Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund
Supports science-based conservation and restoration of big game habitats and migration corridors in the western U.S. using modern research and technologies to address threats and improve landscape connectivity.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027
Funding Amounts: Recent awards range from ~$100,000 to $960,000 per project; total annual funding ~$3–4 million; 1:1 match typically required.
Summary: Supports science-driven conservation and restoration of big game seasonal habitats and migration corridors across the western U.S.
Key Information: Next cycle is forecasted; all dates are projected and subject to change.
Description
The Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), is focused on conserving and restoring critical winter ranges and migration corridors for pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and other big game species in the western United States. The fund addresses threats such as habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and poor habitat conditions that impact herd health and reproductive success. Projects leverage modern wildlife science and technology, such as GPS collaring and remote sensing, to adaptively manage and improve vital habitats. Supported activities include habitat restoration, removal or modification of barriers (e.g., fencing), protection of migration bottlenecks, and implementation of conservation easements or agreements to enhance landscape connectivity.
The initiative is a partnership among NFWF, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, ConocoPhillips, and others. Efforts are coordinated with state and Tribal agencies across eleven western states to ensure actions are aligned with state-identified priorities and the latest scientific knowledge.
