F25AS00004_Fiscal Year 2025 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program provides competitive matching grants to eligible State agencies for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. The program's primary goal is the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Eligible projects include acquisition of a real property interest in coastal lands or waters, restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems, or a combination of these activities. The program requires a non-Federal cost share, and applicants must submit a complete application package, including a project narrative, budget, and other supporting documents. The program encourages early and frequent communication between applicants and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to avoid potentially disqualifying errors in the application. Some key points to consider: * The program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and other sources. * Eligible applicants are State agencies or entities designated as eligible by the Governor of a coastal State. * The program requires a non-Federal cost share, and applicants must provide evidence of matching funds or in-kind contributions. * Applications will be scored based on criteria published in 50 CFR 84.32, including the project's potential to conserve or restore coastal wetlands, the significance of the project's benefits to maritime forests, and the project's potential to benefit threatened or endangered species. * The program encourages applicants to submit a draft of their application to their WSFR Regional Office and/or Coastal Program contact at least four weeks prior to the due date for pre-deadline review.