The Kitsap County Department of Community Development announced this week the availability of the Watershed Mini-Grant Program for 2009.

This year, the Watershed Mini-Grant program will offer grants up to $1,500 to local groups for local environmental education, habitat restoration and monitoring projects. A total of $6,000 is available for 2009.

To encourage groups new to watershed projects, those that have not received a Watershed Mini-Grant in the past, will be given some preference. Projects should benefit a watershed (stream, wetland, lake, etc.) or Puget Sound nearshore environment in unincorporated Kitsap County.

Youth, employee and conservation organizations, neighborhood groups, fishing and service clubs, schools and businesses are encouraged to apply. Applications are available on the Kitsap County Web site at http://www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/nr/stream_team.

Completed applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. April 10 (extended from April 3 deadline posted on the application).

For more information on the Watershed Mini–Grant program, call Kathlene Barnhart at (360) 337-4601.