Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund

 

Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund grants provide Federal financial assistance to States and Territories that have entered into a cooperative agreement pursuant to section 6(c) of the Endangered Species Act for species and habitat conservation actions on non-Federal lands, including habitat acquisition, conservation planning, habitat restoration, status surveys, captive propagation and reintroduction, research, and education. Traditional Conservation Grants: The principle objective of the Traditional Conservation Grant Program is to support the development and implementation of States programs to conserve and recover threated and endangered species under the Service's jurisdiction and to monitor candidate, at-risk, and recently delisted species. Conservation Planning Assistance Grants: The Conservation Planning Assistance Grant program provides funding to States and Territories to support the development of new Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), Safe Harbor Agreements (SHAs), and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs). Funding may also be used to support the renewal or amendment of existing HCPs, SHAs, and CCAAs. Funding may be used to support development and planning activities such as document preparation, public outreach, baseline species surveys, habitat assessments, and inventories. The preparation of environmental compliance review documents, such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), is also an eligible use of grant funds. Recovery Land Acquisition Grants: The principle objective of the RLA Grant program is to promote State and Federal cooperation in listed 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. HCP Land Acquisition Grants: Established by Congress in fiscal year (FY) 1997, the HCP Land Acquisition Grant program was designed to reduce conflicts between the conservation of listed species and competing land uses on specific parcels of land associated with approved and permitted HCPs. Under this program, the Service provides matching grants to States in support of land acquisition projects that will conserve species habitat in perpetuity through fee simple acquisition or the acquisition of permanent conservation easements. All land acquired through these grants complements, but does not replace, the mitigation, minimization, and/or monitoring commitments of the HCP. Thus, this work is additive to the conservation commitments entered into when HCPs are permitted and serves as a meaningful way to leverage non-Federal investment in species recovery and connect conservation lands across the landscape.

Active 15.615 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of The Interior B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2017 Assuming the average grant awards remain consistent with FY16 levels, we anticipate making 10 awards through the Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance program, 10 awards through the HCP Land Acquisition program, 18 awards through the Recovery Land Acquisition program, and providing funding to 53 states and territories through the Traditional Conservation Grants program. FY 2017 grant awards have not yet been announced. However, the Service awarded approximately $44.8 million in fiscal year 2016 to Nontraditional Program projects through the CESCF. Of that amount, approximately $5.8 million was awarded through the Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance program to fully and partially fund 7 out of 8 eligible proposals from 8 States. Approximately $22 million fully funded 11 out of 11 eligible proposals through the HCP Land Acquisition program. The Recovery Land Acquisition program awarded approximately $17.2 million in funding to 24 projects in 19 States. Information on the fiscal year 2016 grant awards can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/pdf/FY16.CESCF-ProjectDescriptions.pdf An additional $10.5 million was awarded to 53 states and territories through the Traditional Conservation grants program.
Fiscal Year 2018 In FY18 the program received an estimated 230 applications and issued an estimated 200 awards under the Traditional Conservation Grant Program.
Fiscal Year 2019 In FY19, the program received an estimated 300 applications and issued 250 grant awards.
Fiscal Year 2020 In FY20, the program received 150 applications and issued 150 awards.
Fiscal Year 2021 In FY21, the program received an estimated 325 applications and issued 300 awards.
Fiscal Year 2022 In FY22, the program received an estimated 275 applications and issued 260 awards.
Fiscal Year 2023 In FY23, the program anticipates receiving 250 applications and issuing an estimated 225 awards.
