Deadline: 2-Mar-23
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced an open call for the Recovery Land Acquisition Grants under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.
The Recovery Land Acquisition grants promote State and Federal cooperation in species conservation by leveraging funds to acquire specific parcels of land, through fee simple or conservation easement, in support of Service-approved recovery plans and outlines. The ESA conveys the importance of recovery plans as a central organizing tool for guiding the recovery process by requiring their development for every listed species.
Purpose
- To be considered for funding through this opportunity, the land proposed for acquisition must benefit at least one listed species for which (1) habitat loss is identified as a threat; and (2) habitat protection is identified as a priority recovery action in the species’ most recently approved recovery planning document. Further, all applications must state a commitment to funding for, and implementation of, management of the land in perpetuity, consistent with the conservation needs of the species.
- While all projects must be consistent with the conservation objectives outlined in a species’ most recently approved recovery planning document, those designed to have a direct and timely impact on species recovery, ideally moving the species toward down or delisting, will be prioritized. Projects that assist in stabilizing endangered and threatened species on the brink of extinction by implementing priority 1 and 2 recovery actions will also be given greater consideration.
- The Service recognizes that, in the exercise of their general governmental powers, States possess broad trustee and police powers over fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats within their borders. Unless preempted by Federal authority, States possess primary authority and responsibility for protection and management of fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats.
- The cooperative agreements entered into by the States and Service reflect a common commitment to actively advance the purpose and policies of the ESA, including providing a means to foster relationships with partners, reduce conflicts between listed species and economic development, and promote the long-term conservation of listed species and the ecosystems on which they depend. These grants encourage the cooperative implementation of the ESA by leveraging Federal investment in species recovery and demonstrate the Service’s commitment to cooperative conservation at the local level.
- Through this collaborative and inclusive approach to conservation, these grants further the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to conserve, connect, and restore 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030 for the sake of the Nation’s economy, health, and well-being.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Funding $11,162,000
- Maximum Award $11,162,000
- Minimum Award $10,000
- Expected Award Date June 30, 2023
- Expected Number of Awards 6
- The maximum period of performance (PoP) for a grant awarded through this opportunity is three years, beginning on the effective date established at the time of grant approval or the date of award obligation, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Applicants: State governments
- Only State agencies that have entered into a Cooperative Agreement of the ESA and have provided the information necessary for the annual renewal (reconfirmation) of their Cooperative Agreement are eligible to apply for funding.
- Applicants that have not fulfilled both criteria will not be considered. While funding may only be awarded to States, individuals or groups such as counties or conservation organizations may work with a State agency that has a cooperative agreement on conservation efforts that are mutually beneficial, as a subgrantee.
- If a proposal involves the collaboration of two or more States, the minimum non-Federal cost share decreases to 10 percent of the total project cost. The project proposal and budget must reflect the work and responsibilities to be carried out by each of the cooperating States. The source(s) of the non-Federal cost share is up to the applicants and may come from more than one source.
- Applications must include a commitment to funding for, and implementation of, management of the land in perpetuity consistent with the conservation needs of the species.
- A property may not be submitted for funding consideration under both the Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grant Program in the same fiscal year.
- Projects must involve voluntary conservation efforts within the United States. Applications cannot include Service Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) costs.
- State administrative costs must either be assumed by the State or included in the application in accordance with Federal requirements. Applications may not be submitted to cover administrative costs alone.
- This program will not fund projects in countries determined by the U.S. Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and therefore are subject to sanctions restricting receipt of U.S. foreign assistance and other financial transactions.
- This program will not fund projects in countries subject to comprehensive sanction programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control without proper licenses.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.