Over 250 non-governmental organizations and companies have joined as CWRP partners, voluntarily contributing over $3,000,000 in funds and in-kind services. The CWRP is a program of the Coastal America Foundation, a 501©3 non-profit. The NY-CWRP is independent of state government, but works closely with the state to benefit our citizens.

What is the Purpose and Goal of NY-CWRP?

The purpose is to restore significant but impaired ecosystems and to promote biological diversity. Environmental consulting, technical services companies, and construction equipment and supply firms have unique capabilities needed by project sponsors who are restoring inland and coastal wetlands, aquatic habitats, stream banks, and fish passage.

Who are some of the current NY_CWRP Members?

What are the Benefits to Companies of Joining NY-CWRP?

• Public recognition for community involvement.
• Positive PR from media coverage of projects, awards, recognition events.
• Improved communications with government agencies, community groups, and environmental non-profits.
• Identification with highly visible projects with significant environmental returns.

How much do Companies Contribute?

Participation and ‘dues’ on a sliding scale can be of cash or in-kind services, and are considered charitable under the 501(c)(3). Companies choose the level of funds and/or in-kind services to contribute. There are no pre-set contribution requirements. The CWRP is designed to attract large and small companies. Contribution amounts and the value of technical service contributions are kept confidential. The donor establishes the value of contributions of in-kind services. NY-CWRP has adopted the same “dues structure” of the Coastal America Foundation, as listed below. That said, we encourage at least the minimum contribution of $100 in cash, preferably combined with an in-kind elective valuation for additional goods or services.

The six CAF membership classes are:

(1) Honorary Members shall be selected in accordance with the procedures in the by-laws of the Foundation, as determined by the Board of Directors.

(2) Benefactor Members shall become qualified through contributions of not less than 20,000 dollars to the Foundation and as otherwise specified in the by-laws of the Foundation.

(3) Sponsor Members shall become qualified through contributions of not less than 10,000 dollars to the Foundation and as otherwise specified in the by-laws of the Foundation.

(4) Patron Members shall become qualified through contributions of not less than 5,000 dollars to the Foundation and as otherwise specified in the by-laws of the Foundation.

(5) Sustaining Members shall become qualified through contributions of not less than 1,000 dollars to the Foundation and as otherwise specified in the by-laws of the Foundation.

(6) Contributing Members shall become qualified through contributions of not less than 100 dollars to the Foundation and as otherwise specified in the by-laws of the Foundation.

I will be preparing a funding request of my firm's community affairs and treasury departments. What is, as they request, the "proof" of not-for-profit status?

NY-Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership operates under the umbrella of the Coastal America Foundation. The Foundation acts as the fiduciary agent for the NY-Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. The Coastal America Foundation is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) public charity; EIN 04-3408825. Corporate checks supporting NY-Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership are made out to and mailed to the Coastal America Foundation at 100 Muron Avenue, Bellingham, MA 02109, and are deposited in a separate account for the NY-CWRP's exclusive use.

How are the monetary contributions managed?

Is CWRP a regulatory program?

No. Participation in CWRP is entirely voluntary. It is not regulatory-driven and is not involved with enforcement or mitigation.

However, CWRP will work with enforcement agencies if a particular mitigation project is large enough in scope or physical requirements to exceed mitigation prescriptions, so that voluntary components via CWRP can complete site plans beyond any mitigation undertaken. Distinctions and permitting arrangements must be made clear at the onset.

What is involved in wetland and aquatic habitat restoration?

Restoration projects typically go through five phases: 1) project identification, 2) site evaluation and conceptual design, and 3) engineering, design and permitting, 4) implementation, and 5) monitoring and research. NY-CWRP members can volunteer to participate in or support any facet of a restoration project undertaken.

What kind of In-Kind Services can be Donated to CWRP?

