Wildlife Conservation and Restoration

The program provides financial assistance to States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealths, and territories under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to plan and implement projects for benefit of a diverse array of wildlife and associated habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished. It also fulfills unmet needs of wildlife within States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealths, and territories that includes wildlife education and recreation activities.

Agencies from the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa with primary responsibility for fish and wildlife conservation may submit grant proposals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To be eligible, they must pass assent legislation to the provisions of the Act for the conservation of wildlife that includes a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by hunters for any other purpose than the administration of the fish and wildlife agency. In addition, the States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealths, and territories must have an approved comprehensive plan as described by the Appropriations Act.

General Public: While direct participation is limited to fish and wildlife agencies, the public will ultimately benefit from these wildlife conservation measures.

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Approved activities include those which plan, enhance, and implement programs for wildlife and their habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished. States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealths, and territories must pass laws for the conservation of wildlife, which include a prohibition against diversion of license fees paid by hunters for purposes other than the administration of the State, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth, and territorial fish and wildlife agencies. No funds may be used for projects that oppose legal hunting. Federal share may not exceed 75 percent of total funding.

Program obligates funds and sends a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award.

The State, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth, or territorial agency having lead responsibility for the management of their wildlife resources must submit the projects. The State, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth, or territorial agency selects those projects submitted for funding under the program. If approved, projects must meet the basic criteria outlined in the regulations and the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.

The Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or his designee approves or disapproves proposed grants. Regional Offices are responsible for notification of grant approval to the grantee.

Approximately 30 days.

Grantees may renew projects on an annual basis if justifiable and if funds are available.

Regional Directors will consider differences of opinion concerning the eligibility of proposals. Final determination rests with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.