Endangered Species Act Conservation Planning Grant Program (Nontraditional Section 6)

The Endangered Species Act Conservation Planning Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF). It supports a range of initiatives aimed at conserving and recovering threatened and endangered species. Authorized under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the program encompasses both Traditional and Nontraditional grants. The Nontraditional Section 6 grants include Conservation Planning Assistance (CPA), Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition (HCPLA), and Recovery Plan Land Acquisition (RLA). These grants focus on supporting large-scale conservation planning and land acquisition efforts to protect critical habitats for listed species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) plays a significant role in managing and coordinating these grants, especially for HCPLA and RLA projects. The Traditional Section 6 Program funds specific recovery projects targeting the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species. California has been notably successful in obtaining Nontraditional Section 6 grant funds, often leveraging partnerships between CDFW and local organizations. These funds have facilitated the development of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and the acquisition of land necessary to ensure the long-term viability of species and their ecosystems. The program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning in conservation efforts, with grants often requiring a strong local or state partnership. Successful projects typically demonstrate clear benefits to listed species and align with broader recovery goals outlined in recovery or habitat conservation plans. Potential applicants or partners are encouraged to work closely with the CDFW Wildlife Branch to align proposals with national and state conservation priorities, increasing competitiveness for grant funding.