Determine the most appropriate category (I, II, III) for the project as described below and specify a category in your nomination. The judges will use the criteria (outlined below) in evaluating the projects submitted for consideration for Sport Fish Restoration Project Awards.

PROJECT CATEGORIES

1. Sport-fishery Development and Management
1. Access
2. Facilities
3. Habitat Acquisition or Improvement
   
2. Research and Surveys
   
3. Aquatic Education

AWARDS CRITERIA

1. Overall Project Quality
   1. Uniqueness or innovation – has it been done before? Does it develop new tools, techniques, or approaches?
   2. Scope or magnitude – what is its impact?
   3. Longevity – long lasting, enduring nature of the project and its benefits.
   4. Geographic area of significance – what is the geographic (e.g. local, state, regional, national) scope of the project and its benefits?
   5. Cooperation and/or partnerships – does the project foster linkages with other agencies and organizations?
   6. Utilization of multiple components of Sport Fish Restoration Program – does the project combine more than one aspect of the Program.
       
2. Appropriate Evaluation Strategies
   1. Objectives clearly stated, properly assessed, and achieved.
   2. Cost effectiveness and/or cost benefits.
       
3. Impacts on the Public
   1. Number of constituents served or affected by the project; extent of benefits realized.
   2. Appropriate publicity of opportunities and involvement of Sport Fish Restoration funds.
   3. Exposure of non-anglers to fishing – does the project reach non-user groups or address changing demographics?
   4. Accessibility of the project’s products to users, results to professionals, or messages to constituents.
   5. Provides opportunities, results, or information that will increase recruitment, development, and/or retention of anglers.
4. Advancement of Sport Fisheries Management, Research, or Aquatic Education
   1. Improvements in fish population or environmental monitoring, sport fisheries management or research techniques, or educational approaches.
   2. Appropriate dissemination of information within the fisheries community – publication/presentation of results. (Provide evidence of distribution or plans to accomplish).
5. Exceptional Protection or Enhancement of Habitat or Resource
   1. Significant fishery resources or habitat receive long-term protection, improvement or enhancement.
   2. Development of new information concerning restoration or enhancement of sport fish habitats.
   3. Uses innovative or improved approaches.
6. Improved Understanding of and Support for Fishery Values
   1. Communicates significant information on fishery issues.
   2. Reaches large and diverse audiences.
   3. Generates public support for fishery issues or programs.
   4. Effective and/or innovative.
   5. Integration with other agency and partner group programs.
   6. Improves understanding of Sport Fish Restoration Program