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The Caribou Habitat Restoration Fund (CHRF) is managed by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for the purpose of restoring high-value habitat for caribou in BC using functional and ecological restoration methods. The CHRF is made possible by a contribution from the Province of BC.

 

Who can apply for funding from the CHRF?

Any individual or organization capable of restoring habitat for caribou in British Columbia. In order to maximize the benefits for caribou using the funds available, the Province has identified priority herds and developed guidelines for selecting restoration areas and activities that will benefit these herds.

How much money can an application request?

There is no upper limit to the amount of money an application can request, however, keep in mind that HCTF’s goal is to allocate this money to habitat restoration projects that, in aggregate, will provide the maximum benefit to caribou. Priority will be given to projects that secure significant partner contributions (cash and in-kind).

Which herd ranges will be prioritized for restoration funding?

The Province of BC requires a coordinated and strategic approach to restoring caribou habitat. The Province will identify high and medium priority herd ranges for caribou habitat restoration proposals submitted for the 2021-22 funding cycle. Please check back here in mid-July 2020 for the full herd priority list. In determining high and medium priorities for restoration, the Province considers the following factors: herd status, current population and trend, level of industrial exploration and development, other recovery actions already occurring within the range (e.g. habitat protection), existing government direction (e.g., existing strategic or tactical plan that identifies restoration as a priority). Applicants are encouraged to focus proposals in high-priority herds to maximize benefits to caribou and caribou habitat.

 

Which areas within these herd ranges should be prioritized for restoration?

High-use* and high-value caribou areas: areas used by caribou where development has resulted in increased use of the area by primary prey and their predators (overlap with telemetry/observed caribou locations, including knowledge of habitat use patterns based on TEK or telemetry data).

  • Focus on areas that will improve core habitat, are adjacent to intact habitat or where another caribou habitat restoration project is planned. This will help create large contiguous areas of caribou habitat with minimal disturbance.
  • Focus on areas already under some form of habitat protection.
  • Focus on areas of high predation risk: movement corridors or known overlaps with predators in historical caribou refuge areas (e.g. peatlands or areas adjacent to peatlands).
  • Focus on areas with low potential future industrial and recreational disturbance (areas with low tenure activity and low potential for future disturbance). It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine land status and constraints (e.g. overlapping tenures) and engage with affected stakeholders and Indigenous Nations.
  • Focus on areas accessible for restoration.
  • Focus on areas where a coordinated access management plan has been developed or is underway.
  • Focus on sites that are available for treatment (i.e. not under active disposition or provincial designation, such as a designated recreational trail) and that are not permanent disturbance features.
  • Focus on sites that are unlikely to regenerate naturally without intervention.

*Telemetry, census, observational data, Traditional Ecological Knowledge

What type of restoration projects within these areas will be prioritized for funding?

For this funding cycle, priority will be given to functional restoration projects that will reduce the use of linear features by predators and people so as to reduce caribou mortality in the short term. Ecological restoration is important to meet the long-term goals at many sites and can be done in conjunction with functional restoration.

  • Focus on the functional restoration of roads or other linear features adjacent or leading to areas of intact, high-value caribou habitat.
  • Focus on treating disturbance features where natural vegetation recovery is not occurring, or is limited, with the treatment focused on the site-specific limiting factor.
  • Focus on reducing the suitability of matrix habitat for primary prey such as planting or treating areas with high shrub production.

Please ensure you have reviewed the Eligible Activities List and understand the activities that are eligible for funding under this program.

CHRF Eligible Activities List

Additional Considerations

  • Proposed activities must not be part of an existing statutory/legal obligation.
  • Implementation of proposed treatments should not result in additional habitat disturbance.
  • Mitigation must be undertaken to minimize the environmental impact of treatments, such as archaeological resources, watercourse crossings, minimizing impacts on other Species at Risk, etc. It is the proponent’s responsibility to ensure appropriate permitting is in place.
  • Collaboration between the applicant and the affected regions (i.e. biologist contacts) must occur (concept to delivery) when the proposed project spans regional boundaries.
  • The Province is currently developing an Operational Framework for Woodland Caribou habitat restoration in British Columbia to provide guidance for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of caribou habitat restoration initiatives in BC. The Framework will provide a comprehensive approach for restoration efforts to support those who may be involved in the implementation and monitoring of habitat restoration. The framework is not yet complete, but the Province has created an interim summary document with information relevant proponents submitting applications for CHRF funding this cycle. Please review this document prior to beginning your application.

Summary – Operational Framework for Caribou Habitat Restoration

Discussion with Regional Caribou Biologist

As part of the CHRF application process (see “Application” tab), applicants must discuss their project with the government caribou biologist for the region where the project will take place. Their contact details are available in the table below. These individuals will be able to (1) confirm whether caribou restoration plans are available within the region to further inform proposals, and (2) to confirm the caribou, predator and other region-specific information.

