Independent Evaluation of the Long Island Sound Futures Fund Program Request for Proposals

Stretching more than 110 miles into the Atlantic, with 600 miles of coastline, the Long Island Sound is an estuary that provides economic and recreational benefits to millions of people while also providing habitat for more than 1,200 invertebrates, 170 species of fish and dozens of species of migratory birds. All 9 million people who live, work, and play in the watershed impacting the Sound can benefit from and help build on the progress that has already been made to restore its health and living resources.

The vision for the Sound is of waters that are clean, clear, safe to swim in, and charged with life. It is a vision of waters nourished and protected by extensive coastal wetlands, by publicly accessible, litter-free beaches and preserves, and of undeveloped islands. It is a vision of abundant and diverse wildlife, of flourishing commercial fisheries, of harbors accessible to the boating community, and of a regional consciousness and a way of life that protects and sustains the ecosystem.

The LISFF supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects and support people and communities who value the sound and take a direct role in its future. Funding priorities for this program include:

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds: Improving water quality by reducing pollution from the waters that flow into and the land which surrounds the Sound.
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife: Restoring coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function and to support populations of fish, birds and wildlife; and sustain the ecological balance of the Sound in a healthy, productive and resilient state for the benefit of people, wildlife and the natural environment.
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities: Supporting vibrant, informed, and engaged communities that use, appreciate, and help protect and sustain the Sound.

Launched in 2005, the Futures Fund has invested $68 million in 673 projects. With grantee match of $76 million, the program has generated an additional $144 million for local and regional conservation projects. The projects have opened 121 river miles to fish passage, restored 862 acres of fish and wildlife habitat, treated 212.5 million gallons of stormwater pollution, and engaged 5 million people in protection and restoration of the Sound.

The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Partnership (LISP). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Zoetis Foundation.