Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026
Up to $52 million in grants is available for state and Tribal governments to fund programs that pay private landowners to open land for public recreation and improve wildlife habitat, with applications due June 8, 2026.
Funder: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Due Dates: June 8, 2026: Full application deadline — submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time
Funding Amounts: $52 million total; awards range from $100,000 to $3,000,000 for up to 3 years; ~30 awards expected
Summary: Supports state and tribal government programs to increase voluntary public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and wildlife-dependent recreation.
Key Information: Only state and federally recognized tribal governments may apply; no cost share required.
Description
This funding opportunity from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides up to $52 million through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) for federal fiscal year 2026. The program aims to help state and tribal governments create or expand programs that encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily open their land to the public for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. Up to 25% of awarded funds may be used for wildlife habitat improvement incentives on enrolled lands. Projects can span up to 3 years, and the initiative prioritizes proposals that maximize landowner participation, enhance wildlife habitat, and provide broad public access.
