Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing funding opportunities for State agencies to support the development and implementation of conservation programs for listed species. The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Grant Programs will provide competitive grants for Recovery Land Acquisition (RLA) projects. Eligible applicants must have entered into a Cooperative Agreement pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Endangered Species Act and have provided the necessary information for annual renewal. The program aims to protect and restore habitats for listed species, and projects must align with the species' most recently approved recovery planning document. The maximum award amount is $22,324,000, and the minimum award amount is $10,000. The project period of performance is up to three years. Key aspects of the project include: • Project title and description • Statement of need and purpose • Objectives and methods • Anticipated outcomes and benefits • Project timetable and location • Information for environmental compliance review • Willing seller letters (if applicable) • Budget information and narrative The Service will evaluate applications based on criteria such as the project's alignment with the species' recovery planning document, the level of non-Federal cost share, and the project's readiness for implementation.