The Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative (PWCI) 2025, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), is a grant program designed to support projects that restore and maintain healthy river, stream, and grassland ecosystems within the Pecos watershed and adjacent areas of southeastern New Mexico and western Texas. With a funding pool of up to $2.5 million, NFWF anticipates awarding five to eight grants to projects that align with priority conservation goals. The initiative is supported by federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as corporate partners like Apache Corporation and ExxonMobil. Full proposals are due by November 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm EDT.

The program funds projects in four main categories: Habitat Restoration, Species Intervention, Species Information, and Capacity. Habitat Restoration and Management grants support efforts to improve riparian and grassland habitats through strategies like riparian connectivity projects, grazing management, invasive species removal, and infrastructure improvements (e.g., stream-road crossings). For grasslands, restoration projects focus on the Chihuahuan desert ecosystem and target species like pronghorn and migratory grassland birds. Species Intervention grants aim to establish or secure populations of aquatic species such as Pecos gambusia and Texas hornshell by mitigating disease or translocating individuals. Species Information grants focus on data collection for species like the Rio Grande cooter to better inform restoration efforts and conservation strategies, while Capacity grants strengthen local conservation capacity through technical assistance, with a focus on engaging agricultural producers in conservation practices.

Eligible applicants include governmental agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions in the U.S. that meet specific criteria. Ineligible applicants include international entities and private individuals, and grant funds cannot be used for land acquisition, political activities, ongoing compliance projects, or lobbying. Additionally, a 1:1 match in funds is required for applicants, which can include federal or non-federal contributions. Projects should commence within six months of award and are expected to complete within three years.

Applications are evaluated based on criteria including alignment with program goals, technical soundness, project feasibility, and potential for long-term conservation outcomes. Successful proposals will present a clear need for the funding, demonstrate cost-effectiveness, and include a detailed plan for community engagement and partnership development. Projects must also detail plans for ongoing monitoring, particularly of habitat restoration outcomes and species response.

Applicants must use NFWF’s Easygrants system to submit proposals. New users are required to register, and a tip sheet is available to assist with the application process. The review period runs from November 2024 through March 2025, with awards announced in March 2025. For additional support, applicants can attend a recorded webinar from September 12, 2024, and contact NFWF program staff or the Easygrants Helpdesk for assistance.