Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts

INTRODUCTION

This guide was developed as a resource on conservation funding options for Colorado’s land trusts, conservation agencies and local government open space programs. When we first began work on this guide, we naively thought that pulling together information on the various state and federal programs would be a relatively easy task. We assumed that there were already several complete guides or compendiums offered by the agencies that we could reference. In the course of developing the guide, however, we were surprised by how difficult it was to gather a relatively complete list of potential funding sources, especially at the federal level. While many agencies have several funding programs within them, they lack an overall coordinator or clearinghouse for these programs. Moreover, many programs do not have specific accessible information regarding the history of the program, what it funds and what the application process is. This realization reinforced the importance of developing such a guide and the need to make it as complete as possible.

This realization also confirmed that no matter how much time we put into it, this guide would always contain some gaps or incomplete information. Although each federal and state program was thoroughly researched and reviewed before being included in the guide, information for certain programs was difficult to come by. Therefore, we encourage readers to use this guide as a point of departure only and to contact specific program contacts directly for guidance on eligibility and application. Finally, due to time and space, we did not review local funding options, such as local government open space programs, or foundations that did not have an exclusive conservation purpose.

We have included 46 program descriptions in the guide: 13 state and 33 federal programs. These programs are as diverse as the Conservation Trust Fund, unique in Colorado and funded by a state Lottery, to a Department of Defense program that allows partners to work with the military to help manage ecosystems around military installations. We did not include programs that have no real application in Colorado; however, we did include some programs that have had limited use in the state if we felt that there could be more potential to utilize the program in the future. We attempted to limit the funding sources to those that would have some potential applicability for land trusts or local government open space programs.

In the course of researching each program, hundreds of emails, phone calls and written correspondence were sent to determine the program outline and the appropriate contact. In addition, we sent the summary for each program to the contact for review, and all but a handful of the programs listed here were thoroughly reviewed and edited by the corresponding agency. Rather than simply providing the summary information, we also developed several case studies to help demonstrate how certain programs have been used in Colorado. We did not endeavor to do case studies for all 46 programs; instead, the Case Studies were selected to provide a cross section of project type and to showcase a few interesting projects in which these funding sources were actually used.

It is our hope that we will be able to update the information in the future as time and resources permit. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us with corrections, additions or comments as we consider this guide a work in progress. Thank you for your interest in conservation—we hope you find this guide of some assistance in your efforts.

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STATE PROGRAMS

State Programs	Colorado Conservation Easement Tax Credit Program
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Department of Revenue
Program Goals	A landowner may earn a tax credit against Colorado income taxes for the donation of a conservation easement. This tax credit may be transferred and sold to a third party Colorado taxpayer who will not only receive discounted tax credits, but the action will support land conservation.
Program History	Approved by state lawmakers in 2000, the Colorado Conservation Easement Tax Credit Program has achieved significant results. In 2003 alone, organizations assisting with the transfer or purchase of tax credits reported more than $16 million in transactions. Colorado’s program is one of only ten nationwide, including just three that allow credit sales, the other two states being South Carolina and Virginia. Regulations for the tax credit program were developed by the Colorado Department of Revenue in early 2003 and may be found as regulation 39-22-522.
Eligibility	Conservation tax credits are available to Colorado residents, “c” corporations, trusts, estates, and members of pass-through entities who receive the credit from such entity, regardless of whether such members are Colorado residents. Regarding non-profits and their ability to donate easements and earn credits, the Colorado Department of Revenue ruled that non-profits are only eligible for credits if the non-profit had taxable income during the year of donation, and the donation meets the conservation purposes test and related requirements.
Annual Funds Available	Credits are sold to willing buyers. The amount of credits available to be sold and (and then purchased by a third party) are variable from year-to-year. In 2004, a landowner could earn a tax credit valued at up to $260,000 through the donation of a conservation easement valued at $500,000 or more. This credit is earned at the rate of 100% for the first $100,000 donated and 40% for amounts in excess of $100,000. In addition, credits may be carried forward for 20 years or transferred to other Colorado taxpayers.
Comments	Program is applicable to Colorado income taxes only. Please note: There are a number of organizations who provide tax credit brokerage services who might also be of assistance. One organization is the Conservation Resource Center - 303-544-1044.
Contact	Richard Giardini Colorado Department of Revenue 1375 Sherman Street, Room 203 Denver, CO 80261 Tel: 303-866-3900 Email: rgiardini@spike.dor.state.co.us
Website Link	http://www.revenue.state.co.us/fyi/pdf/income39.pdf, www.taxcreditexchange.com or www.taxcolorado.com

