U.S. Wildland Fire Service BLM-National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) Primary Announcement

Established by Congress in fiscal year (FY) 1997, the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grant program was designed to reduce conflicts between the conservation of listed species and competing land uses on specific parcels of land associated with approved and permitted HCPs. Under this program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides matching grants to State agencies in support of land acquisition projects that will conserve species habitat in perpetuity through fee simple acquisition or the acquisition of permanent conservation easements. FWS considers the use of Federal acquisition dollars by States for habitat protection associated with HCPs to be an important and effective mechanism to promote species recovery, prevent extinction, and preclude the need to list species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the future. All land acquired through these grants complements, but does not replace, the mitigation, minimization, and/or monitoring commitments of the HCP. Thus, this work is additive to the conservation commitments entered into when HCPs are permitted and serves as a meaningful way to leverage non-Federal investment in species recovery and connect conservation lands across the landscape.

The Highlands Conservation Act Program (HCA) is administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to assist Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in the protection of land and natural resources in the Highlands Region. HCA grants support land conservation projects in which a State, County, or Municipal entity acquires land or an interest in land from a willing seller to conserve resources of high conservation value.Governors of the four Highlands States may submit proposals for up to 50% of the total cost of land conservation projects in the Highlands Region.Funding appropriated under the HCA is typically divided into two separate categories – Base and Competitive. Eligible applicants may submit requests for the Competitive Funding Round in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. A separate Notice of Funding Opportunity will be posted for Base Funds. A project may not be proposed for funding in both funding opportunities.More information on the HCA program is available at www.fws.gov/program/highlands-conservation-act-grant

The Highlands Conservation Act Program (HCA) is administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to assist Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in the protection of land and natural resources in the Highlands Region. HCA grants support land conservation projects in which a State, County, or Municipal entity acquires land or an interest in land from a willing seller to conserve resources of high conservation value.Governors of the four Highlands States may submit proposals for up to 50% of the total cost of land conservation projects in the Highlands Region.Funding appropriated under the HCA is typically divided into two separate categories – Base and Competitive. Eligible applicants may submit requests for the Base Funding Round in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. A separate Notice of Funding Opportunity will be posted for Competitive Funds. A project may not be proposed for funding in both funding opportunities.More information on the HCA program is available at www.fws.gov/program/highlands-conservation-act-grant

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) U.S. Standard grants are competitive, matching grants that support public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the U.S. that involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. A 1 to 1 match to grant ratio is a requirement. For US Standard scoring criteria (page 33 of US Standard Instructions) and US Eligibility criteria, visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-grantsTo view previously successful awarded NAWCA US Standard Projects, visit NAWCA's external facing database to query for your viewing: https://www.fws.gov/grantsum/

Quagga and Zebra Mussels are aquatic invasive species that are rapidly expanding their range in the Western United States. Popular recreational reservoirs on or connected to the lower Colorado River are one major source of invasive mussels, which are easily transported via trailered watercraft to areas that have not yet been invaded. This funding opportunity will fund projects in the listed principal areas towards the fulfillment of the top priorities in the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP 2.0) and will be limited to states within the boundaries of the Western Regional Panel within the United States.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry, is requesting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP). CFP is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to establish community forests through the fee simple acquisition of private forest land. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forestland from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits including public recreation, environmental and economic benefits, and forest-based educational programs. Public access is required for all projects.   Ap plications are not submitted electronically via Grants.gov. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity and supporting documents (including scoring guidance and FAQs) are available under the 'Related Documents' tab of this listing and can be downloaded. To apply, interested local government and nonprofit applicants must submit applications to the State Forester where the property is located. Tribal applicants must submit applications to equivalent Tribal government officials.  All applications must be received by State Foresters or Tribal governments by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. All applicants must also send an e-mail to SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov to confirm that an application has been submitted. State Foresters or Tribal government officials must forward applications to the appropriate Forest Service Regional office or International Institute of Tropical Forestry by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.      Projects must conform to laws and authorities in Section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act ([16 U.S.C. 2103d] Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program) as amended.  

