Background
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (NCWCGP) was established to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal states through competitive matching grants to state agencies. The primary goal of the NCWCGP is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Only legislatively approved state agencies may submit applications to the NCWCGP. Since 2013, OWEB has been an approved agency and has been working closely with local conservation and restoration partners to propose annual NCWCGP applications.
Eligible Project Types
All projects must ensure long-term conservation. Eligible projects under the NCWCGP include:
- Acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or coastal wetlands ecosystems from willing sellers or partners for long‐term conservation.
- Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.
Examples of eligible restoration efforts include:
- Restoring wetland hydrology by plugging drainage ditches, disconnecting tile
drainage systems, installing water control structures, dike construction, or re‐establishing historic connections with waterways.
- Planting native vegetation and/or removing invasive plants and animals that
compete
with native fish and wildlife and alter native habitats.