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State Programs	Colorado Conservation Trust (CCT)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Conservation Trust (CCT)
Program Goals	To preserve Colorado’s special places – agricultural lands, wildlife habitats and open spaces – by fostering leadership, strategic initiatives, and increased investments in conservation.
Program History	CCT was incorporated in November 2000 by a group of conservation experts and community and business leaders with the goal of providing leadership, funding and expertise to address land conservation on a statewide scale. CCT’s main program areas are: - Strategic Philanthropy – CCT works with individuals, families and foundations to design customized conservation giving programs. Donors are directed to projects where their contributions are significantly leveraged and make an impact. - Statewide Leadership – CCT works to provide statewide conservation leadership in Colorado. CCT’s approach to grant making is unique in that they do not specifically grant individual grants to individual isolated projects. Rather, statewide priority areas are identified and a strategic package of grants, whose combined use result in more than just the sum of the individual grants, is put in place. Grants fund the full range of land and water protection tools and are tailored to meet the needs of each area, including land acquisition, low interest loans, stewardship and restoration, planning, public policy development, and innovative real estate techniques such as limited/conservation development. An example of one of the first package grant awards was in Gunnison. Assistance was provided to purchase a conservation easement, fund two planning efforts, and assist with a local organization’s fundraising capacity. CCT does not accept unsolicited grant proposals.
Eligibility	Local governments, including municipalities and counties, and non-profit land conservation organizations are eligible to receive funding from CCT. CCT does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. If a project falls within a CCT priority area and/or addresses a statewide land conservation need, a brief description of the proposed project should be sent to CCT.
Annual Funds Available	Available funds determine amounts available periodically for grant making.
Comments	It is important to note that CCT makes grants only in priority areas, and only in strategic packages. Interested organizations should follow instructions provided above in the Eligibility section.
Contact	Lise Aangeenbrug, Director of Programs Colorado Conservation Trust 2334 Broadway, Suite A Boulder, CO 80304 Tel: 720-565-8289 Email: liseaa@coct.org
Website Link	www.coloradoconservationtrust.org

