The FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund provides Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grants aimed at acquiring land for the conservation of eligible federally listed, candidate, and at-risk species under the Endangered Species Act. Eligible species are defined in the guidelines, with clear stipulations on federal matching requirements. Applicants must submit finalized proposals by the due date and cannot make changes that affect project scope.
The document outlines evaluation criteria focusing on the benefit to species, contribution to conservation, suitable habitat definitions, ecosystem functionality, and the urgency of threats to habitats. Notably, a non-Federal cost share of at least 25% is required for single-State projects and 10% for multi-State projects, with guidelines for acceptable forms of cost share.
Additionally, funding cannot be utilized for meeting Federal mitigation or compliance obligations, ensuring it supports conservation beyond federal requirements. The grant process emphasizes collaboration among States and mandates compliance reporting through the Wildlife TRACS system for effective tracking of funded conservation actions. This structured approach enhances the integrity and effectiveness of conservation funding, thereby fostering better compliance with federal regulations while supporting endangered species recovery efforts.
The document lists various at-risk species, primarily focusing on endangered plants and animals in the United States, as part of the FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund initiative. Each entry includes the common name, scientific name, population abbreviation, and lead region for each species, showcasing a biodiversity that spans multiple states and territories. Key highlights include the American alligator, numerous species of turtles, and various insects such as bumblebees, all categorized by their geographic distribution. The file serves as a comprehensive guide to the federal grants and RFPs aimed at conserving these species, aligning with the government's commitment to protect biodiversity and endangerment efforts. The structured presentation of information facilitates efficient identification of species requiring conservation assistance, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the threats they face.