Key Takeaways:
- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced 27 grants totaling $14.7 million to support voluntary conservation practices across 21 states.
- Matching contributions from grantees bring the total impact to $21.7 million.
- Projects will focus on improving conservation efforts on 700,000 acres of farmland and ranches, developing at least 3,000 management plans.
- The grants will fund initiatives in the Great Lakes Basin, Great Plains, Upper Mississippi River Basin, and western grazing lands.
- The Conservation Partners Program is supported by USDA NRCS, EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The J.M. Smucker Co., General Mills, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.
What Is the Purpose of the NFWF Conservation Grants?
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has awarded $14.7 million in grants to enhance conservation practices on farms and ranches across 21 states. With an additional $7 million in matching contributions, the initiative will deliver a total impact of $21.7 million. The grants, announced through the Conservation Partners Program, represent the largest slate of awards in the program’s history.
“Private landowners are vital stewards of critical fish and wildlife habitats,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “These awards will strengthen technical assistance that promotes voluntary conservation efforts to sustain working landscapes and protect wildlife.”
Who Are the Key Partners in This Program?
The Conservation Partners Program involves collaboration between NFWF, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and private-sector supporters including The J.M. Smucker Co., General Mills, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.
“We are excited to continue this partnership to help farmers and ranchers adopt sustainable practices,” said Terry Cosby, NRCS Chief. “These efforts enhance economic resilience while addressing conservation challenges.”
What Will the Grants Fund?
Grant recipients will hire field professionals to work directly with agricultural producers, facilitating the implementation of conservation practices such as cover cropping, conservation tillage, grazing management, irrigation improvement, and riparian habitat enhancement. Projects will focus on boosting regenerative agriculture and providing long-term benefits for wildlife and the environment.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainable agriculture,” said Rebecca Ott, Director of Corporate Sustainability at The J.M. Smucker Co. “By collaborating with NFWF, we aim to improve soil health, water quality, and climate resilience.”
How Will This Impact Conservation Efforts?
The 27 projects funded through the program will improve conservation on over 700,000 acres and develop 3,000 management plans to promote sustainable land use. Regions targeted include the Great Lakes Basin, Great Plains, Upper Mississippi River Basin, and newly expanded funding for western grazing lands in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest.
“These grants provide resources for landowners to enhance fish and wildlife habitats while continuing their agricultural operations,” said Will Meeks, Midwest regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Building strong partnerships ensures the long-term success of these efforts.”
The EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a key supporter, focusing on water quality protection across critical watersheds.
“Supporting conservation in the agricultural community will help preserve the Great Lakes for future generations,” said Teresa Seidel, director of EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office.