The Bureau of Land Management"s Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) is a national leader in building the native seed supply chain essential for restoring resilient public lands and supporting multiple use and sustained yield. PCRP advances Department of the Interior mission to protect and manage America's natural resources. The native seed PCRP adds to the commercial market enables rapid recovery following wildfire, hurricanes, and other natural disasters; can be used by proponents to help satisfy revegetation requirements for energy and infrastructure projects; and helps farmers and creates jobs by expanding market access for small producers.A core mission of PCRP is to grow the national native seed supply chain through partnerships with eligible state, tribal, academic, and non-governmental organizations. Reliable native seed supplies are critical to improving rangeland health, restoring wildlife habitat and migration corridors, reclaiming mined and timber-harvested lands, and reducing invasive species. Expanding this pipeline lowers seed costs, reduces producer risk, creates American jobs, and ensures long-term project success with durable vegetative establishment.In 2026, PCRP is strategically focused on:Local seed collections to diversify species in the marketplace while creating employment opportunities.Support for farmers and nonprofits entering the native seed market to strengthen rural economies and shared stewardship.Nursery production of species unsuitable for direct seeding to support healthy rangelands, forests and watersheds, big game and healthy wildlife habitat,Applied science and innovation to reduce costs, lower risk, and improve restoration outcomes.Manage native plant communities and special status plants to maintain multiple use and sustained yieldPCRP seeks partnerships to:Collaborate with state agriculture departments, NRCS, and others to expand farmer access to the seed market.Work with wildlife agencies and others to implement post-fire recovery, restore migration corridors, and protect priority species.Develop technology and infrastructure for seed collection, cleaning, banking, and production of hard-to-grow species.Advance applied science to sustain special status plant species and prevent regulatory impacts on energy development.Support technology development, technology transfer and education so native seed is used more effectively. Integrate native seed use across BLM programs including Wildlife, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Fuels, Range, and Renewable Energy.Through this NOFO, PCRP invites partners to join in strengthening America"s native seed supply chain—ensuring healthier public lands, stronger rural economies, and cost effective lasting ecological resilience.

The Headquarters Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices have collaborated with Qualified Youth Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC), to accomplish natural and cultural resource-focused projects for numerous years. This program"s projects provide opportunities to gain work experience in public lands and natural resources management. Through their BLM experience, youth gain an appreciation for public lands, learn about natural resource management careers, and become the next generation of public lands stewards. The BLM Youth Program helps the agency accomplish projects across all program areas in support of the BLM"s multiple-use mission. The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth corps through the Public Lands Corp (PLC) Program to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) and veterans up to age 35 (inclusive), including tribal members. The PLC program mandates employing youth who are interested in working on natural and cultural resource projects that protect public lands.Projects available under the PLC Program are developed in collaboration with the State Youth Program Lead and District/Field Office project coordinators. The projects emphasize hands-on engagement in on-the-ground projects, skill development training, and mentorship opportunities for participants. These projects create jobs that strengthen America"s economy and foster relationships with youth corps organizations striving for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.Proposed projects within this funding opportunity notice will support the goals of the PLC Program and may also incorporate the goals of the Indian Youth Service Corps Program through outreach to Indian tribes and tribal-serving youth corps organizations. Projects will include the following:Enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration, and other improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g. kiosks, campgrounds, signage etc.).Monitoring riparian area vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data as well as timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health.Habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration, etc.Development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational materials for visitors.Studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological excavation or stabilization, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys, etc.Preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures.Seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disastersReduction of wildfire risk to communities, watersheds, and other public land ecosystems.Production of materials and programs on natural, cultural, and/or paleontological resources, communication, education, and interpretation of natural and cultural resources.In-house projects, such as cartography, records management, realty or wildland fire support, must demonstrate a clear benefit to natural or cultural resources and include a field component of at least 120 hours.

BLM Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Programs work to prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands.Invasive species cost the public millions of dollars in control and management each year and many invasive plants and noxious weeds are highly competitive and have the ability to permanently degrade our public lands.Noxious weeds and invasive species expansion are recognized as the single greatest threat to our native plant communities and the values they provide us.These native plant communities are essential for supporting wildlife habitat, watershed function, recreation opportunities, rural economies and working landscapes.Invasive plants and noxious weeds affect plant and animal communities on farms and ranches, and in parks, waters, forests, natural areas, and backyards in negative ways.Human activity such as trade, travel, and tourism have all increased substantially, escalating the speed and volume of species movement to unprecedented levels.Increased site vulnerability from wildfires that are more frequent and other disturbances is an ongoing challenge to maintaining the integrity of our native plant communities.Noxious weeds are particularly aggressive plants legally designated by states as being injurious to public health, the environment or the economy.Invasive species and noxious weeds adversely affect overall recreational opportunities on public land i.e., hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, watershed health and ecosystem function, which result in economic losses in rural and urban communities.Invasive species and noxious weeds affect adjacent private lands, both rural and urban, causing widespread economic losses to the agricultural industry as well as to other resources.Advance early detection rapid response.Enhance emergency stabilization and burned area rehabilitation. Advance education, awareness, and citizen science relative to invasive species. Conduct invasive species treatments to protect resource values on public lands.Support classical biological control agent development.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) is seeking to solicit proposals to lead and execute regional fire science exchanges in specific regions for a period of two years. Proposals are requested for the following nine regions of the FSEN: Alaska, Appalachians, Great Basin, North Atlantic, Northern Rockies, Northwest, Oak Woodlands, Pacific Islands and Southwest. Individual proposals (i.e., each proposal must be specific to one region) are requested to lead and execute a regional fire science exchange in the requested specific regions for a period of two years.   Please consult the JFSP database for the specific requirements on each individual task statement, https://www.firescience.gov/ All proposals must be submitted by September 17, 2026, 5:00 pm MT , using the electronic submission process provided by the JFSP website (https://www.firescience.gov).  Proposals cannot be submitted through Grants.gov. No exceptions are allowed to this closing date or time.