Wildlife Habitat Grant
Wildlife Habitat Grant supports Iowa County Conservation Boards in acquiring land and developing habitat to provide, protect, or enhance wildlife habitat while supporting hunting and trapping access.
Funder: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (November round) | May 28, 2027 (May round)
Funding Amounts: Up to 75% of total project costs; minimum total project cost of $4,000
Summary: Supports Iowa County Conservation Boards in acquiring land and developing wildlife habitat.
Key Information: Project lands must be open to hunting and trapping.
Description
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources administers this competitive cost-share program to help County Conservation Boards acquire and develop land for wildlife habitat across Iowa. Supported projects must provide, protect, or enhance habitat, with hunting and trapping access alongside compatible activities such as fishing, hiking, nature study, and cross-country skiing.
Eligible work includes wildlife-focused tree and shrub plantings, grass seedings, waterfowl habitat improvements, protective fencing, and timber or other vegetative stand improvements. Land acquisition must be primarily for wildlife habitat purposes. Applicants may combine acquisition and development on the same site in one proposal, providing the application materials required for both project types.
