Highlands Conservation Act Grant Program - FY 2018 - Competitive Funding | F18AS00147

Opportunity Information: Apply for F18AS00147

The Highlands Conservation Act Grant Program (FY 2018 Competitive Funding) is a federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, that supports land conservation in the Highlands Region across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Authorized under the Highlands Conservation Act (H.R. 1964, enacted in 2004; 16 U.S.C. 3901), the program is built around a straightforward goal: help these four states permanently protect lands and natural resources that have been identified as having high conservation value. The mechanism for doing this is direct land protection, meaning a state entity acquires land or a permanent interest in land (such as a conservation easement) from a willing seller so that the propertys important resources remain protected over the long term.

A key feature of the program is that projects must align with the conservation priorities mapped and documented by the USDA Forest Service through regional studies that identify high-value resource areas. Specifically, proposed acquisitions are expected to be consistent with the areas highlighted in the New York-New Jersey Highlands Regional Study 2002 Update and the Highlands Regional Study Connecticut and Pennsylvania 2010 Update. In practical terms, this means applications are not simply judged on general conservation merit; they must connect to the specific landscapes and resource values recognized in those studies, reinforcing a regional strategy for protecting water supplies, forests, wildlife habitat, and other critical ecological assets.

Funding is available only as appropriated by Congress, and the program is structured as a cost-share partnership rather than a full federal purchase program. Each year, the Governors of the four eligible states may submit proposals, and federal funds can cover up to 50 percent of the total cost of an eligible land conservation project. The remaining share must be covered by non-federal sources, typically through state funds and potentially other eligible matching contributions depending on program rules. This cost-share approach is intended to stretch federal dollars while encouraging strong state commitment and coordination in land protection decisions.

For FY 2018, the opportunity was listed as a discretionary grant under funding opportunity number F18AS00147, with CFDA number 15.667. Eligibility was limited to state governments, reflecting that the program is meant to fund state-led acquisitions and interests in land rather than awards directly to local governments, nonprofits, or private entities. The posting indicated an expected eight awards, with an award ceiling of $3,840,000. The opportunity opened on May 22, 2018, and the original application closing date was June 21, 2018, framing a relatively short competitive window for states to assemble and submit project proposals.

Beyond permanent conservation, the program description emphasizes public benefits that commonly flow from state acquisitions. By increasing protected state lands, projects can expand public access and recreational opportunities, including activities like hunting and fishing where appropriate under state management. The program also highlights protection of essential natural resources, especially drinking water, positioning conservation as an investment that supports both present-day needs and long-term resilience for future generations. Finally, it underscores partnership and community trust, noting that collaboration with state agencies to fund state and local priorities can strengthen relationships and support on-the-ground conservation outcomes in the Highlands Region.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Highlands Conservation Act Grant Program - FY 2018 - Competitive Funding" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.667.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 22, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 21, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,840,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 8 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for F18AS00147

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