Region Government Biologist Name Email Phone
North East Scott Schilds scott.schilds@gov.bc.ca 250-261-2054
Skeena Anne Marie Roberts AnneMarie.Roberts@gov.bc.ca 250 847-7328
Omineca Duncan McColl Duncan.McColl@gov.bc.ca 250 614-7484
Kootenays Aaron Reid Aaron.Reid@gov.bc.ca 250-354-6392
Thompson-Okanagan Bevan Ernst Bevan.Ernst@gov.bc.ca 250 371 6273
Cariboo-Chilcotin Carolyn Shores Carolyn.Shores@gov.bc.ca 250-302-3507

 

Currently Funded CHRF Projects

  • Currently Funded Project List

    The first public intake for caribou habitat restoration proposals seeking CHRF funding closed on January 11th, 2019. Eleven projects were approved for funding, including:

    Kotcho Lake Restoration Area (Project #6-284)

      • Project led by the Fort Nelson First Nation Lands Office
      • Northeast region (approximately 80 km northeast of Fort Nelson)
      • This project is designed to benefit the Snake-Sahtahneh caribou herd by limiting predator use of legacy seismic lines and using revegetation to increase habitat suitability for caribou.
      • Approved for $257,950.
      • For more information, contact Katherine Capot-Blanc, Fort Nelson First Nation Lands Office
        Email capotblanc@fnnation.ca Phone: 250-774-6313

    Tweedsmuir‐Entiako Caribou Lichen Restoration Area (Project #6-284)

      • Project led by the Society for Ecological Restoration in Northern British Columbia (SERNbc)
      • Skeena Region (100 km south of Burns Lake)
      • This project is designed to benefit the Tweedsmuir‐Entiako caribou herd by seeding lichen fragments over 50 ha in areas impacted by Chelaslie
      • Approved for $79,719
      • For more information, contact Marc Steynen, SERNbc
        Email Steynen@sernbc.ca Phone: 250-643-3433

    Caribou Flats (Project #7-531)

      • Project led by Chu Cho Environmental LLP
      • Omineca Region (165 km south west of Tsay Keh Dene)
      • This project is designed to benefit the Chase caribou herd by restoring 10 km of forestry roads using functional and ecological restoration techniques.
      • Approved for $182,295
      • For more information, contact Sean Rapai, Chu Cho Environmental LLP.
        Email Sean@chuchoenvironmental.com Phone: 226-203-0703

    Clisbako Caribou Rehabilitation Project (Project #5-317)

      • Project led by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MFLNRORD)
      • Cariboo Region (20 km from the community of Kluskus )
      • This project is designed to benefit Itcha-Ilgachuz caribou herd by rehabilitating roads to reduce predator travel efficiency.
      • Approved for $38,400
      • For more information, contact Christine Unghy, MFLNRORD
        Email Christine.unghy@gov.bc.ca Phone: 250-991-7274

    • Whitesail Reach (Project #6-282)

      • Project led by the Society for Ecological Restoration in Northern British Columbia (SERNbc)
      • Skeena Region (80 km south of Houston)
      • This project is designed to benefit Tweedsmuir‐Entiako herd by clearing debris from the shore line of calving islands on Whitesail Lake.
      • Approved for $55,000
      • For more information, contact Marc Steynen, SERNbc
        Email Steynen@sernbc.ca Phone: 250-643-3433

    • Amoco Road Restoration (Project #7-528)

      • Project led by the Nîkanêse Wah tzee Stewardship Society
      • North East Region (56 km west of Chetwynd)
      • Approved for $98,841
      • This project is designed to benefit the Moberly (Klinse-Za) and Scott caribou herds using functional restoration treatments on a road built for oil and gas exploration.

    • Ulkatcho (Project #5-318)

      • Project led by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MFLNRORD)
      • Cariboo Region (~30 km south east of Anahim Lake)
      • Designed to benefit the Itcha-Ilgachuz herd by rehabilitating roads to deter predator movement.
      • Approved for $82,782
      • For more information, contact Ayrilee McCoubrey, MFLNRORD
        Email Ayrilee.McCoubrey@gov.bc.ca Phone: 250-398-4574

    • Black Creek/Pickell Creek Area (Project #7-526)

      • Project led by Blueberry River First Nation
      • North East Region (140 km north of Fort St. John)
      • This project is designed to benefit the Chinchaga caribou herd by restoring legacy seismic lines.
      • Approved for $184,730
      • For more information, contact Jane Calvert, Blueberry River First Nations
        Email jcalvert@blueberryfn.ca Phone: 250-630-2584

    • Adams Groundhog Road Rehabilitation & Reforestation (Project #3-422)

