2024 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: HCP Land Acquisition (Nontraditional Section 6)
Can you apply?
This grant is for states to acquire land or conservation easements that protect endangered species habitat linked to approved Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). Only state wildlife agencies and similar state entities can apply. The land must be associated with an existing, permitted HCP and support species recovery under the Endangered Species Act.
Projects must demonstrate cost-sharing from non-Federal sources. Land acquisition must complement—not replace—existing HCP mitigation commitments. Funding supports both fee-simple land purchases and permanent easement acquisitions in perpetuity.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for states to acquire land or conservation easements that protect endangered species habitat linked to approved Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). Only state wildlife agencies and similar state entities can apply. The land must be associated with an existing, permitted HCP and support species recovery under the Endangered Species Act.
Projects must demonstrate cost-sharing from non-Federal sources. Land acquisition must complement—not replace—existing HCP mitigation commitments. Funding supports both fee-simple land purchases and permanent easement acquisitions in perpetuity.
Program description
The HCP Land Acquisition Grant program was designed to reduce conflicts between the conservation of listed species and competing land uses on specific parcels of land associated with approved and permitted HCPs. Under this program, the Service provides matching grants to States in support of land acquisition projects that will conserve species habitat in perpetuity through fee simple acquisition or the acquisition of permanent conservation easements. The Service considers the use of Federal acquisition dollars by States for habitat protection associated with HCPs to be an important and effective mechanism to promote species recovery, prevent extinction, and preclude the need to list species under the ESA in the future. All land acquired through these grants complements, but does not replace, the mitigation, minimization, and/or monitoring commitments of the HCP. Thus, this work is additive to the conservation commitments entered into when HCPs are permitted and serves as a meaningful way to leverage non-Federal investment in species recovery and connect conservation lands across the landscape.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for states to acquire land or conservation easements that protect endangered species habitat linked to approved Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). Only state wildlife agencies and similar state entities can apply. The land must be associated with an existing, permitted HCP and support species recovery under the Endangered Species Act.
Projects must demonstrate cost-sharing from non-Federal sources. Land acquisition must complement—not replace—existing HCP mitigation commitments. Funding supports both fee-simple land purchases and permanent easement acquisitions in perpetuity.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 NCCP@wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-531-4465
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 6 | 2 | 33% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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