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State Programs	Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program (CHIP) Colorado Division of Wildlife
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Division of Wildlife
Program Goals	The CHIP program is designed to assist landowners who wish to develop or improve wildlife habitat on their land. Goals include wildlife habitat improvement, erosion control and enhanced farm and ranch aesthetics.
Program History	The Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program was created by DOW to offer landowners options to create habitat for specific species. Small grants of up to $4,000 plus technical assistance are available to complete projects such as woody plantings, grass plantings, wetland enhancements and/or stream improvements. In addition to CHIP grants, projects can be supplemented or improved by partnering with other habitat programs such as those offered by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). For residents of Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma, Kit Carson, Otero or Prowers County, an additional resource – Pheasant Habitat Improvement Program (PHIP) – is available. Habitat practices available are similar to CHIP, yet the program is targeted to increase pheasant populations. There is no cost to the landowner.
Eligibility	Funds are available to individual landowners.
Annual Funds Available	Approximately $50,000 - $75,000 is available per year, however it is helpful to note that funding levels are approved annually and are subject to modification.
Comments	While relatively small grants are available through the CHIP and PHIP programs, landowners are welcome to contact their regional representative with questions or proposed projects.
Contact	Mike Grode – West Regional Office (Grand Junction) Tel: 970-255-6185 Email: mike.grode@state.co.us Rick Moss – Northeast Regional Office (Fort Collins) Tel: 970-472-4345 Email: rick.moss@state.co.us Southeast Regional Office (Salida) (No individual contact available.) Tel: 719-539-7692
Website Link	http://wildlife.state.co.us/habitat/CHIP.asp
To see a case study using this grant program, please refer to the Appendix. BACK TO TOP
State Programs		Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) Colorado Division of Wildlife
Affiliated Agency or Organization		Colorado Division of Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado and the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (Landowner Incentive Program)
Program Goals		The goals of the CSCP are to: - Prevent the further decline of Colorado’s wildlife species; - Meet species conservation goals that secure the recovery of declining species in the state; - Reduce the necessity of further listing of new species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); and - Down-list and de-list species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA.
Program History		The ultimate goal of the program is to identify critical habitat in order to down-list or de-list species, and to insure the long-term conservation of species of concern. To develop the program, Division of Wildlife staff received input from various sources to identify those target areas to with the CSCP funding should be applied. The CSCP program will forward the objectives by bringing together species protection and land conservation tools and incentives not available without the specific groups participating. The strategy entails the use of habitat conservation easements that provide incentives to private landowners to actively assist with the management and protection of Colorado’s declining species and achieve the overall objectives. The species/landscapes identified of specific concern are: shortgrass prairie (5 species), Preble’s Jumping Mouse, and Gunnison Sage Grouse. As part of the second round of funding and request for applications, two areas have been included to include Greater Sage Grouse and Lesser Prairie Chickens. Funding for the CSCP program was initially provided by a three-year grant from Great Outdoors Colorado and Landowner Incentive Funding (LIP) from Congress. Landowners may choose either term or perpetual conservation easements as part of the program. All easements within the program will have an accompanying management plan that will be agreed upon by the landowner and the Division of Wildlife. Grant cycle deadlines vary from year to year. Current deadlines may be requested from DOW staff or accessed on the website.
Eligibility		Landowners, land trusts and other conservation organizations that own property that includes needed habitat for Gunnison sage grouse, Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse, and Shortgrass Prairie species (such as the Mountain Plover, Ferruginous Hawk, black-tailed prairie dog, Burrowing Owl, and Long-billed Curlew). A map of targeted areas may be accessed at http://wildlife.state.co.us/habitat/cscp/guidelines.asp.
Annual Funds Available		Total funding for the program over three years from all sources, including state and federal funds, and landowner and non-profit match, is estimated to be between $10 and $20 million.
Comments		The CSCP program is in its second year of existence. During the program’s first year, 34 landowners applied to participate in the program. The Division of Wildlife completed seven projects, conserving more than 25,000 acres of habitat.
Contact		Ken Morgan, Private Lands Habitat Specialist Division of Wildlife 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 Tel: 303-291-7404 Email: ken.morgan@state.co.us
Website Link		http://wildlife.state.co.us/habitat/cscp/

