F25AS00290 FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program Region 6

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program supports the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Managed by the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, the grant initiative aligns with the objectives of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by empowering state governments to develop and implement conservation strategies that yield direct benefits for listed and candidate species. Region 6, which includes Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, is the geographic focus for this opportunity. This grant provides financial assistance to eligible state agencies to support conservation work such as species and habitat management, research, monitoring, and outreach activities. Proposals must demonstrate how the work contributes to species recovery or prevents future listings under the ESA. Funds are limited to projects that focus on federally listed resident species already included in the state's section 6 cooperative agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service. Projects involving candidate species, eligible unlisted species, or those recently delisted due to recovery (within the last five years) are also eligible. However, land acquisition activities are not supported. A cooperative agreement pursuant to ESA section 6(c) is a prerequisite for eligibility. State agencies must have this agreement in place or confirm/enter into one within 30 days of the application deadline. While grants can only be awarded to states, collaborations with local organizations, counties, or nonprofits are permissible as subgrantees. The project must comply with species recovery plans and not be used to fulfill regulatory mitigation requirements under ESA sections 7 or 10 or the Clean Water Act. FWS full-time employee (FTE) costs are not allowable. Applications must be submitted electronically by December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. The program originally set a deadline for September 19, 2025, which has since been extended. The expected number of awards is eight, and the total funding available is approximately $756,753. States may request reimbursement for certain pre-award costs, provided these are justified, necessary, and approved in writing. Administrative costs must be budgeted or borne by the state. The application must include standard federal forms such as SF-424, project narratives, budget details, and other supporting documents. Reviewers will prioritize applications that clearly demonstrate how the proposed activities benefit listed species or their habitats. Grant performance begins with the official grant approval date, and projects must involve voluntary conservation actions within the U.S. A permit from the Regional Director may be needed for actions involving species relocation, transport across state lines, or extended captivity. The main point of contact for this grant opportunity is Angela Burgess, who can be reached via email at angela_burgess@fws.gov for questions regarding the opportunity or access to application materials. This grant is issued annually, with similar opportunities expected in the future.

Clearly link the project to recovery plans and ensure direct impact to species/habitat is demonstrated.