BRUNSWICK – The Nature Conservancy is seeking initial proposals for a new round of competitive grants from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program.

A total of $2 million will soon be available for those seeking to protect wetland and significant wildlife habitat in Maine.

How to apply: Public agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations and private individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of intent for eligible restoration and preservation projects in Maine. All letters of intent must be received by July 15.

Applicants whose proposed projects meet the program’s requirements will be invited to submit full proposals. Proposals will be evaluated and ranked by a Review Committee convened by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and made up of public and nonprofit entities. The Nature Conservancy administers the process but does not decide which proposals receive funding. Final grant awards are expected to be made in early 2012.

For more information about the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program, or to download application materials, visit http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docstand/nrpa/ILF_and_NRCP/MNRCP/index.htm. For more information about The Nature Conservancy’s work in Maine, visit www.nature.org/maine.