Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund
The Cooperative Endangered Speices Conservation Fund (Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act) is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and provides funding for two distinct land acquisition programs.
HCP Land
Acquisition Grants
In the early 1980's,
the FWS responded to protracted Endangered Species Act (ESA) conflicts, by
working with local communities and landowners to establish a
partnership-oriented approach to species conservation. As a result, the Habitat
Conservation Plan (HCP) process was developed. Under the HCP, landowners and
local and state governments agree to establish habitat preserves (through
acquisition and/or dedication) in exchange for the release of limited habitat lands
for development.
Since then, the FWS has approved more than 430 HCP's, with more under negotiation. Approved HCP's range from single-owner accords to sweeping county-wide, multi-species plans. Under Section 6 of the ESA, states participating in these HCP's are eligible for federal assistance in land acquisition projects that complement these agreements.
In 1997, the FWS launched the HCP Land Acquisition Grants Program to provide grants to states and counties explicitly for land acquisitions that complement approved habitat conservation plans. These grants are available only for purchases that exceed conservation responsibilities nonfederal partners bear under terms of the HCP. Projects must also have nonfederal partners willing to provide at least a 25 percent match and manage the habitat. HCP Land Acquisition Grants are awarded on a nationally-competitive basis.
Recovery Land
Acquisition Grants
The Recovery Land
Acquisition (RLA) Grants Program was created in response to the escalating
interest shown by states and landowners in managing their lands in ways that
benefit threatened and endangered species and their habitat. The program
provides funds to states for acquisition of habitat for federally-listed
endangered and threatened species in support of approved species recovery
plans.
These funds must contribute to the implementation of an approved recovery plan for at least one threatened or endangered species. Acquiring habitat in order to secure long term protection is often the critical element in a comprehensive recovery effort for a listed species.
For more information on either of these programs, please visit the Service's Endangered Species Program page.