      • Project led by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development
      • Thompson Region (Upper Adams River Valley)
      • This project is designed to benefit the Groundhog caribou herd through forestry road rehabilitation and treatment of cutblocks.
      • Approved for $123,100
      • For more information, contact Doug Lewis, MFLNRORD
        Email w.lewis@gov.bc.ca Phone: 250-371-6245

    Otter (Project #7-530)

      • Project led by Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
      • Omineca Region (NE of Prince George)
      • This project is designed to benefit the Hart Ranges caribou herd by rehabilitating approximately 6 km of road, restoring connectivity between two areas of intact habitat.
      • Approved for $42,960
      • For more information, contact Kari Stuart-Smith, Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
        Email stuart-smith@canfor.com Phone: 250-426-9380

    Tumuch (Project #7-534)

      • Project led by Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
      • Omineca Region (SE of Prince George)
      • This project is designed to benefit the North Cariboo caribou herdthrough the rehabilitation of over 12 km of road.
      • Approved for $88,430
      • For more information, contact Kari Stuart-Smith, Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
        Email kari.stuart-smith@canfor.com Phone: 250-426-9380

     


Questions? Please contact Shannon West.

 

The next opportunity to apply for a CHRF grant will be fall of 2020. HCTF will also be launching a new application system at this time. The overall content will remain relatively consistent with recent years with a new simplified and easy-to-use application structure. Our new cloud-based system will provide significant improvements by streamlining workflow and adding automated services to increase convenience for applicants. We are very excited to integrate this new system to save everyone time and add more clarity and functionality to our application processes. The guidelines and sample documents provided below are for last cycle and will not be an exact reflection of the application form within our new online system. However, these resources are still very useful reference documents that outline what information will be required when filling out your application. We will post updated worksheets on this page once they are ready.

Please note: CHRF funding is specifically for projects actively restoring caribou habitat in BC. If you are seeking funding for another type of caribou conservation project, please see our Enhancement and Restoration grant page or contact Shannon West for clarification.

 

CHRF Application Process

Even if you’ve completed a CHRF application before, there are some changes to the application process and forms that you should be aware of.

 

1) Ensure you’ve read and understand all of the information in the “Overview” tab.

2) Download the current 2020-21 CHRF Proposal Writing Instructions & Worksheet. *Note: provided for reference only. Will be updated for fall of 2020.

Refer to the Review tab to learn how your application will be assessed, and keep this in mind as you plan your proposal.

CHRF Proposal Writing Instructions & Worksheet

 

3) Download the 2020-21 CHRF Activity & Budget Detail Spreadsheet *Note: provided for reference only. Will be updated for fall of 2020.

This is the same spreadsheet available in the HCTF Online application portal, but you may complete and upload this copy if you wish.

CHRF Activity & Budget Detail Spreadsheet

 

4) Read the HCTF Online User Guide for instructions on using the online application portal to submit your proposal. *Note: provided for reference only. Will be updated for fall of 2020.

HCTF Online User Guide

 

Submitting your Application

Submission of CHRF Grant Applications in 2020 will be via our new grant application system: additional details will be posted here prior to the fall intake. The application deadline is 4:30 PM PST on Friday, November 6, 2020.

How will proposals be evaluated?

Applications received by the November 1st deadline will be evaluated by a technical review committee composed of caribou habitat restoration experts and the HCTF Board of Directors. Evaluation criteria considered in the review of CHRF applications include:

  • Do the activities address impacts to caribou habitat from anthropogenic causes?
  • Do the proposed activities support caribou habitat restoration only?
  • Are the proposed activities eligible for funding as specified in the Eligible Activities list for this program?
  • Will the restoration activities benefit high- or medium-priority caribou herds as identified by the Province for this cycle?
  • Will the activities contribute to areas of intact habitat or recent/planned restoration?
  • Is the scope of restoration activities sufficient to result in significant habitat gains for caribou?
  • Are the proposed restoration sites accessible and available for restoration?
  • Are the works sufficiently described to ascertain whether they will specifically address impacts to caribou habitat from anthropogenic causes?
  • Are the appropriate methods being recommended to achieve the desired results?
  • Is the site unlikely to regenerate naturally within a timeframe adequate for caribou conservation?
  • What is the risk that the resulting habitat benefits of this work will be negated by future disturbance?
  • Does the proposal describe implications for or effects on other species?
  • Are the project’s objectives reasonable within the given timeframe?
  • Are the costs for activities reasonable?
  • What permits/authorizations are required for this work? Are plans in place to obtain these permits and authorizations?
  • Are the proposed activities part of a multi-year project that is already underway? If yes, have the results of that work been positive thus far?
  • Is the organization submitting the proposal capable of delivering the project?
  • Does the proposal have First Nations involvement?
  • Does the project have partner/co-funding support?
  • Does the proposal describe probable public support or opposition to the activities?
  • Does the proposal identify practical, specific, measurable indicators of success and a plan for monitoring results?
  • Does the proposal include baseline data (or a plan to collect baseline data) that will allow for measurement of results?

