Opportunity Information: Apply for F21AS00170
The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grants program is a competitive grant opportunity run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help conserve habitat for species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), especially because many of these species rely on non-Federal lands for part of their life cycle. The program sits under ESA Section 6, which is designed to support state-led conservation programs through federal financial assistance. In practical terms, the Service is using this grant program to partner with states and territories so that habitat protection and species recovery efforts can be carried out effectively across landscapes where private, local, and state land ownership dominates.
This specific funding opportunity focuses on land acquisition tied to approved and permitted Habitat Conservation Plans. HCPs exist because, prior to 1982, non-Federal landowners who carried out otherwise legal activities could run into ESA Section 9 violations if those activities resulted in the "take" of a listed species. Congress created a voluntary pathway in the 1982 ESA amendments through Section 10(a)(1)(B), allowing the Service to issue incidental take permits to non-Federal entities. To receive that permit, the applicant must prepare an HCP explaining how impacts to covered species will be minimized and mitigated in order to meet the statutory issuance criteria in Section 10(a)(2)(B). Once approved, the HCP commitments become enforceable parts of the permit, and in many places HCPs have evolved into larger-scale planning tools that guide development while setting aside meaningful conservation actions.
A key feature of HCPs, highlighted by this opportunity, is that they often include not only currently listed species but also candidate, at-risk, or otherwise rare species within the plan area. That approach can reduce the chance those species decline to the point where federal listing becomes necessary, and it can also provide more predictability for landowners and developers. If a non-listed species covered by an HCP becomes listed later during the permit term, the HCP can streamline authorization for incidental take of that newly listed species, avoiding the disruption and delay that could come with reopening or amending permits. In that sense, the grant program supports a broader strategy: using proactive habitat protection now to reduce conflict later while improving long-term conservation outcomes.
Congress established the HCP Land Acquisition Grant program in FY 1997 to directly reduce conflicts between species conservation and competing land uses on specific parcels associated with approved HCPs. The grants are matching grants to states, and the funded projects are specifically about acquiring land or interests in land that will protect habitat in perpetuity. The program supports two main acquisition methods: fee simple purchase (outright acquisition) and the purchase of permanent conservation easements. The intent is durable protection that secures habitat values over the long term, helps connect conservation lands across a landscape, and strengthens the recovery prospects of listed species while also helping prevent future listings.
Importantly, lands acquired through these grants are meant to complement HCP obligations, not replace them. The Service makes clear that acquisitions funded here are additive to the minimization, mitigation, and monitoring commitments already required under an HCP. That distinction matters because it frames the grants as a way to leverage and amplify non-Federal conservation investments already embedded in HCPs, rather than allowing permittees to shift required responsibilities onto federal funding. By using federal dollars to help states protect key parcels tied to HCP implementation, the program aims to deliver measurable conservation gains beyond baseline permit requirements.
Eligibility is limited to state agencies that have an active Cooperative Agreement with the Service under ESA Section 6(c) and that have also provided the information needed for annual renewal (reconfirmation) of that agreement. If a state agency has not met both conditions, it will not be considered for funding. While only state governments can receive awards directly, the program anticipates collaboration: counties, conservation organizations, and other partners may participate by working with an eligible state agency as subgrantees on mutually beneficial conservation efforts.
From the source details provided, this opportunity is a discretionary grant administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service under CFDA 15.615. The funding opportunity number is F21AS00170, and the original application closing date listed is April 9, 2021. The award ceiling shown is $39,276,000. The notice emphasizes that the NOFO contains updated information compared to prior years and recommends early coordination with the appropriate Service contact before investing significant time and resources into project planning and application development, reflecting the complexity and long-term commitments typical of land acquisition projects tied to HCP implementation.Apply for F21AS00170
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.615.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2021-01-08.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-04-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $39,276,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CESCF Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grants program?
The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grants program is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It provides federal financial assistance to help conserve habitat for species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), with an emphasis on conservation actions that must often occur on non-Federal lands.
Which agency runs this grant program?
The program is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service).
What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
This opportunity supports land acquisition projects that are tied to approved and permitted Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). The goal is to protect habitat in perpetuity on specific parcels associated with HCP implementation, reduce conflicts between species conservation and competing land uses, and improve long-term conservation outcomes for listed species.
How does this program relate to the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
The program sits under ESA Section 6, which is designed to support state-led conservation programs through federal financial assistance. The land acquisition focus is tied to HCPs developed under ESA Section 10(a)(1)(B), the incidental take permit pathway created by the 1982 ESA amendments.
Why are Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) important in this grant program?
This funding opportunity is specifically focused on acquisitions connected to approved and permitted HCPs. HCPs are plans prepared to support issuance of incidental take permits and explain how impacts to covered species will be minimized and mitigated. Once approved, HCP commitments become enforceable parts of the permit, and they often function as large-scale tools that guide development while implementing meaningful conservation actions.
What conservation actions does this grant program fund?
Funded projects are for acquiring land or interests in land that will protect habitat in perpetuity. The program supports two acquisition methods: (1) fee simple purchase (outright acquisition) and (2) purchase of permanent conservation easements.
