Funding Application: Grassland Stewardship Initiative July 2024

Funding Application: Grassland Stewardship Initiative July 2024
The Grasslands Stewardship Initiative (GSI) aims to support conservation and recovery of sensitive grassland bird populations in Ontario through the creation and management of grassland habitats. To achieve this goal, GSI offers competitive funding opportunities for projects that align with specific objectives and eligibility criteria.

To support potential applicants, GSI has developed the Grassland Stewardship Initiative Program and Funding Guidelines 2024 document. This resource is designed to assist in the preparation of project proposals for submission to GSI.

The proposal submission process is conducted entirely online and consists of three (3) key components:
- Site Suitability Assessment (SSA)
- Application Form
- Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA)
It is important to note that once you begin the online application process, it must be completed in one session as there is no option to save and return to your submission later.

GSI strongly advises all project proponents to thoroughly review each section of the Program and Funding Guidelines document. This document provides detailed instructions and requirements for each of the three application components, ensuring that all necessary information is gathered correctly for your submission.

Important Timelines:
- Deadline for call for proposals has been extended
- Project activities start: April 1, 2025
Submission Checklist:
Before initiating your online submission, please review and complete the checklist below. You are required to upload this information in the online application form.
- Work Plan and Budget
- Project site plan/map(s)
- Site photo(s) of current/baseline conditions
- Seed mix and supplier, if applicable
Important Note:

Funding for proposed projects under the Grasslands Stewardship Initiative is subject to Forests Ontario securing grants from various levels of government as well as other sources. Please be advised that until funding is secured, even the best proposals will be on hold, so we thank you in advance for your patience. The application process for proposals will be conducted online. For detailed guidance, please refer to the documentation available at https://grasslandsontario.ca/applications.
Site Suitability Assessment (SSA)
Please complete the Site Suitability Assessment form below to determine whether your site is suitable for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and/or Grasshopper Sparrow habitat restoration. If your site is determined suitable, you may proceed with completion of the online Application Form and Habitat Quality Assessment.

Please refer to the GSI Program and Funding Guidelines 2024 for additional information including larger versions of the core breeding range maps.
Is the site located within the core breeding range* for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and/or Grasshopper Sparrow*

YesNo
Mapping data from The Atlas of Breeding Birds, Ontario (2001-2005).

Does the site fit into one of the above suitable types of land*

YesNo
Have you observed a Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and/or Grasshopper Sparrow on or near (within 1-2 km) the site in the past year?*

YesNo
Does the site encompass the below ideal habitat features for creation of Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and/or Grasshopper Sparrow habitat?*

YesNo
- Minimum of 4 hectares in size
- Area must be a minimum of 200 meters in width, to provide 100 meter buffers adjacent to bordering forests and treed hedgerows
Site Not Suitable For Funding

(Please do not complete the application form at this time.)
Site Not Suitable For Funding

(Please do not complete the application form at this time.)
Site May Be Suitable For Funding And Eligible For Maintenance or Enhancement Activities

Please proceed and complete application form and habitat quality assessments
Site May Be Suitable For Funding And Eligible For Creation Activities

Please proceed and complete application form and habitat quality assessments
Application Information

This is the organization that would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Forests Ontario if the application is approved.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Organization Name
Property Information
Property Name
Total Property Size (ha)
Project Site Size (ha)*
Ownership (Name(s))*
Latitude (decimal degrees)*
Longitude (decimal degrees)*
Property Address*

Street Address

Street Address

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Township
County
Lot
Concession
Farm Business No. (if applicable)
Main Contact (landowner)*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Current Site Protection Status*

Easement or equivalent (1-5 years)Easement of equivalent (>5 years)Agricultural lands within the GreenbeltLand TrustsNoneOther
Project Description
What was the predominant land use on the Project Site over the last 3 years*

Row crop/grainRecently retired or abandoned field (1-3 years since cultivation)Old field (>3 years since cultivation, dominated by course herbs and/or scattered trees)Old field (>3 years since cultivation, dominated by grasses)Hay (alfalfa dominated)Hay (grass dominated)Heavily grazed field or paddockField/paddock with light to moderate grazingUngrazed field or paddock (grazing does not occur before July 31 of any year)Native grassland, including restored communitiesOther
If the Project Site is grazed, do you currently practice rotational grazing?

