The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, through the Recovery Land Acquisition (RLA) Grants (FOA F25AS00034), aims to provide financial support for land acquisition to benefit species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), this grant is specifically intended to assist State agencies in acquiring land to protect and recover habitat crucial to the survival of listed species. The program has been running since 2001, promoting state and federal cooperation by funding acquisitions that support Service-approved recovery plans. The total funding available for the 2025 fiscal year is estimated at $14.162 million, and awards are expected to range from $10,000 up to the entire available amount, contingent upon the project requirements.

The purpose of these RLA grants is to fund land acquisition that will protect habitats from imminent threats, thereby supporting the recovery of endangered or threatened species. Projects considered for funding must align with the most recent Service-approved recovery planning documents, including final or draft recovery plans. Priority will be given to projects that contribute directly to significant recovery actions, such as acquiring land identified as essential in recovery plans, stabilizing species populations, and facilitating conditions that could eventually lead to downlisting or delisting the species. The land acquisition must either take place through fee simple acquisition or conservation easements, and should support ongoing management that aligns with the species' conservation needs in perpetuity.

Only state governments that have entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the Service, as required by Section 6 of the ESA, are eligible to apply. This eligibility extends to States that meet the requirements for the annual renewal of their Cooperative Agreement. Although non-state entities such as conservation groups or counties cannot apply directly, they can collaborate with eligible state agencies as subgrantees. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is set at 25% of the total project cost, which can be reduced to 10% for projects involving collaboration between two or more states. For applicants from U.S. territories such as Guam and American Samoa, the cost-share requirement is waived entirely.

Applications for these grants must be submitted by January 8, 2025, through the GrantSolutions system. Applicants must include several key documents, such as the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, a detailed project narrative, maps of the proposed acquisition area, a budget narrative, and additional forms related to real property acquisition. The narrative must include details on species eligibility, project objectives, expected conservation outcomes, and timelines. Importantly, applications must also demonstrate that the proposed acquisitions align with and implement specific priority recovery actions detailed in the species' recovery plans.

The application review process will evaluate projects based on several criteria, including the degree to which they implement high-priority recovery actions, contribute to population viability, and enhance habitat connectivity. The readiness of the State to proceed with the project, including the availability of willing seller letters and the commitment to complete the project within the specified timeframe, will also be crucial. A strong preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a clear and imminent threat of habitat conversion, thus ensuring that funding is directed to the most critical conservation efforts.

The Service expects to make pre-award notifications by May 30, 2025, and to finalize awards within 120 days thereafter. Selected projects must be implemented efficiently, with awarded funds expended in a timely manner or otherwise returned for reallocation in future award cycles. State agencies are encouraged to coordinate with the designated Service contact before initiating their applications to ensure compliance with program requirements and to facilitate a successful submission. For additional information, applicants can contact Kelly Niland at Kelly_Niland@fws.gov or by phone at 703-358-2492.