Fiscal Year 2024 In FY24, the program anticipates receiving 250 applications and issuing an estimated 225 awards. Endangered Species Act—Cooperation with States (16 U.S.C. §1535) Participation limited to State agencies that have a cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior. The annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), announced through www.grants.gov and posted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Web site at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html, describes the criteria that must be satisfied for an application to be eligible for funding. All States that have entered into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior. Applicants must be entered into a Cooperative Agreement pursuant to Section 6(c) of the ESA to be eligible for funding and have provided the information necessary for annual renewal (reconfirmation) of their cooperative agreement. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. An applicant must complete the Standard Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance and the appropriate Budget and Assurances forms (SF-424A and SF-424B - Non Construction; or SF-424C and SF-424D - Construction). The project description section of the application should address the evaluation factors identified in the annual request for proposals that will be posted at www.grants.gov and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html. Final selection is made by the Secretary of the Interior, based on recommendations by the Director or Regional Directors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funds are obligated by an authorized signature on an award agreement. April 7, 2023 Traditional Conservation Grants: Varies by Region, contact the appropriate Regional office for application deadlines. April 27, 2022 to March 3, 2023 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Planning Assistance Grants; April 27, 2022 to March 3, 2023 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grants; April 27, 2022 to March 3, 2023 Recovery Land Acquisition Grants Traditional Conservation Grants: Varies by Region, contact the appropriate Regional office for application deadlines. Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants: March 3, 2023. Recovery Land Acquisition Grants: March 3, 2023. Conservation Planning Assistance Grants: March 3, 2023. Information regarding approval/disapproval time frames is available in the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) posted at www.grants.gov and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html. Decisions can be appealed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chief, Ecological Services Division of Recovery and Restoration. Final determination rests with the Secretary of the Interior. Renewals can be made through submission of a project proposal and approval of a grant award document. Proposals for grant funding must be submitted by the State fish and wildlife agency. The State must have an approved cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior which provides for sharing responsibilities for endangered species, prior to receiving Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (section 6 of the Endangered Species Act) funds. Individual project proposals must compete with other State submissions for funding. For additional information please visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html. Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund grants provide Federal financial assistance to States and Territories that have entered into a cooperative agreement pursuant to section 6(c) of the Endangered Species Act for species and habitat conservation actions on non-Federal lands, including habitat acquisition, conservation planning, habitat restoration, status surveys, captive propagation and reintroduction, research, and education. This program funds real property acquisition through Recovery Land Acquisition and HCP Land Acquisition Grants. Real property acquisition is not an eligible use of funds awarded through Traditional Conservation and HCP Planning Assistance Grants. Performance Reports: Performance reports are required. Recipients must monitor and report on project performance in accordance with the requirements in 2 CFR 200.329. Final performance reports and final SF-425, Federal Financial Reports are due within 120 calendar days of the award period of performance end date, unless the awarding program approves a due date extension. The FWS details all reporting requirements including frequency and due dates in Notices of Award. Not applicable. Land acquisition records and land documents must be maintained in perpetuity. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is mandatory. States may receive up to 75 percent of the program costs. When two or more States have a common interest in one or more endangered or threatened species and enter into a joint agreement, the Federal share of the total project cost may be increased to 90 percent.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. The maximum period of performance (PoP) for CESCF grants is three years. If an approved project cannot be completed within the PoP, the State Director/Commissioner may request an extension of up to 12 months from the Director of the Service provided appropriate justification. Any awarded project that will not be completed within the PoP, and from which funds are deobligated, may be eligible for funding in future competitions. Program obligates funds and sends a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award. Please visit https://www.fws.gov/program/cooperative-endangered-species-conservation-fund/contact-us to access a list of regional program contacts. Ecological Services
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, 5275 Leesburg Pike, (MS: ES),
Falls Church, VA 22041 US
FWS_ES_GRANTS@fws.gov
Phone: (703) 358-2171 https://www.fws.gov/program/cooperative-endangered-species-conservation-fund 14-5035-0-2-303 (Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 22$8,213,236.00; FY 23 est $8,361,999.00; FY 24 est $7,999,998.00; FY 21$8,213,237.00; FY 20$0.00; FY 19$0.00; FY 18$0.00; FY 17$9,467,000.00; - Conservation Planning Assistance Grants(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 22$29,194,296.00; FY 23 est $11,162,000.00; FY 24 est $14,161,997.00; FY 21$29,194,297.00; FY 20$0.00; FY 19$5,973,302.00; FY 18$0.00; FY 17$10,508,000.00; - Recovery Land Acquisition Grants(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 22$49,983,657.00; FY 23 est $21,638,000.00; FY 24 est $28,637,997.00; FY 21$49,983,658.00; FY 20$0.00; FY 19$0.00; FY 18$0.00; FY 17$19,601,000.00; - Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grants(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 22$14,600,000.00; FY 23 est $13,499,999.00; FY 24 est $12,999,999.00; - Traditional Conservation Grants Varies by program element. Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., as amended; Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, 16 U.S.C. 4601, as amended; 50 CFR 81, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manual Chapter 521 FW 4 (http://www.fws.gov/policy/521fw4.html); and the annual request for proposals posted at www.grants.gov and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/section6/index.html. Fiscal Year 2017 The program has not yet selected projects for funding. However, we expect to award over 225 grants to fund projects similar to those supported in FY16 that benefit threatened and endangered species on non-Federal lands. The program has not announced projects for funding. However, we expect to award over 225 grants to fund projects that benefit threatened and endangered species on non-Federal lands.
