HQ NWRS System Enhancements

Federal Program: Department of the Interior, United States (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife Service, HQ National Wildlife Refuge System

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.654

Authorizing Legislation: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. §§2901-2911; Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C. 742 et seq.; Refuge Recreation Act, 16 U.S.C. §§460k-460k(4); National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. §§668dd-ee; Public Lands Corps Act - Youth Conservation Corps, 16 U.S.C. §§1701-1706; Public Lands Corps Act - Public Lands Corps, 16 U.S.C. §§1721-1726; Archaeological Resources Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. §§470aa-ll; and Federal Aid for Highways-Other Highways, 23 U.S.C. §§201-204 and §206.

Headquarters National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is accepting proposals for financial assistance from organizations that support Department of Interior (DOI) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) priorities and have the capacity to work cooperatively with the Service to identify, conserve, manage and enhance the physical and ecological infrastructure of the NWRS; deliver public access and high-quality recreational opportunities; identify organizations and support projects that provide recreational activities for disabled persons, youth, and veterans; build a volunteer cadre, and inspire the next generation of hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts through work on and off NWRS managed lands and waters.

Awards issued under this program will support DOI and Service priorities as well as support NWRS efforts to more effectively engage with the visiting public, enhance visitor services, provide access to NWRS managed lands, improve facilities, manage invasive species on and off NWRS managed lands, and support priority public uses such as hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife observation, and photography. Selected projects should endeavor to leverage funds with local industries and community organizations to conduct on-the-ground projects that support shared conservation goals and reduced barriers to outdoor recreation.

Project funding is generally limited to less than $50,000. Higher amounts may be requested, but may not be awarded without appropriate justification and approval. The period of performance for the majority of projects funded under this program is one to three years but may extend to five years. This program uses cooperative agreements as the primary funding instrument. Projects are often developed or modified in coordination with recipients and implemented with substantial involvement from HQ NWRS staff. Past and present recipients of awards under this program are eligible to apply but must submit new projects to compete for funding each year. This opportunity is open to non-profit, for profit, Native American tribal governments, state, county, city or township, and special district organizations with the interest and capacity to work collaboratively with HQ NWRS to identify, conserve, manage and enhance the physical and ecological infrastructure of the NWRS; deliver public access and high-quality recreational opportunities; build a volunteer cadre, and inspire the next generation of hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts through work on and off NWRS managed lands and waters.

Cost sharing or matching is not mandatory but is encouraged as a method of leveraging funding through public-private ventures.

Applications submitted under this grant program will be posted by HQ NWRS to an internal website and made available for review. If an application is not selected for review within the specified 60 day open period, the applicant will be notified that no further action will be taken on the application. See VI. Application Review Information for additional information concerning selection criteria, review process, and selection process.

Business

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses

Government

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• City or township governments
• County governments
• Special district governments
• State governments

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)