The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (F25AS00288) for the FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program. The initiative aims to support state programs focused on conserving and recovering threatened and endangered species through grants estimated at $3,366,779, with a minimum non-federal cost share requirement of 25%. Eligible applicants are state governments with cooperative agreements with FWS, with a focus on projects that demonstrate clear benefits for federally listed or eligible species. Applications may cover activities like habitat enhancement, species monitoring, and public outreach.
Key eligibility requirements include alignment with recovery plans for species and a prohibition against using grant funds for federal regulatory compliance. The application process emphasizes a thorough proposal that showcases the project's relevance and technical merit. The selection process includes review based on eligibility, merit criteria, and regional priorities. Important deadlines entail submitting applications electronically by 11:59 PM ET on October 20, 2025. The anticipated project duration runs three years, promoting proactive conservation efforts with a cooperative framework between FWS and the states.
The document provides a comprehensive list of various species, including common names, scientific classifications, and their conservation statuses. It categorizes these organisms based on their conservation status, with classifications such as "UR" (Unlisted), "PT" (Threatened), "NL" (Not Listed), and several others, indicating their protection level and urgency for conservation actions. The list covers a wide range of fauna and flora across diverse ecological regions, including specific states and Puerto Rico. The emphasis lies on documenting vulnerable and endangered species, aiming to inform conservation strategies and potential funding opportunities under federal and state grants and RFPs. This information is essential for government agencies, researchers, and stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation and environmental management, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect these species and their habitats.