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Wildlife Restoration Grant Program (WR 2011 R8) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wildlife Restoration Grant Program (Funding Opportunity Number: WR 2011 R8)?

The Wildlife Restoration Grant Program is a mandatory federal grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It supports wildlife conservation and related activities across the United States and certain U.S. insular areas. The program is part of the broader Wildlife Restoration Program and is listed under CFDA 15.611, "Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education."

Who administers this grant opportunity?

The federal administering agency identified in the announcement is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What types of activities does this program support?

Based on the listing description, the program supports wildlife conservation and related activities, including wildlife management, restoration work, and hunter-related education and infrastructure. It is also associated with "Basic Hunter Education" under CFDA 15.611.

How is the program funded?

Funding comes from excise taxes collected on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, and arrow components. Those tax revenues are deposited into the Wildlife Restoration Account and then appropriated for distribution as financial assistance grants under the Wildlife Restoration Program.

What does "user-pay, user-benefit" mean in this context?

The program is described as a user-pay, user-benefit funding model where purchases tied to hunting and shooting sports generate tax revenues that help fund wildlife management, restoration, and hunter-related education and infrastructure.

Is this a competitive grant with a single announced funding pot?

No. The listing explains that funding is not awarded through a typical competitive process with a fixed pot announced in advance. Instead, funds are distributed using an apportionment formula that determines how much each eligible state or insular area can receive.

Why do the Estimated Total Funding, Award Ceiling, and Award Floor show as 0?

The public listing shows values like Estimated Total Funding, Award Ceiling, and Award Floor as 0 because funding levels are determined by statutory calculations and annual appropriations rather than a single discretionary funding round with pre-set award sizes.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.611, titled "Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education."

What is the grant category and subject area?

The opportunity is categorized as a grant in the natural resources area.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is narrow and targeted. Applicants must be the designated state fish and wildlife agency, or the equivalent designated entity for an eligible U.S. insular area.

Can local governments, nonprofits, universities, or private entities apply directly?

Generally, no. The listing indicates that local governments, nonprofits, universities, and private entities generally do not apply directly under this specific opportunity unless they are working through or under the authority of the designated state fish and wildlife agency (or equivalent insular area entity).

Is there a matching or cost-sharing requirement?

Yes. The announcement notes that the program carries a cost-sharing or matching requirement. Recipients are expected to contribute non-federal funds toward project costs in accordance with program rules, rather than relying entirely on federal dollars.

What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The posted date and created date are November 17, 2011. The original closing date and current closing date are September 30, 2012. The archive date is October 2, 2012.

Is this opportunity still open?

Based on the dates provided, the opportunity closed on September 30, 2012 and was archived on October 2, 2012.

Who is the contact person for access issues or questions about the announcement?

The contact listed is Tracey Vriens. Phone: 916-414-6525. Email: traceyvriens@fws.gov.

Where can applicants typically find additional program guidance and requirements?

The listing references an additional information link titled "Wildlife Restoration Program," which would typically direct applicants to program guidance, allowable activities, compliance requirements, and related administrative resources.

What geographic areas does the program cover?

The program supports activities across the United States and certain eligible U.S. insular areas, as described in the opportunity summary.

How are award amounts determined for eligible applicants?

Award levels are determined using an apportionment formula that calculates how much each eligible state or insular area can receive, rather than being set through a single competitive round.