At a glance
This program funds land acquisition projects and related administrative and land-transaction costs to conserve land and natural resources in the Highlands Region of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Only the Lead State Agency designated by each state’s governor may apply, and funds may be subawarded to counties, municipalities, or another state conservation agency. The estimated total program funding is $3,850,000, with about 4 awards expected; the award amount can range from $25,000 up to $3,850,000. A 50% non-federal cost share is required, and projects must be in the Highlands Region or, in limited cases, in an approved municipality in the Highlands Expansion Opportunity Area.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
The Highlands Conservation Act Program (HCA) is administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to assist Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in the protection of land and natural resources in the Highlands Region. HCA grants support land conservation projects in which a State, County, or Municipal entity acquires land or an interest in land from a willing seller to conserve resources of high conservation value.Governors of the four Highlands States may submit proposals for up to 50% of the total cost of land conservation projects in the Highlands Region.Funding appropriated under the HCA is typically divided into two separate categories – Base and Competitive. Eligible applicants may submit requests for the Competitive Funding Round in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. A separate Notice of Funding Opportunity will be posted for Base Funds. A project may not be proposed for funding in both funding opportunities.More information on the HCA program is available at www.fws.gov/program/highlands-conservation-act-grant
Who can apply
- State governments
“to assist Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in the protection of land and natural resources in the Highlands Region.” — From the announcement