F26AS00018 - NAWCA 2026 Canada Grants

The goal of the NAWCA program in Canada is to promote partnerships between public agencies and groups interested in:• Protecting, improving, restoring, and managing an appropriate distribution and variety of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for wetlands-associated migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in North America;• maintaining and improving the current distribution of wetlands-associated migratory bird populations; and• sustaining an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other populations of wetlands-associated migratory birds consistent with the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan, and other international obligations contained in the treaties and migratory bird conventions and other agreements with Canada, Mexico, and other countries.• The program requires a minimum 1:1 non-federal match. At least 50% of the match must be from U.S. Sources. Proposals should demonstrate how the activities of partners involved in a wetland conservation project will encourage sustainable and effective programs for the long-term conservation of wetlands-associated migratory birds. The Act defines wetlands conservation projects as:• The acquisition of real property interests in lands or waters, including water rights, of a wetland ecosystem and associated habitat if the obtaining of such interest is subject to terms and conditions that will ensure that the real property will be administered for the long-term conservation of such lands and waters and the migratory birds and other fish and wildlife dependent thereon;• The restoration, management, or enhancement of wetland ecosystems and associated habitats for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife species, wherein these activities will be conducted on lands and waters that will be administered for their long-term conservation and for the benefit of migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife that depend on them.The NAWCA Program for wetlands conservation and management grants in Canada is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Program. Thirteen partner organizations make up the North American Wetlands Conservation Council and participate in the review and assessment of proposals. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) support this program.For Canada Instructions (scoring criteria Appendix A), Grant Administration Standards, and Eligibility Criteria, refer to the documents attached to this notice of funding opportunity. All documents are also available at https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-canada-grants