What does "protect habitat in perpetuity" mean in this context?
In this program, acquisitions are intended to provide durable, long-term protection of habitat values. The program’s intent is that the land or conservation interest acquired remains protected permanently, supporting lasting conservation benefits.
Are these grants intended to replace obligations already required under an HCP?
No. The Service specifies that lands acquired using these grant funds are meant to complement HCP obligations, not replace them. Acquisitions are intended to be additive to the minimization, mitigation, and monitoring commitments already required under an HCP.
What kinds of species benefit from this program?
The program is designed to conserve habitat for species listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. The description also highlights that many HCPs cover not only currently listed species, but also candidate, at-risk, or otherwise rare species within the plan area.
Why does the program mention candidate or at-risk species if the ESA focuses on listed species?
Because HCPs often include non-listed species (such as candidate or at-risk species) within the planning area. This can help prevent declines that might otherwise lead to future federal listing, and it can improve predictability for landowners and developers while strengthening long-term conservation outcomes.
What happens if a species covered in an HCP becomes listed during the permit term?
The information provided explains that if a non-listed species covered by an HCP becomes listed later during the permit term, the HCP can streamline authorization for incidental take of that newly listed species. This can reduce disruption and delay that might otherwise occur if permits had to be reopened or amended.
When was the HCP Land Acquisition Grant program established?
Congress established the HCP Land Acquisition Grant program in fiscal year (FY) 1997.
Who is eligible to apply and receive an award directly?
Eligibility is limited to state agencies that (1) have an active Cooperative Agreement with the Service under ESA Section 6(c), and (2) have provided the information needed for annual renewal (reconfirmation) of that agreement. If a state agency has not met both conditions, it will not be considered for funding.
Can counties, conservation organizations, or other partners apply directly?
No. Only state governments can receive awards directly. However, the program anticipates collaboration, and counties, conservation organizations, and other partners may participate by working with an eligible state agency as subgrantees.
Is this a competitive grant or a formula-based program?
This is described as a competitive grant opportunity.
Is this grant considered discretionary funding?
Yes. The source details identify it as a discretionary grant administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number provided is 15.615.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number provided is F21AS00170.
What was the application closing date listed in the source details?
The original application closing date listed is April 9, 2021.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount shown for this opportunity?
The award ceiling shown is $39,276,000.
What types of land interests can be acquired using these grant funds?
The program supports acquisition through fee simple purchase (outright acquisition) and through purchase of permanent conservation easements.
How does this program support conservation on non-Federal lands?
The program is designed to partner with states and territories to carry out habitat protection and species recovery across landscapes where private, local, and state land ownership dominates. This reflects the reality that many listed species rely on non-Federal lands for part of their life cycle.
Why does the notice recommend early coordination with the Service?
The notice emphasizes that the NOFO contains updated information compared to prior years and recommends early coordination with the appropriate Service contact before investing significant time and resources into project planning and application development. This reflects the complexity and long-term commitments typical of land acquisition projects tied to HCP implementation.
What is the overall conservation strategy this grant program is trying to support?
Based on the description provided, the program supports proactive habitat protection tied to HCP implementation to reduce conflicts between conservation and land use, improve habitat connectivity across a landscape, strengthen recovery prospects for listed species, and help prevent future listings by addressing conservation needs earlier.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F21AS00170) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Planning Assistance Apply for F21AS00171 Funding Number: F21AS00171 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grants Apply for F21AS00172 Funding Number: F21AS00172 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $22,324,000 |
| Common Loon Restoration Apply for F21AS00196 Funding Number: F21AS00196 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Apply for F21AS00249 Funding Number: F21AS00249 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $215,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Invasive and Noxious Management Apply for L21AS00261 Funding Number: L21AS00261 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management ORWA Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Apply for L21AS00255 Funding Number: L21AS00255 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Wildlife Resource Management Apply for L21AS00263 Funding Number: L21AS00263 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management ORWA Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management Apply for L21AS00237 Funding Number: L21AS00237 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Threatened and Endangered Species Apply for L21AS00273 Funding Number: L21AS00273 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Apply for L21AS00295 Funding Number: L21AS00295 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Forests and Woodlands Resource Management Apply for L21AS00259 Funding Number: L21AS00259 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Rangeland Resource Management Apply for L21AS00267 Funding Number: L21AS00267 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Apply for L21AS00270 Funding Number: L21AS00270 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance Program Activities Apply for L21AS00301 Funding Number: L21AS00301 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Threatened and Endangered Species Apply for L21AS00303 Funding Number: L21AS00303 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Wildlife Resource Management Apply for L21AS00310 Funding Number: L21AS00310 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Recreation and Visitor Services Apply for L21AS00260 Funding Number: L21AS00260 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management AK Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Apply for L21AS00302 Funding Number: L21AS00302 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Apply for L21AS00312 Funding Number: L21AS00312 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands Apply for L21AS00318 Funding Number: L21AS00318 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $11,000 |
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