Grants for NCCPs and HCPs
Forecasted
Grants for NCCPs and HCPs support public and nonprofit entities and states with conservation planning, priority implementation, and habitat purchases to conserve species and strengthen habitat connectivity.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: HCPLA: at least 25% non-federal cost share; project period up to three years
Summary: Supports priority NCCP implementation, conservation planning, and habitat acquisitions that complement approved Habitat Conservation Plans.
Key Information: CDFW can advance federal Section 6 proposals only if submitted through California’s solicitation.
Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), through its Habitat Conservation Planning Branch, administers three programs supporting Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPs) and Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). The state-funded NCCP Local Assistance Grant program supports urgent, highest-priority implementation tasks for approved NCCPs or plans expected to receive approval within 12 months of application.
CDFW also serves as state sponsor for federal Nontraditional Section 6 grants administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Conservation Planning Assistance supports new, renewed, or amended HCPs and Conservation Benefit Agreements (CBAs), including planning documents, outreach, surveys, habitat assessments, inventories, and environmental reviews. HCP Land Acquisition supports purchases of federally listed and at-risk species habitat that complement approved HCPs, rather than replace required permittee mitigation.