Contributions of in-kind services that can directly support identification of restoration sites, project development and implementation, or restoration research projects are appropriate and appreciated. A quarry can donate rock or pit run; a trucker can donate road time; a supplier can donate geotextiles or gabions. Typical technical services needed include aerial photo interpretation, GIS mapping services, surveying, botanical analysis, civil engineering services, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, construction, and construction management. All types of wetland restoration projects are eligible including inland and coastal wetland habitats that have been degraded or destroyed. Examples of project objectives include excavation and removal of fill, channel and culvert improvements, bioengineering, storm water discharge treatment, and replanting of vegetation. Contributions of in-kind services are valued by the donor and managed by the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership Program

Can an engineering firm, enrolled as a CWRP member, provide services outside of their dues and receive compensation?

In simple terms, there are some CWRP partners who have donated cash/services to projects and are also paid "contractors" to projects....the key is to be upfront about the duality of involvement and to keep the specific activities for a project separate and distinct.

How are Projects Selected?

A Project Review Committee identifies and receives proposals for projects. It and a technical review subcommittee evaluate proposals. Some come from ‘dream lists’ identified by the major NYS and federal government natural resource agencies, others from partners and clients. The NY-CWRP Projects Review Committee has established a protocol for determining the soundness, ranking, voting, and managing completion of candidate projects. Priority is given to ones that are nearly complete, have permitting complete or nearly so, and lack an advocate or some nominal fee with which to jump-start the project.

At semi-annual CWRP meetings, the Committee makes recommendations for undertakings that are voted on by the attending membership. Based on that vote, the Board of Directors selects projects to route to the Mid-Atlantic Review and Implementation Team of CA for qualified endorsement. Projects are endorsed by the regional Coastal America Partnership Team are then funded. Eligible projects will be selected by NY-CWRP, and it retains the discretion for authorizing such disbursement; certain environmental education and/or research components of restoration projects may be endorsed by Coastal America.

How are Projects Approved for Receiving CWRP Support?

Typically, environmental agencies or NGO applicants bring priority restoration project options before the CWRP Projects Committee, which then makes recommendations to the membership and Board. The full membership is entitled to vote on recommending that the chapter endorse a project. The Board approves projects for contributions of funding and/or services, then submit a summary to the Coastal America Foundation for confirmation of eligibility. Once confirmed, NY-CWRP directs the Foundation to make direct disbursements to vendors helping complete specific projects managed by the NY-CWRP Project Manager. This non-Federal match can enable other monies to be allocated to the projects selected for CWRP endorsement.

Where are the Projects Located?

The projects will be located statewide. The first projects undertaken were in the northern Finger Lakes Region, Long Island and in NYC. We are reviewing projects in CNY, the lower Finger Lakes, along the Hudson, in or near NYC estuaries, on Long Island, and on the shores and tributaries to the Great Lakes. Our website www.ny-cwrp.org is updated regularly with summaries of projects proposed, underway, and as-built.

Can Companies choose which Projects to Fund or Assist?

Yes. The CWRP manager will discuss options with prospective contributors. Funds and in-kind services may be directed to a specific project or made available for project(s) to be specified at a later time.

What kinds of Recognition will Partners Receive?

Companies sponsoring projects may be recognized with permanent signage upon completion. All corporate partners will receive recognition in New York CWRP press releases, brochures, and special events. Additionally, members-in-good-standing may use the NY-CWRP logo in their corporate advertising. The national organization will also enable links to a corporate CWRP webpage if your company wishes to establish such a page; this ties your participation to that of others in other states.

Does CWRP Operate in any other States? Yes. Massachusetts was the first state to organize a Partnership, and was followed by Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and New Jersey; a dozen more other states are organizing now. There are now 13 state chapters and an international CWRP. For information on the national program, see the Coastal America web site: http://www.coastalamerica.gov.

My Company Operates Facilities in Several States. Can we Participate in Each?

Yes. Our partnership wishes to be as open and flexible as possible to fulfill or mission. A large single contribution can be made on behalf of the company, with an allocation to each state chapter, or each state facility can join their respective chapter with individual donations. The level of participation would be open to determination by and of the respective facility’s level of interest, technical expertise, avocation and commitment. For instance, the company could elect to donate less-than-standard cash dues, but augment in-kind services in one or more state chapters.

Please consult your management, complete and mail a Letter of Intent!

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