This project will enhance the arizona game & fish dept. Access program to improve recreational access on private and landlocked state trust and federal land holdings through voluntary partnerships

This federal Project Grant award of $273,321.68 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (CFDA 10.093) will enhance the Arizona Game & Fish Department's access program to improve recreational access on private and landlocked state trust and federal land holdings through voluntary partnerships.

The grant will support initiatives to create or expand public access programs for activities such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation on private lands in Arizona. This includes providing financial incentives to private landowners to make their lands available for public wildlife-dependent recreation. The project will have a performance period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026. Several sub-awards totaling over $250,000 were made to private landowners, such as Yavapai Ranch Holdings LLC, Canyon Springs Ranch Inc., and McDonald Cattle Company, to facilitate public access for hunting, fishing, and other recreational opportunities on their properties.