Fiscal Year 2018 In FY18, the Service awarded over 200 grants in support of projects with direct conservation benefits for federally listed, candidate, and at-risk species. Grants are awarded to assist States in the implementation of their respective programs for the conservation of resident threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants and may involve activities such as species and habitat management, monitoring, research, and outreach. For example, the State of California was awarded a grant to support the development of a habitat suitability model for the central California coast and valley in conjunction with surveys to document occupancy, habitat condition, and cowbird pressure on the Federally listed least Bell’s vireo. The State of Pennsylvania was awarded a grant to support monitoring and management of federally listed Northeastern bulrush populations. The State of South Dakota was awarded a grant to survey 20 sites for the presence of the Federally listed Topeka Shiner and document current land management practices that are associated with the species presence.
Fiscal Year 2019 In FY19, the Service awarded over 250 grants in support of projects with direct conservation benefits for federally listed, candidate, and at-risk species. Grants are awarded to assist States in the implementation of their respective programs for the conservation of resident threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Funded activities include species and habitat management, monitoring and research, as well as public outreach. For example, the State of Oregon was a awarded a grant to support the captive rearing of Oregon silverspot butterflies to enhance the Cascade Head and Rock Creek populations. The State of Colorado was awarded a grant to study black-footed ferret and black-tailed prairie dog population responses to plague management activities.
Fiscal Year 2020 In FY20, the Service awarded an estimated 150 grants in support of projects with direct conservation benefits for federally listed, candidate, and at-risk species. Grants are awarded to assist States in the implementation of their respective programs for the conservation of resident threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Funded activities include species and habitat management, monitoring and research, as well as public outreach. For example, the State of Idaho was awarded $15,000 for grizzly bear monitoring in the Idaho portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The State of California was awarded nearly $300,000 to promote the recovery of Humboldt marten with a rapid assessment of population size of the north coastal California extant population.
Fiscal Year 2021 In FY21, the Service awarded an estimated 300 grants in support of projects with direct conservation benefits for federally listed, candidate, and at-risk species. Grants are awarded to assist States in the implementation of their respective programs for the conservation of resident threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Funded activities include species and habitat management, monitoring and research, as well as public outreach. For example, the State of Nevada was awarded $16,029 through the Traditional Conservation Grant Program to conduct breeding season surveys for the southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, and Yuma Ridgway's. The State of Hawaii was awarded $3 million under the HCP Land Acquisition Program to support of the acquisition and permanent protection of an 11,020-acre property on the Island of Maui to complement ongoing mitigation efforts for listed species covered by habitat conservation plans for three wind facilities including the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian hoary bat and Hawaiian petrel. The States of Oregon and Nevada received a total of $3,437,000 under the Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program to support the acquisition of 3,345 acres straddling the state border in Malheur County, Oregon and Humboldt County, Nevada. The State of Oregon was awarded $750,000 through the Conservation Planning Assistance Grant Program to support the Oregon Department of Forestry’s development of the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan.
Fiscal Year 2022 The Service awarded 260 grants in support of projects with direct conservation benefits for federally listed, candidate, and at-risk species. Grants are awarded to assist States in the implementation of their respective programs for the conservation of resident threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Funded activities include species and habitat management, monitoring and research, as well as public outreach. For example, the State of Nevada was awarded $24,304 through the Traditional Conservation Grant Program to conduct breeding season surveys for the yellow-billed cuckoo. The State of Washington was awarded $365,974 under the HCP Land Acquisition Grant program to enable acquisition and permanent protection of 20 acres of undisturbed Sonoran Desert scrub habitat for the benefit of species covered by the Pima County Multiple Species Conservation Plan including the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl, Tucson shovel-nosed snake, western yellow-billed cuckoo, and Sonoran desert tortoise. The State of Alabama was awarded $2,567,060 under the Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program to support the acquisition of 1,728 acres of Red Hills salamander habitat in Monroe County. This project supports the State’s ongoing efforts to permanently protect and restore some of the best remaining habitat for the species across its range. The State of Oregon was awarded $750,000 through the Conservation Planning Assistance Grant Program to support the completion of the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan.
Fiscal Year 2023 Program has not yet selected projects for funding. Program anticipates funding an estimated 225 projects to assist States in the implementation of their respective programs for the conservation of resident threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Program expects to fund species and habitat conservation actions on non-Federal lands, including habitat acquisition, conservation planning, habitat restoration, status surveys, captive propagation and reintroduction, research, and public education and outreach.
Fiscal Year 2024 Program has not yet selected projects for funding. Program anticipates funding an estimated 225 projects to assist States in the implementation of their respective programs for the conservation of resident threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Program expects to fund species and habitat conservation actions on non-Federal lands, including habitat acquisition, conservation planning, habitat restoration, status surveys, captive propagation and reintroduction, research, and public education and outreach.