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State Programs	Colorado Wetlands Program Colorado Division of Wildlife
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Division of Wildlife
Program Goals	The purpose of the Wetlands Program is to protect wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife through incentives and other voluntary means, establish and foster wetlands protection partnerships, assist Colorado communities in generating wetlands protection strategies and encourage interaction, cooperation and partnering among wetland protection groups to make Colorado wetlands protection programs work better. The ultimate program goal is to protect 100,000 acres of biologically significant wetlands and associated uplands for wetland-dependent species by 2005. This goal will be easily attained.
Program History	Initiated in 1990, the Colorado Wetlands Program is a complex program incorporating a number of smaller programs with the key objective of protecting wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife. Of the successful strategies employed to further the program’s ultimate goal, some of the more well-known include the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program and the 1997 Colorado Wetlands Initiative Legacy Project (WI). What makes the program unique is that it is a voluntary, incentive-based program that places the highest priority on working and cooperating with private landowners. As part of the WI project, for example, a number of partners worked together to complete projects in ten wetland focus areas. By 2000, almost 14,000 acres were protected as the direct result of the WI project alone. The larger Wetlands Program uses a large number of strategies toward the attainment of its goals, including, but not limited to, the development of wetlands partnerships between DOW and numerous entities and community-level wetlands strategies, coordination with federal programs such as the NRCS and the U.S. Clean Water Act, and the use of a DOW “Wetlands Team” to assist with project design and implementation. The wetlands program uses some or all of the following tools: restoration, management, purchase of conservation easements or fee titles by land trusts, private landowners, or non-government or government agencies. The role of land trusts is primarily as participants in focus area committees. Currently DOW and the Wetlands Program have identified a number of focus areas in which they are going to work. Focus area committees work with appropriate entities within those areas and ask them to submit grant proposals for projects. (While land trusts working in areas of interest typically will be aware of program work being done in their areas, interested organizations may contact the Division of Wildlife contact and/or speak to representatives of focus area committees with questions.) Grants are given to organizations with appropriate projects working within focus areas. Grant amounts have varied from $3,000 to $500,000 over a three-year period for projects from weed mitigation to conservation easements.
Eligibility	Essentially, all entities are eligible to receive Wetlands Program funding, including but not limited to individuals, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and private contractors.
Annual Funds Available	Approximately $1.5 million is available for granting per year.
Comments	There are a number of programs under the umbrella of the Colorado Wetlands Program, including the successful Waterfowl Stamp Program. The Wetlands Program focus area map is posted on the website under the “Accomplishments” link. A higher quality map and associated coordinator for each area can be requested from the contact listed below as well.
Contact	Bill Goosmann, Wetlands Coordinator Division of Wildlife 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 Email: bill.goosmann@state.co.us
Website Link	http://wildlife.state.co.us/habitat/wetlands/

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State Programs	Colorado Wildlife Conservation Grant Program (CWCG) Colorado Division of Wildlife
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Division of Wildlife
Program Goals	The CWCG program was created to provide matching funds for projects to conserve, restore or enhance Colorado’s threatened, endangered or declining wildlife resources.
Program History	The CWCG program is funded by federal State Wildlife Grant Program funds. It is a brand new program announced in April 2004. The CWCG program will give priority to projects that are consistent with the following “High Priority” goals identified in the DOW’s strategic plan: - Habitat to support broadest sustainable wildlife populations; - Conservation partnerships with private landowners; - Protect and enhance species at risk of becoming threatened or endangered; - Implement recovery plans; and - Increase the number of Colorado students who learn about wildlife issues. The intent of the grant program is to fund several projects, not a single initiative such as a large property easement acquisition. The program is for species conservation projects, or education projects closely tied to a species conservation effort. Examples of possible projects include on-the-ground habitat restoration, wildlife education programs tied to a specific species conservation effort, public information campaigns in support of species recovery programs, or species population field surveys.
Eligibility	Non-Division of Wildlife entities, including private conservation or education organizations, local governments and land trusts and water districts are eligible to apply for CWCG funds. Funds may not be used for general operating costs.
Annual Funds Available	$200,000 was allocated for projects in Fiscal Year 2004 and it is expected that $200,000 will be available again in Fiscal Year 2005. (Applications will be requested late fall, 2004.) There is a cap of $50,000 for any single project.
Comments	Applicants should be prepared to comply with federal reporting, accounting and other regulations in addition to those required by the state and the Division of Wildlife. State Wildlife Funds, the source of funding for the program, must be approved by Congress on a year-to-year basis.
Contact	Jim Guthrie Division of Wildlife 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 Tel: 303-291-7563 Email: jim.guthrie@state.co.us
Website Link	http://wildlife.state.co.us/habitat/funding_programs/CWCG.asp

To see a case study using this grant program, please refer to the Appendix.

