Recently, the National Association of Counties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council jointly awarded over $600,000 in Five-Star Restoration Grants to 60 community-led conservation projects throughout the country. The grants were made possible through major funding by EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Ranging from $3,500 to $20,000, the grants will help finance community-based wetland and streamside restoration projects. Participating communities have committed nearly $6 million in support of these restoration activities. Consideration for funding is based upon the project's educational and training opportunities for students and at-risk youth, the ecological benefits to be derived, and other cultural and economic benefits to the community. This is the third year that Five-Star Restoration grants have been awarded. For more information on the Five-Star Restoration Program, including a list of this year's grant recipients, go to www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/5star/01grants.html. (Reprinted from WaterNews, 7/701, EPA Office of Water)