state AND tribal wildlife grants program

Proactive Conservation to Prevent and Recover Endangered Species

About State & Tribal Wildlife Grants

In 2000, Congress created the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program to help state, territorial, and tribal fish and wildlife agencies proactively conserve the nation’s rare and declining fish and wildlife before they require protection under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. The program was established in recognition that voluntary, science-based conservation is most effective—and most cost-efficient—when implemented early, before species become critically imperiled.

Since its inception, more than $1.7 billion has been invested through the program to support on-the-ground conservation, scientific research, habitat restoration, monitoring, planning, and collaborative conservation partnerships across the United States and its territories. The program also led to the development and implementation of comprehensive State Wildlife Action Plans in every state and territory. These plans serve as the nation’s blueprints for proactive fish and wildlife conservation by identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need, key habitats, major threats, and the conservation actions needed to address them.

The State & Tribal Wildlife Grants Program has helped conserve thousands of at-risk species and habitats, contributed to preventing the need to list some species under the Endangered Species Act, and supported recovery efforts for species already listed. By investing in collaborative, voluntary conservation today, the program helps reduce future regulatory conflicts and costs while supporting healthy ecosystems, outdoor recreation, and local economies.

Funding is apportioned to state fish and wildlife agencies using a formula based two-thirds on population and one-third on land area, with no state receiving more than 5 percent or less than 1 percent of the annual state apportionment. Separate allocation formulas are used for U.S. territories. In addition to formula funding, the program provides competitive grants to states, tribes, and their partners to address regional and national conservation priorities.

The program is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Conservation Investment within the United States Department of the Interior.