2019 National Fish Habitat Action Plan | F19AS00090

Opportunity Information: Apply for F19AS00090

The 2019 National Fish Habitat Action Plan funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F19AS00090) is a discretionary grant and cooperative agreement program offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service under CFDA 15.608. It sits within the Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance Program, which is designed to deliver both technical support and financial resources to a wide range of on-the-ground partners working on fish and wildlife conservation. In practical terms, the program is meant to help turn habitat priorities into measurable improvements by supporting projects that conserve, manage, and improve fish and aquatic resources, while also addressing related pressures such as aquatic invasive species.

The core purpose of this opportunity is aquatic habitat conservation aligned with the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. Projects funded under this announcement are expected to protect, restore, and enhance fish and aquatic habitats, meaning proposals should be centered on tangible habitat outcomes such as improved connectivity, better water quality, rehabilitated spawning or rearing areas, restored stream or wetland functions, or other actions that directly strengthen fish habitat condition. A specific emphasis is placed on minimizing the establishment, spread, and impacts of aquatic invasive species, so projects that prevent new introductions, reduce existing infestations, or limit invasive-driven habitat degradation fit squarely within the program’s intent.

Another key theme is public benefit through recreation and sustainable use. Funded activities are expected to directly or indirectly support public access to recreational fishing opportunities, which can include work that improves the health of fish populations and habitat quality in waters used by anglers, removes barriers that limit fish movement and fishing quality, or supports broader watershed actions that sustain fisheries over time. The opportunity also recognizes the sustainable use of other natural resources alongside fisheries, framing habitat work as part of broader stewardship that benefits ecosystems and communities.

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning the opportunity is broadly open to many entity types, including other federal agencies, state and local governments, Native American tribes, non-governmental organizations, citizen groups, and private landowners, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications provided in the full announcement materials. In addition, the program is closely tied to Fish Habitat Partnerships (FHPs) recognized by the National Fish Habitat Board. Projects may be carried out by these Board-recognized FHPs or by partner organizations working within those partnerships. Because FHPs function as regional or species-focused collaborations that help set priorities and coordinate partners, applicants are generally expected to connect with an appropriate local FHP to align proposed work with partnership strategies and submission processes.

From a funding and scale perspective, the announcement lists an award ceiling of up to $900,000 and anticipates approximately 70 awards, suggesting support for a portfolio of projects that can range from smaller, targeted efforts to larger, multi-partner restoration initiatives. The opportunity was created on February 8, 2019. Rather than a single universal closing date, the listed deadline guidance is to contact the relevant local Fish Habitat Partnership to determine the appropriate submission deadline, reflecting the role of FHPs in coordinating or soliciting projects within their geographies or focus areas. Applicants are directed to www.fishhabitat.org to identify partnerships, learn about their priorities and partner networks, and find more information relevant to developing a competitive project concept.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "2019 National Fish Habitat Action Plan" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.608.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 08, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Contact local FHP to determine submittal deadline.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $900,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 70 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for F19AS00090

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