YesNo
Please indicate the management activities that have been completed on the Project Site over the last 1-3 years?*

Site preparationHerbicide applicationPlanting seeds/over-seeding Woody species removal Delayed Haying (after July 31) Planting plugs Prescribed burn Delayed Mowing (after July 31) Soil amendment(s) No management Other
Does the Project Site have wooded edges?*

Woodlots or heavily wooded fencerows on all sidesWoodlots and wooded fencerows on 1 or 2 sidesNo adjacent woodlands, only minor fencerowsNo wooded edges/fencerows at all
Please select the one that best describes adjacent land use/fields (within 1.0 km)*

Little to no adjacent fields, pasture or natural grassland (including restored), primarily urban/residentialMostly row cropsMostly hay, pasture or natural grassland (including restored)Other
Have you observed Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and/or Grasshopper Sparrow breeding, or displaying breeding behaviours on your property in the past 1-3 years?*

Yes (if Yes, your project activities must meet the criteria for habitat enhancement or maintenance)No (if No, your project activities must meet the criteria for habitat creation)Unknown (if Unknown, your project activities must meet the criteria for habitat creation)
Project Site Plan/Map
A Project Site Plan or map and current site photos are required with this application. The Site Plan can be a Google screenshot or equivalent. The Site Plan must include an outline of the project site boundary and delineation of the areas to receive specific restoration activities, especially if different activities are proposed across the site. Please attach the Project Site Plan and current/baseline site photos below.
Site Map*

maximum file size is 10.6MB each
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Photos*

maximum file size is 10.6MB each
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Project Information
Project Name
Project Start Date (mm/dd/yyyy)*
Amount Requested from GSI*
Total Cost of the Project*
Which Best Describes Your Project Type*

Creation - Land currently provides no or very little habitat value to target bird species; target bird species have not been present on-site in the past 1-3 years.Enhancement - Land currently provides moderate to high-quality grassland habitat and periodic management is undertaken to prevent succession; one or more of the target bird species were present on-site in the past 1-3 years.Maintenance - Land currently provides high-quality grassland habitat and activities such as grazing, harvesting, burning or cutting are already managed to benefit the target bird species; one or more of the target bird species have exhibited breeding evidence/behaviour in the last year.
Briefly Describe the Project*
objectives, activities, methods, partnerships, and time frame. Suggested maximum 300 words.
Please attach seed mix and supplier (if applicable)

maximum file size is 10.6MB each
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Project Work Plan and Budget

Please completed the attached work plan and budget spreadsheet and submit with the project application form. (In blurb by Season at top)
Attach Excel Spreadsheet Here*

maximum file size is 10.6MB each
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Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA)
Applicants are required to submit an HQA with this project application. This information establishes baseline metrics on grassland habitat quality at the proposed Project Site. The HQA differentiates between high-, medium-, and low-quality grassland habitats. For each HQA parameter, choose the most appropriate response. Please note, the results of the initial HQA will not impact the decision to award funding for the project, but instead are used to help determine which eligible activities the project will receive funding towards.

NOTE: The recommended timeframe to complete an HQA is May 1st – July 31st of any year. However, for the purposes of this funding application, information or observations from July – September 2024 should be used by the partner or landowner to complete the HQA.

If the project is successfully enrolled in the GSI, partners/landowners will complete additional HQAs during the breeding season (May 1st – July 31st) in Year 1, Year 3, and Year 5 to show pre, mid and post-activity changes in habitat quality.
1A. Which of the following best describes the site. (If more than one, select the quality level with the greatest extent)*

High - Hay (grass dominant); Ungrazed paddock (before July 31); Native grassland (including restored)Medium - Old field (grass dominant); Field or paddock with light to moderate grazingLow - Row crop/grain; Old field dominated by coarse herbs or scattered trees/shrubs; Hay (alfalfa dominant); Heavily grazed field or paddock
1B. Which of the following best describes your haying or grazing practices?*

High - Site is not harvested, mown, or grazed before July 31Medium - Site has delayed haying or grazing in central area as part of a rotational system; Site is not harvested, mowed, or grazedLow - Site is harvested, mowed, or grazed before July 31
2A. How much of the site is covered by grass. (Including non-native grass, but not legumes)*

High - ≥ 75%High - 51 - 75%Medium - 26 - 50%Low - ≤ 25%
2B. How much of the site is exposed soil or bare ground?*

High - < 10%High - 10 - 25%Medium - 26 - 50%Low - > 50%
2C. On average, what is the depth of litter or thatch build-up on the ground?*

High - < 5 cm (Thin)High - 5 - 15 cm (Moderate)Medium - 16 - 25 cm (Moderate - Thick)Low - > 25 cm (Very Thick)
2D. On average, what is the height of grass cover within the site in the 1st week of June?*

High - 10 - 50 cmMedium - 51 - 100 cmLow - < 10 cm or > 100 cm
2E. How much of the site has shrubs or trees > 1 m in height?*

High - < 5%Medium - 5 - 15%Low - > 15%
2F. How many grass indicator species from the "Grass/Sedge Indicator Species" list below are present on the site?*

High - > 3 speciesMedium - 2 - 3 speciesLow - 0 - 1 species
2G. How many forb indicator species from "Forb Indicator Species" list below are present on the site?*

High - > 3 speciesMedium - 2 - 3 speciesLow - 0 - 1 species
Grass/Sedge Indicator Species

The list below are types of grasses/sedges that are often characteristic of native and naturalized grasslands. The species below are not required for application approval.

