Landowners and conservations groups in WNC interested in conserving rare fish and wildlife species and their habitats through voluntary conservation easements could be eligible for grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Fish and Wildlife Service last year awarded more than $7 million in financial assistance to private landowners and conservation partners across the country who undertook voluntary conservation projects on private lands to benefit federally listed endangered, threatened, proposed, candidate or at-risk species. The Private Stewardship Grant Program is funded out of the Landowner Incentive Program. Projects must have a 10 percent cost share component from a non-federal partner.

Applications for this year’s Private Stewardship Grant Program are due by March 21. Applicants should contact the Asheville office of Fish and Wildlife office to discuss potential projects at 828.258.3939.

Additional information can be found at endangered.fws.gov/grants/private_stewardship.html.