportunities for applicant invited applicants.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and then, August 20, eighth full proposals will be due with ultimate decisions and recommendations being presented to the Mtc. Board for authorization in November
and December would be the desired project. Start date, and when eligible activities could start being funded
Ben Botkin, SFEP: so for any questions, we really encourage you to submit them to Pca grants at Bay Area. Metro. Gov.
Again, we'll be developing an FAQ. Document that will be posted to our website likely week after next with full suite of questions that folks may have to pro
Ben Botkin, SFEP: provide clarity to all applicants. And that will be on our website, which is that funding opportunities prior conservation area Pca grants.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: And with that that is all my presentation. Today, I see we have a few questions here in the Q. And a. This is my contact information, and I do encourage folks to reach out with any questions that they have.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Thank you, Michael. Yes, the slide deck and the recording will be made available on the Mtc website as well.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Regarding the funding the original source is Federal funding so for projects that are found to be eligible for those Federal funds Federal match requirements would apply to those projects of 11.4 7. I believe it is
but again, we do have available local funds as well for many projects.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: And so would be able to fund those through through local Ntc sources.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Can a single project include both planning and implementation? Yes. Good question.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Is there a list of current Pcas? The maps only shows an icon and is difficult to understand and determine exactly where those are. I would be happy to post a list of all Pcas to our website. Appreciate that question. Yes, we can post that there the mapping tool does have all of them identified. But understand, that might not be the most useful format for reviewing Pcas.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: The Pca. Designation or Pca refresh website, which is also on Mtc. Under the the planning tab.
We'll have the Pca refresh report and existing designated Pcas are detailed there. But I would be happy to also put those on our Mtc. Grants website as well.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Looking at the interactive map, do projects need to be an existing locally nominated Pcas. In most case cases, yes, we would seek projects located only within existing designated Pcas.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: However, we do have the caveat that if a project is able to, on a case based case of basis will evaluate them, and if they are able to show a clear, strong physical or cultural tie to an adjacent Pca, then those activities may be eligible as well.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and then also is an eligible Pca type like Urban Greening.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: With this Grant program?
Ben Botkin, SFEP: December 20. Fourth start date. Does that mean grant agreements in place so quickly it would be eligible to start once the Grant agreement is in place. Typically, that is how we've been able to process grants in the past. Once we're able to get into contract eligible activities can start from that start date.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and so we would need to be once the Grant Grant agreement is in place.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: I'll follow up on that question as part of the Fa. Cues and clarify
Ben Botkin, SFEP: so essentially new Pcas will be converted onto a wait list for potentially applying in phase 2. Yes, we anticipate that. That will be the case for phase 2, we will based on the implementation of the Pca refresh, be evaluating the the Grant Program guidelines and developing a a somewhat new process, though anticipate that it would be very similar in
Ben Botkin, SFEP: in the approach in the activities as this round, and so anticipate that yes, those projects would be eligible to go onto a late list for that next round.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Definitely don't want to create redundancy in applications. But
Ben Botkin, SFEP: anticipate. But but there probably will be some changes to that phase, too. However, would anticipate that most projects would again continue to be eligible, and so would be converted onto a wait list type.
approach for phase 2
Ben Botkin, SFEP: great. Well, I'm happy to stay on. If folks have additional questions that they'd like to submit. Otherwise my contact information is available there. Yes, Leila. A few more questions popped in after that last one.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Oh, very good. Oh, thank you.
Need to scroll down here
Ben Botkin, SFEP: would permitting, or sequoia be eligible for funding. Yes, those activities are eligible.
What is kind timeline for completion of the Pca. Refresh? Good question. It is going to be kicking off. We anticipate this summer.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: And then going over. I would anticipate about the next 6 months,
Ben Botkin, SFEP: or so, and so would anticipate that by early 2025 many of those activities would have occurred. Though I think it'll kind of depend a bit on a case by case basis, working with local jurisdictions as they work to either update or nominate new pcas. So anticipate earl by anticipate by 2,025
Ben Botkin, SFEP: for phase, one funding target. There's a minimum of one per county. Can you please? Elaborate on this requirement? Really just seeking to have geographic parity in distribution of Pca. Grants and make sure that we're trying to get a a minimum of a project per county to disperse these funds regionally.
But again, it'll really depend on the the nature of the applications and competitiveness of applications received. But we do have a target of one per county
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Should these be stand-along projects, or could funds be used as part of a larger project, funds can certainly be used to fund part of a larger project.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Or they can be standalone.
Again, under sort of that project. Success criteria. We would just be looking to understand what sort of other resources staff resources, partnerships are being brought to bear for a particular project that would indicate a likely successful outcome. And so
Ben Botkin, SFEP: whether that's Standalone Project or Pca. Funds contributing to a larger effort.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Can an agency submit more than one project? Application? Yes.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: where we're permitting fall between the 2 categories of planning and implementation, or could it be either? I think it could be either probably more on the implementation side. But you know. Really, I think it would depend on the the project. But it could fall within either.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Primary information regarding sp, 1425. So I can find the the language online. But but essentially the Opr is requiring that each jurisdiction
Ben Botkin, SFEP: update their general plans, open space element, and includes some additional requirements. Regarding access to open space. Yeah, in line with California's access for all initiative.
Rewilding and biodiversity. Sort of in line with the the 30 by 30. Initiative
Ben Botkin, SFEP: as well as equity, and integration with the environmental justice element of a city's general plan as well. So more information is available that on Opr's website as well as in the legislation online, but would be happy to connect if you have more specific questions at some point after this webinar.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Letter of interest, rather for yes. you can submit multiple letters of interests.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Timeline to spend funds ideally. Project funding would be spend expended over the next couple of years. We don't have a funding expiration date on the fund source
Ben Botkin, SFEP: but we would look for projects that could likely be implemented within, say, 2 to 4 years.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: To the extent that current eligible Pca is difficult to discern on a map.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Points represent
Ben Botkin, SFEP: great question. Kristen, this was one issue with the Pca refresh that we were really seeking to address, and that is some inconsistencies in the way that Pca boundaries are defined. And so that may be the case that you you see in some of the maps?
Ben Botkin, SFEP: If there is a specific Pca that you have questions about, I'd be happy to work with you directly on that. In some cases we do have to refer back to the initial application materials.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: But for the most part we're hoping that those boundaries are enough to determine whether a project that would be within those based on that that map viewer. But again, if you do have questions about a specific Pca. I would be more than happy to to work with you. Regarding eligibility.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Great. Well, again, happy to to stay on for a few more minutes if folks have any questions that come to mind
Ben Botkin, SFEP: but again would encourage you to reach out to Pca. grants@bearinmetro.gov or my phone number there? And look forward to lots of wonderful applications from across the region. Really appreciate all the great work that you all do
Ben Botkin, SFEP: and look forward to to being in touch, as this Grant program moves forward again, I'll stay on until 1130 for any additional questions, but feel free to drop off if if you're all set.
lila.bowen@sfestuary.org: I think I got all the questions written down.
Ben Botkin, SFEP: Wonderful. Thank you, and I will go ahead and stop recording.
lila.bowen@sfestuary.org: Wonder if there's a way to just.