MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program

The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The program is designed to support the conservation, restoration, and active management of wildlife habitats across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Recognizing that land protection alone is insufficient to sustain biodiversity, the program prioritizes direct habitat management efforts that improve ecological conditions for native species, particularly those identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan. The grant is structured as a competitive reimbursement program that fosters partnerships between the state and private or municipal landowners. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund on-the-ground habitat restoration and management activities that enhance ecological resilience, particularly in the face of climate change. The program emphasizes improving habitats for state-listed endangered, threatened, and special concern species, while also promoting biodiversity conservation across priority landscapes. In addition to ecological benefits, the program encourages projects that expand or maintain public access to outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. These dual goals of conservation and recreation reflect the program’s broader mission to integrate environmental stewardship with public engagement. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis for approved project expenses, with award amounts ranging from 5000 to 75000 dollars per project. There is no matching requirement for applicants. Eligible expenditures include direct costs associated with habitat management activities such as invasive species control, prescribed burning, mowing, tree clearing, seeding, and stream restoration. Additional allowable costs include staff labor for implementation, contractor services, equipment rentals, and necessary materials. However, the program imposes strict limitations on ineligible costs, including land acquisition, planning activities, administrative overhead, travel expenses, and any costs not pre-approved in writing. Equipment purchases are also restricted to a small percentage of the total project budget and must directly support project objectives. Eligibility is limited to owners of conserved lands within Massachusetts, including private individuals, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is land conservation. Conserved land is defined through specific legal protections such as conservation restrictions, agricultural preservation restrictions, Chapter 61 enrollment, or equivalent designations. Municipal applicants must also demonstrate compliance with applicable state laws, including zoning and housing regulations. Projects must occur on lands that allow for wildlife movement and must not be enclosed in a manner that restricts ecological connectivity. The application process requires submission through the state’s online grant management system. Applicants must create an account and complete a detailed proposal that includes project descriptions, habitat and species impact analysis, maps, photographs, and a comprehensive budget. Additional required documentation may include landowner authorizations, procurement forms, and contractor quotes. The review process is competitive and based on a scoring system, with a minimum threshold required for funding consideration. MassWildlife reserves the right to request clarifications, conduct site visits, and adjust proposals to ensure compliance with program objectives and regulatory requirements. The application period for the current funding cycle opened on May 26, 2026, with a submission deadline of July 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. All awarded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027, with no extensions permitted. Final reimbursement is contingent upon submission of a project report, including documentation of completed work and before-and-after photographs. The program is offered annually, with future funding cycles expected to follow a similar timeline. Program contacts include a procurement coordinator and an assistant director responsible for land and habitat conservation, both of whom are available to assist applicants with technical and administrative inquiries.

Ensure budget aligns with scope; coordinate early with NHESP; include complete documentation; demonstrate clear habitat benefits