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State Programs	Colorado Heritage Planning Grant Program
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
Program Goals	The program is designed to recognize and reward those Colorado communities cooperatively planning to manage growth.
Program History	The Colorado Heritage Planning Grant Program was created as part of the Colorado Office of Smart Growth (OSG). OSG was created within the Colorado DOLA in 2000 to assist local governments address public impacts of growth (C.R.S. 24-32-3201, et. seq.). Projects are intended to address many of the impacts of growth, including loss of open space, loss of agriculture, traffic congestion, and fiscal impacts to local governments. Since the program’s inception in 2000, $1.6 million has been awarded. An example of the use of Colorado Heritage Planning Grants is the Garfield County Land Use Code Revision. $50,000 was awarded to develop a unified Development Code for the county, and a model county code that can be distributed by DOLA as a statewide reference and resource document. At this time, there is not funding for the program so applications are not being accepted. Area DOLA representatives are listed on the website and are available to discuss alternative funding options for projects at this time.
Eligibility	Eligible recipients include towns, cities, counties and Title 21, Article 1 special districts.
Annual Funds Available	At this time, there is no funding for the program.
Comments	DOLA is optimistic that Colorado Heritage Planning Grant funding will be restored by the Colorado legislature in the future.
Contact	Eric Bergman, Smart Growth Director Colorado Department of Local Affairs 1313 Sherman Street, Room 521 Denver, CO 80203 Tel: 303-866-2156 Email: eric.bergman@state.co.us
Website Link	http://www.dola.state.co.us/SmartGrowth/CHPG.htm

To see a case study using this grant program, please refer to the Appendix.

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State Programs	State Historical Fund Grant Program Colorado Historical Society
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Historical Society
Program Goals	Overall, the goal of the State Historical Fund grant program is to support historic preservation throughout the state. The purpose of the four grant types vary, yet the purpose of the General Grant program, deemed the most appropriate program for land conservation goals, includes: - Excavation, stabilization, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or acquisition of a property or site; - Providing historic information or information about historic sites to the public; and - Identification, recording, evaluation, designation ad planning for the protection of significant historic buildings, structures, sites and districts.
Program History	The State Historical Fund was created by the 1990 constitutional amendment allowing limited stakes gaming in the towns of Cripple Creek, Central City and Black Hawk (CRS12-47.1-1201). The amendment directs that a portion of the gaming tax revenues be used for historic preservation throughout the state. Grants are made for a wide variety of preservation projects including restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings, preservation planning studies, education and training programs and acquisition of historic properties. The State Historical Fund awards four types of grants: Historic structure assessment grants, Archaeological assessment grants, Emergency grants, and General grants (for Acquisition and Development, Education, and Survey and Planning projects). * For land conservation purposes, the General Grant category is appropriate only when historic preservation may be achieved. For example, grants awards in a range of $10,000 to $200,000 for a land acquisition project may be requested in the event that a parcel of interest also contains a historic structure (with integrity and significance) that may be preserved as well. Also, planning funds are available in the event that a historic benefit may be achieved on a site. General grant applications are due on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Grant applications submitted for General Grants for acquisition must agree to protect the property by conveying a perpetual easement (required on all acquisition funding) and must have gone through a process to be historically “designated” through the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties, National Register of Historic Places, or through an official local landmarking process prior to application.
Eligibility	Non-federal government entities and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grants administered by the Colorado Historical Society. The municipal governments of Cripple Creek, Central City and Black Hawk are ineligible since they receive a direct allocation of gaming tax revenues for their own preservation grant programs. All projects require a minimum cash match of 25%.
Annual Funds Available	Funding available for the State Historical Fund grant program varies and is dependent on gaming revenues, however it is anticipated that approximately $15 million will be granted annually through a competitive grant process. Since 1993, over 2,400 projects received more than $120 million to support preservation in Colorado.
Comments	It is important to keep in mind that the goal of this program is historic preservation. In the rare event that a conservation project could be eligible for funding and has a historic component, this program could contribute funding. ALL PROJECTS MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH STATE HISTORICAL FUND STAFF PRIOR TO SUBMISSION.
Contact	Alyson McGee, Public Outreach Coordinator State Historical Fund 225 E. 16^th Avenue, #950 Denver, CO 80203 Tel: 303-866-2809 Email: alyson.mcgee@chs.state.co.us or Lyle Miller, Technical Advisor Tel: 303-866-2779 Email: lyle.miller@chs.state.co.us
Website Link	www.coloradohistory-oahp.org/SHFGrants