Please indicate the cover** of any of the following grass species if present on the site. For species images, please visit our Grass/Sedge Indicator Species list.
If the species is not present, do not select.

**Cover - Approximate area of the site covered by the species.
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Bebb’s Sedge (Carex bebbii)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Crawe’s Sedge (Carex crawei)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Awl-fruited Sedge (Carex stipata)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoides)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Poverty Oatgrass (Danthonia spicata)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Canada Wildrye (Elymus canadensis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Path Rush (Juncus tenuis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Dark Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Common Woolly Bulrush (Scirpus cyperinus)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Yellow Prairie Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Prairie Cordgrass (Sporobolus michauxianus)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Forb Indicator Species

The list below are types of forbs that are often characteristic of native and naturalized grasslands. The species below are not required for application approval.

Please indicate the cover** of any of the following forb species if present on the site. For species images, please visit our Forb Indicator Species list.
If the species is not present, do not select.

**Cover - Approximate area of the site covered by the species.
Thimbleweed (Anemone cylindrica)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Showy Tick-trefoil (Desmodium canadense)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Wild Strawberry (Frageria virginiana)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Three-flowered Avens (Geum triflorum)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Tall Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Canada Bluets (Houstonia canadensis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Pale Spiked Lobelia (Lobelia spicata)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Early Saxifrage (Micranthes virginiensis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Balsam Groundsel (Packera paupercula)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Virginia Mountain-mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Early Buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Upland White Goldenrod (Solidago ptarmicoides)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laevis)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Fluxweed (Trichostema brachiatum)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Narrow-leaved Vervain (Verbena simplex)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Missouri Ironweed (Vernonia missurica)

Rare (1 - 15%)Frequent (16 - 30%)Abundant (31 - 50%)Dominant (50 - 100%)
Bird Indicator Species

Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and Grasshopper Sparrow are targeted grassland birds for habitat creation/restoration.
3A. How many Bobolink have been seen on the site in the past year?*

High - ≥ 1 male + Breeding evidence or behaviours observedMedium - ≥ 1 maleLow - Not presentLow - Unknown
3B. How many Eastern Meadowlark have been seen on the site in the past year?*

High - ≥ 1 male + Breeding evidence or behaviours observedMedium - ≥ 1 maleLow - Not presentLow - Unknown
3C. How many Grasshopper Sparrow have been seen on the site in the past year?*

High - ≥ 1 male + Breeding evidence or behaviours observedMedium - ≥ 1 maleLow - Not presentLow - Unknown
If you indicated the presence of target species, please include the number of individuals and identify types of breeding evidence/behaviors.
Select all that apply
Bobolink

Territorial DefenceBreeding CallsPairNest BuildingLeading BehaviorNest SiteIncubationBegging CallsAdults Carrying FoodFledge/Young
Number of Bobolink(s) Observed
Eastern Meadowlark

Territorial DefenceBreeding CallsPairNest BuildingLeading BehaviorNest SiteIncubationBegging CallsAdults Carrying FoodFledge/Young
Number of Eastern Meadowlark(s) Observed
Grasshopper Sparrow

Territorial DefenceBreeding CallsPairNest BuildingLeading BehaviorNest SiteIncubationBegging CallsAdults Carrying FoodFledge/Young
Number of Grasshopper Sparrow(s) Observed
The list below are types of birds that are often characteristic of native and naturalized grasslands. Not all species are required for application approval.

Please indicate the cover** of any of the following bird species if present on the site. For species images, please visit our Bird Indicator Species list.
If the species is not present, do not select.

**Cover - Approximate area of the site covered by the species.
4A. How many other grassland bird species have been seen on the site over the past year?*

High - > 2 speciesMedium - 1 - 2 speciesLow - UnknownLow - None
If you indicated the presence of other grassland bird species, please identify the species below:

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)Henslow's Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii)Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)Horned Lark (Eremophilia alpestris)American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)Dickcissel (Spiza americana)Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Should be Empty:

Funding Application: Grassland Stewardship Initiative July 2024

Site Suitability Assessment (SSA)

Application Information

Property Information

Project Description

Project Site Plan/Map

Project Information

Project Work Plan and Budget

Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA)