West Virginia Stream Partners Grant Program

The West Virginia Stream Partners Grant Program, supported by multiple state agencies, offers up to $5,000 for organizations focused on enhancing and protecting local streams and rivers. Projects must engage community members and demonstrate an ability to improve water quality and habitats. Eligible applicants must reside in the surrounding area, representing diverse groups in the community. This program promotes sustainable watershed associations aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and public access to natural resources.

NOTE: All applicants must meet with the Basin Coordinator prior to the September 15th deadline to be sure your organization and application meet the program’s purpose and requirements.
Stream Partners Program
WV Stream Partners is a multi-agency program supported by the WV Conservation Agency, WV Department of Environmental Protection, WV Division of Natural Resources and WV Division of Forestry.
Mission and Requirements of the Program
It is the purpose of the program to encourage citizens to work in partnership with appropriate state agencies so that the state's rivers and streams: (a) Are safe for swimming, fishing, and other forms of recreation; (b) can support appropriate public and commercial purposes; and (c) can provide habitat for plant and animal life.
The West Virginia Stream Partners Program shall provide grants up to $5,000 to organizations composed of representatives located in the immediate area of the identified stream who are dedicated to achieving the program's purpose.
Is Stream Partners a Fit for Your Organization?
The West Virginia Stream Partners program's purpose is to develop sustainable watershed associations with the capacity to restore, enhance and protect WV streams and rivers for future generations by providing financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support.
Projects include a variety of ecological improvements along with targeted community outreach, education, and stewardship. Ecological improvements may include one or more of the following: stream, wetland, riparian, forest, and habitat restoration; wildlife conservation, community tree canopy enhancement, water quality monitoring, recreational development, and green infrastructure best management practices for managing stormwater run-off.
Projects should increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental threats and engage local communities in project planning, outreach, and implementation. This program expects that applicants will represent the community with a mixture of residents, local businesses, government, and non-profit partnerships. Projects must be complete within the grant year and receive technical support/assistance from the partner agencies.

Eligibility

All members of the organization must live in the geographic area immediately surrounding the stream or streams. These individuals shall represent the public, industry, environmental groups, sportsmen, forestry, agriculture, local government, tourism, recreation, and affected landowners.
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to complete a project and educate the citizens of the benefits of restoring, protecting, or enhancing the stream within the grant year.