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State Programs	Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation (CWHF)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation (CWHF), Colorado Wildlife Commission and Colorado Division of Wildlife
Program Goals	The goal of the CWHF is summed up as their “If-As” mission statement. Specifically, “IF we desire Colorado’s wildlife to exist tomorrow – AS it exists today, we need to ACT now.”
Program History	The CWHF was founded in 1989 as a result of the Colorado Governor’s Task Force “Wildlife 21” which called for a foundation to be created to partner with the Colorado Wildlife Commission, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and various other groups to ensure a wildlife heritage in the future. What CWHF does is to actively search for funding sources that benefit the wildlife projects submitted by partners and other online applicants. CWHF participates in projects in four steps: Identify projects, Find funds, Acquire funds, and Steward funds. The program’s emphasis areas are habitat preservation, species recovery, wildlife education, and research and recreation. Through participation in the program, an applicant benefits from increased funding and partnership opportunities and resources, increased awareness of the project among key audiences, increased time and expertise, and an enhanced opportunity to leverage and match funds needed.
Eligibility	Any organization with a project that benefits wildlife is eligible to apply for CWHF funds. Projects completed by CWHF include wetland protection and planning, conservation easements/fee acquisition, fire and drought relief, and wildlife education.
Annual Funds Available	Since the Foundation’s inception, an average of $400,000 to $450,000 has been available per year. In fact, over $6 million has been granted to date. It is anticipated that the Lynx Restoration Project, a new effort launched in 2004, may raise available annual funds to $1 million.
Comments	When proposals are submitted, CWHF looks for, besides being a high quality project that benefits wildlife, community support and approval by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. An on-line application is available at the website address listed below that walks potential applicants through the submission process.
Contact	Karin Ballard, Executive Director Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 Tel: 303-291-7212 Email: karin.ballard@state.co.us
Website Link	www.coloradowildlifefoundation.org

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State Programs	Conservation Trust Fund
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Colorado Lottery and Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
Program Goals	Conservation Trust Funds may be used for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new conservation sites or for capital improvements or maintenance for recreational purposes on any public site. “New conservation sites” are defined by statute CRS29-21-101 as being interests in land and water, acquired after establishment of a conservation trust fund, for park or recreation purposes, for all types of open space, including but not limited to flood plains, green belts, agricultural lands or scenic areas, or for any scientific, historic, scenic, recreation, aesthetic or similar purpose.
Program History	As part of the amendment creating Great Outdoors Colorado in 1992, Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution allocates 40% of Lottery proceeds to be distributed by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs as the Conservation Trust Fund to accomplish the Lottery’s use for state and local parks, recreation facilities, open space, environmental education, and wildlife habitat. Conservation Trust Funds are districted to over 425 eligible local governments and special districts quarterly on a per capita basis. Since inception, the Conservation Trust Fund has distributed more than $554 million. In Fiscal Year 2004, more than $41 million was distributed throughout the state equaling $9.20/citizen of Colorado.
Eligibility	Eligible entities include Colorado cities, towns, counties and eligible Title 32 special districts providing park and/or recreation services.
Annual Funds Available	Available funds are based on Lottery proceeds. While it is impossible to estimate funds available in Fiscal Year 2005, $10.3 million was distributed in the first quarter.
Comments	Prior to July 2004, Conservation Trust Fund use was not tracked effectively. Section CRS 29-21-101 was added to Senate Bill 04-176, giving the Division of Local Government monitoring and enforcement authority over the use of Conservation Trust Funds in July 2004. The amended statute will allow for accurate tracking of projects and specific fund use in the future.
Contact	Teri Davis, CTF Administrator Department of Local Affairs 1313 Sherman Street, Room 521 Denver, CO 80203 Tel: 303-866-4462 Email: teri.davis@state.co.us
Website Link	http://www.dola.state.co.us/LGS/FA/ctf.htm