The HCTF Board of Directors will review the recommendations of the technical review committee and make final funding decisions in March. Proponents will be notified about the status of their proposals shortly thereafter.

What happens next?

Approved proposals will be mailed a Conditional Grant Agreement. This will need to be signed and returned to HCTF prior to the first payment installment cheque being issued. Proposed project activities can begin on April 1st of the year in which they are approved. If a proposal is approved subject to funding condition, that funding condition must be met prior to commencing any work. Note that HCTF funds multi-year projects one year at a time – if you would like funding for future years of a project, you must submit a continuing application each year. Each fiscal year’s project activities must be complete by March 31st. Grant Reports are due annually on April 15th.

In recognition of the recent pressures placed on current HCTF grant recipients in the ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 we have automatically extended this year’s deadline for submitting grant reports to June 30th, 2020. You do not need to apply for this extension. Please note: if you’re able to submit your report prior to the April 15th deadline, we highly encourage you to do so! This will allow us to get you your final payment sooner, by cheque or electronic fund transfer.

CHRF projects funded in 2018-19 and 2019-20 that do not have an approved contract extension to 20-21 should have received their report forms via email: if not, please contact Shannon West. Reports are due April 15th, 2020.

Email Shannon West

Instructions for Submitting Shapefiles:

Please submit a shapefile of the site you intend to restore using ESRI standard Shapefile format. All data must be spatially referenced to NAD83 and projected to BC Environmental Albers WKID: 3005 Authority: EPSG. All shapefiles must be submitted with a .prj file defining this projection and coordinate system.
Projection Information
Projection: Albers Conic Equal Area
Central Meridian: -126.0 degrees
First standard parallel: 50.0 degrees
Second standard parallel: 58.5 degrees
Latitude of reference: 45.0 degrees
False Easting: 1000000 metres
False Northing: 0 metres
All spatial data must be topologically correct (no overlaps, no gaps).

Please note that your project’s final approval is subject to you (or you organization) entering into a Conditional Grant Agreement with HCTF. In the weeks following the receipt of your preliminary approval letter, you will be mailed two copies of a conditional grant agreement and an accompanying checklist. Please read your grant agreement carefully, and complete all requirements on the checklist before returning to HCTF. Questions? Please contact our Finance Officer.

  • Project Change Requests

    If circumstances have changed and your approved project requires modifications from your original proposal in terms of objectives, activities/methodology, or budget allocation, you must submit a written request to HCTF using the Project Change Request Form.
    Project change requests can be submitted at any time and should be sent to shannon.west@hctf.ca. Depending on the nature of your request, it will be reviewed by either HCTF staff or an appropriate technical review committee.

  • Contract Extensions

    We’ve extended the deadline for applying for a current-year contract extension to April 30, 2020. The Contract Extension Request form can be downloaded using the link below:

    Contract Extension Request – Form

    Contract extensions are intended for projects where activities in the proposal could not be completed within the original timeframe. If you also have changes to your project objectives, budget or activities please submit a Project Change request form (see above).

    If you are unable to complete your project within the fiscal year of your Conditional Grant Agreement (April 1 through March 31st, unless otherwise specified), you will need to request a Contract Extension to extend your Agreement into the next fiscal. The annual deadline for contract extension requests is February 15th. An email from the Finance Officer will be sent in early January with the Contract Extension Request Form and instructions to email the completed request to reporting@hctf.ca.

    Please note that even though activities and expenditures will occur in the following fiscal year, they will still be invoiced and reported on under the original Agreement. The Grant Report (see Reporting Tab) will be due when that year’s activities are complete.

    In some cases, a project may have a Contract Extension concurrently with another funded year of the project. HCTF requires that expenditures and project outcomes for each grant must always be tracked, invoiced and reported on separately. That also means that any unspent funds from one grant cannot be “rolled into” the project budget for a subsequent year.

    For example, a multi-year project may receive a contract extension to complete Year 1 activities concurrent to activities already approved for Year 2. Each of these proposals is considered a separate contract. Therefore, you must report for each of them separately by completing a Grant Report for each of these project years, reporting against their respective proposals. That is, you would submit a Grant Report for Year 1, reporting against the Year 1 proposal; and another Grant Report for Year 2, reporting against the Year 2 proposal, even though the Year 1 activities took two years and happened at the same time as the Year 2 activities.

  • Acknowledgement of HCTF and the Province of British Columbia

    The support provided by HCTF and the Province of BC must be acknowledged in any publicity issued, printed or distributed, including signs, displays, reports, announcements, articles, press releases, or media interviews. Please include the following statement on any published materials:

    “We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development”

    Full information on HCTF communications guidelines and copies of the HCTF logo are available here.

Caribou Project Profiles