Opportunity Information: Apply for F21AS00172
The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition (RLA) Grants opportunity is a competitive federal grant program run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under the authority of Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The basic purpose is to help states develop and carry out conservation programs that directly benefit species listed under the ESA within their borders. This particular notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) focuses specifically on recovery land acquisition, meaning funding is aimed at acquiring land (or interests in land) that supports the recovery of listed species, typically by protecting, restoring, or securing essential habitat so that species have a better chance of survival and long-term recovery.
This is a discretionary grant program in the natural resources funding area (CFDA 15.615). The funding instrument is a grant, and the program is structured as a competition rather than a guaranteed formula allocation. The NOFO emphasizes that applicants should read the entire notice carefully because many program details were updated compared to prior years, including how eligibility is determined and how applications are evaluated and selected. Because RLA projects often involve large, complex transactions and long timelines, the agency strongly encourages early coordination with the appropriate FWS contact listed in the NOFO before an applicant invests significant time and resources in developing a proposal.
Eligibility is tightly defined. Only state governments can receive awards, and only those state agencies that have already entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the FWS under ESA Section 6(c) are allowed to apply. In addition, states must have completed the information required for the annual renewal or reconfirmation of that Cooperative Agreement. If a state agency has not met both conditions, it will not be considered for funding. Although the award can only go to an eligible state agency, the program allows partnerships: non-state entities such as counties, local governments, conservation organizations, and other groups can participate by working with an eligible state as a subgrantee or partner on mutually beneficial conservation efforts tied to the land acquisition project.
Key administrative details from the listing include the opportunity number (F21AS00172) and an original closing date of April 9, 2021. The award ceiling shown for the opportunity is $22,324,000, indicating the maximum amount available or the cap associated with the funding announcement as posted. The administering agency is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Overall, the program is designed to direct federal support to state-led land acquisition projects that produce measurable, lasting conservation outcomes for ESA-listed species by securing habitat critical to their recovery.Apply for F21AS00172
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery 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 $22,324,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition (RLA) Grants program?
This is a competitive federal grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The specific focus of this notice is Recovery Land Acquisition (RLA), meaning funding supports acquiring land (or interests in land) that advances the recovery of ESA-listed species within a state.
What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?
The purpose is to help states develop and carry out conservation programs that directly benefit species listed under the ESA within their borders. Under the RLA focus, the aim is to secure, protect, restore, or otherwise safeguard habitat needed for the survival and long-term recovery of listed species.
Who administers this grant program?
The administering agency is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
What legal authority is this program based on?
The program operates under the authority of Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including the Cooperative Agreement framework referenced under ESA Section 6(c).
Is this a competitive grant or a formula allocation?
This opportunity is structured as a competition (a discretionary grant program), not as a guaranteed formula allocation.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the CFDA number and funding area for this opportunity?
The listing identifies this program in the natural resources funding area and includes CFDA 15.615.
What does "Recovery Land Acquisition" mean in this NOFO?
In this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), Recovery Land Acquisition refers to funding aimed at acquiring land (or interests in land) that supports the recovery of ESA-listed species. The acquisition is intended to deliver measurable, lasting conservation outcomes by securing habitat essential to recovery.
Who is eligible to apply and receive an award?
Only state governments can receive awards, and only those state agencies that have already entered into a Cooperative Agreement with FWS under ESA Section 6(c) are eligible to apply.
Are there additional eligibility requirements beyond being a state agency?
Yes. In addition to having a Cooperative Agreement under ESA Section 6(c), states must have completed the information required for the annual renewal or reconfirmation of that Cooperative Agreement. If a state agency has not met both conditions, it will not be considered for funding.
Can counties, local governments, or nonprofit organizations apply directly?
No. The award can only be made to an eligible state agency. However, non-state entities (such as counties, local governments, conservation organizations, and other groups) may participate by partnering with an eligible state as a subgrantee or partner.
How can non-state partners participate if they cannot receive the award directly?
Non-state entities can work with an eligible state agency as a subgrantee or partner on conservation efforts tied to the land acquisition project, as long as the project is aligned with the program's purpose of benefiting ESA-listed species through recovery-focused land acquisition.
What kinds of projects does this NOFO support?
The NOFO supports state-led land acquisition projects (or acquisition of interests in land) that protect, restore, or secure essential habitat for ESA-listed species, with the goal of improving survival and long-term recovery prospects.
Why does the NOFO encourage early coordination with FWS?
Because RLA projects often involve large, complex transactions and long timelines, the agency strongly encourages applicants to coordinate early with the appropriate FWS contact listed in the NOFO before investing significant time and resources in developing a proposal.
Were there any notable updates compared to prior years?
Yes. The NOFO emphasizes that many program details were updated compared to prior years, including how eligibility is determined and how applications are evaluated and selected. Applicants are advised to read the entire NOFO carefully.
What is the opportunity number for this funding announcement?
The opportunity number is F21AS00172.
What was the closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date shown is April 9, 2021.
What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?
The award ceiling shown is $22,324,000, indicating the maximum amount available or the cap associated with the funding announcement as posted.
What outcomes is the program designed to achieve?
The program is designed to direct federal support to state-led land acquisition projects that produce measurable, lasting conservation outcomes for ESA-listed species by securing habitat critical to their recovery.
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| 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 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management New Mexico/Oklahoma/Kansas/Texas (NM) Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management Apply for L21AS00316 Funding Number: L21AS00316 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management New Mexico/Oklahoma/Kansas/Texas (NM) Wildlife Resource Management Apply for L21AS00323 Funding Number: L21AS00323 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $80,000 |
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