To see a case study using this grant program, please refer to the Appendix.

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State Programs	Legacy Initiative Program Great Outdoors Colorado
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO)
Program Goals	Legacy projects are of regional or statewide significance and are encouraged to integrate the GOCO funding categories of outdoor recreation, wildlife, open space, and local government projects. They are large-scale, multi-year projects to which GOCO will make multi-million dollar commitments.
Program History	In 1992, the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO) was created by a ballot initiative, now forming Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution. The amendment allocates 50% of Colorado Lottery proceeds toward competitive grants for projects to preserve, protect, and enhance Colorado’s wildlife, parks, rivers, trails and open spaces. Grants are to be awarded in substantially equal portions to: 1) Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (Colorado State Parks); 2) Colorado Division of Wildlife; 3) open space; and 4) local parks and recreation. Please note that Colorado State Parks and/or the Colorado Division of Wildlife must co-sponsor any projects that propose to use funds from the Parks or Wildlife quadrants. Competitive grants are awarded by Great Outdoors Colorado within the Legacy Initiative, Open Space, Local Government, Trails, and Planning and Capacity Building programs. Legacy projects are projects of regional or statewide significance, and are encouraged to involve the participation of multiple public and private entities, including some combination of these partners: counties, municipalities, park and recreation districts, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, federal agencies, nonprofit land conservation organizations, community service organizations, businesses and private landowners. To date, 28 Legacy projects have received $152.6 million in funding. Grant cycle deadlines vary from year to year. Current deadlines may be requested from GOCO staff or accessed on the website. Examples of Legacy projects include: I-25 Corridor Conservation Project. $13.3 million was granted to help protect 30,000 acres in Douglas County. The centerpiece of the project is the Greenland Ranch. A conservation buyer acquired 17,400 acres and placed a conservation easement on it, and GOCO and Douglas County purchased a portion of the easement and acquired 3,700 additional acres. South Platte River Project. $7.78 million was granted to the City and County of Denver to acquire river corridor open space along the South Platte River, improve and expand wildlife habitat, develop parks, make extensive trail improvements, and conduct educational programs for primary and secondary schoolchildren in Denver.
Eligibility	Entities eligible to receive Legacy funding are local governments, nonprofit land conservation organizations, the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks.
Annual Funds Available	$60 million is available for Fiscal Year 2004-2005, however 22 projects have already been identified for consideration by the Board with a decision date scheduled in December 2004.
Comments	There is no guarantee of Legacy funding in the future. The program is extremely popular, however, and it is anticipated that it will be offered regularly. Legacy grants are very competitive and, by definition, require a multi-purpose approach. They are intended for projects that have statewide significance and which could not be completed using one of GOCO’s traditional funding mechanisms.
Contact	Janis Whisman Great Outdoors Colorado 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Tel: 303-863-7522 Email: legacy@goco.org
Website Link	www.goco.org

To see a case study using this grant program, please refer to the Appendix.

