R6 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program TO STATE FISH GAME AGENCIES ONLY | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the R6 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program?

The R6 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program (Funding Opportunity Number F13AS00080) is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discretionary grant opportunity under CFDA 15.611. It supports state-level wildlife restoration and hunter education work aimed at conserving and improving wildlife resources, strengthening habitat conditions, and supporting safe, responsible public use (especially regulated hunting and related recreation).

What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is F13AS00080.

Which federal agency is offering this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. Department of the Interior).

What CFDA number is associated with this program?

The program is listed under CFDA 15.611.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments, specifically state fish and game agencies in the 50 states, along with eligible commonwealths and U.S. territories.

Are local governments, nonprofits, universities, tribes, or individuals eligible to apply?

The information provided states the program is limited to state governments (state fish and game agencies), including eligible commonwealths and U.S. territories. No other applicant types are listed as eligible in the provided details.

What is the main purpose of this grant program?

The purpose is to provide federal funding to help eligible state fish and game agencies conserve and improve wildlife resources, strengthen habitat conditions, and ensure the public can safely and responsibly use those resources, particularly through regulated hunting and related recreation.

What types of habitat projects can be supported?

Funds can be used for the selection, restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of wildlife habitat. This includes projects that protect or enhance the places wildlife need to feed, breed, and shelter.

Does this program fund wildlife research and monitoring?

Yes. The opportunity covers wildlife management research as well as wildlife population surveys and inventories. Examples described include data collection, monitoring programs, and assessments that inform season setting, species recovery strategies, and long-term conservation planning.

Can grant funds be used for land acquisition?

Yes. Land acquisition is allowed when it directly supports wildlife restoration objectives, such as securing key habitat parcels or access areas important for sustaining wildlife populations and public wildlife-related use.

Is hunter education included in the program scope?

Yes. A major emphasis is hunter education and safety, including a specialized Section 4(c) Hunter Education and Safety Program component.

What is Section 4(c) under this opportunity?

Section 4(c) refers to the Hunter Education and Safety Program component. It focuses on training and instruction intended to produce safe, responsible hunters while supporting the agency mission.

What activities are eligible under Section 4(c) hunter education and safety?

Eligible activities described include training in the safe handling and use of firearms and archery equipment; instruction on hunter responsibilities and ethics; survival education; and basic wildlife management and identification.

How does the opportunity describe hunter education?

Hunter education is described as a structured, programmed course of instruction designed to meet hunter safety training goals and objectives, with the broad aim of producing safe, responsible hunters while supporting the agency mission.

Can the grant support facilities related to hunter education and public use?

Yes. The grant can support the coordination and development of facilities, and the facilities and services needed to conduct hunter education and safety programs, as well as provisions for public use of wildlife resources.

Are public shooting ranges eligible for support under this program?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes the construction, operation, and maintenance of public shooting ranges, as these can be central to safe firearms handling instruction and practice.

What kinds of shooting range costs might be supported?

The information indicates support can include range development, upgrades, or maintenance work that improves safety and accessibility, as long as it aligns with program rules and eligible cost principles.

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

Yes. The listing indicates a cost sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning recipients generally must provide a non-federal share consistent with Wildlife Restoration program rules.

Does the notice specify an award ceiling, award floor, or total estimated funding?

No. In the provided data, the award ceiling, award floor, and estimated total program funding are shown as 0. The description notes this typically signals funding levels are determined by allocation formulas, annual apportionments, or agency-specific grant selections rather than a single competitive pot with fixed limits in the posting.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on February 8, 2013, created on June 12, 2013, had an original closing date of August 31, 2013, and a listed current closing date of August 31, 2014.

Is this funding opportunity still active?

No. It was archived on November 1, 2014.

Where are the official application details and full requirements provided?

The notice directs applicants to Grants.gov for official application details and full requirements.

Who should be contacted for Grants.gov access issues related to this opportunity?

The listed contact for access issues is Maria Sanchez at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 303-236-8185, MariaSanchez@fws.gov.