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State Programs	Open Space Program Great Outdoors Colorado
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO)
Program Goals	Open Space grants are for projects that protect land and natural areas such as urban open space, riparian corridors, wildlife habitat, agricultural land and community separators.
Program History	In 1992, the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO) was created by a ballot initiative, now forming Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution. (Additional information may be found under the GOCO Legacy Program history.) The GOCO Open Space program awards competitive grants for projects that protect land and natural areas such as urban open space, riparian corridors, wildlife habitat, agricultural land and community separators. GOCO funds fee title acquisition and conservation easements. To date, 194 Open Space projects have received almost $61 million in funding. Grant cycle deadlines vary from year to year. Current deadlines may be requested from GOCO staff or accessed on the website. An examples of an Open Space project is the Rock Bottom Ranch in Eagle and Garfield counties. The Aspen Valley Land Trust used a $500,000 grant to acquire a conservation easement over the 115-acre ranch.
Eligibility	Entities eligible to receive Open Space grants are non-profit land conservation organizations, local governments, Colorado State Parks and the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Annual Funds Available	Approximately $10 million is available for granting over two open space grant cycles in Fiscal Year 2005.
Comments	Great Outdoors Colorado grants are very competitive. However, Open Space grants have been the most utilized funding source for land trusts.
Contact	Meghan MacDougall Great Outdoors Colorado 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Tel: 303-226-4515 Email: mmacdougall@goco.org
Website Link	www.goco.org

To see a case study using this grant program, please refer to the Appendix.

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State Programs	Planning and Capacity Building Program Great Outdoors Colorado
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO)
Program Goals	These competitive grants help planning projects identify or acquire open space, natural areas, or local parklands. Planning for local parks may also include planning for outdoor recreation elements such as ballfields and playgrounds.
Program History	In 1992, the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO) was created by a ballot initiative, now forming Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution. (Additional information may be found under the GOCO Legacy Program history.) The Planning grant program aims to assist in planning for the purposes outlined for GOCO's open space and local government grant programs. GOCO encourages projects that are forward thinking in nature and directly relate to an effort to identify or acquire open space, natural areas, or local parklands. Planning for local parks may also include planning for outdoor recreation elements. Capacity Building grants are grants to assist in organization and new program development, however they not being encouraged at this time. GOCO staff may be contacted if an applicant would like to discuss capacity building funding. To date, $9.4 million has been awarded to Planning and Capacity Building projects. Grant cycle deadlines vary from year to year. Current deadlines may be requested from GOCO staff or accessed on the website. Examples of the use of Planning and Capacity Building funding includes: Chatfield Basin Planning Grant. The Chatfield Basin Reserve Network, covering 140 square miles in southwestern metro Denver, involved more than 60 public, private, federal, state and local partners to identify and prioritize target parcels and projects and develop implementation strategies for linking land and wildlife conservation and regional trail and park projects. Colorado Youth Corps. Several grants were awarded to Colorado Youth Corps to help foster and strengthen their programs throughout the state. The program provides youth with environmental education opportunities and meaningful seasonal and year-round employment working on park and open space maintenance and improvement projects.
Eligibility	Entities eligible to receive planning and capacity building grants are local governments, non-profit land conservation organizations, the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks.
Annual Funds Available	Approximately $400,000 is available for granting over two cycles in Fiscal Year 2005. (Total available is higher than usual due to previously granted funds being de-authorized and made available this year.) Grants are typically awarded in the $10,000 to $50,000 range.
Comments	The GOCO Board does not encourage planning applications for management of open space, unless directly associated with a GOCO-assisted land acquisition, and even such applications may not be associated with general operations or maintenance. As with other GOCO programs, it is useful to note that the program is extremely competitive.
Contact	Brenda Bennett Great Outdoors Colorado 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Tel: 303-226-4526 Email: bennettb@goco.org
Website Link	www.goco.org

To see a case study using this grant program, please refer to the Appendix.

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FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Federal Programs	Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
* It is useful to note that Land and Water Conservation Funds allocated to Colorado and available to entities other than Colorado State Parks are available exclusively through the Colorado State Parks Trails Program. (This program is detailed in U.S. Department of Transportation’s Recreational Trails Program description.) Due to the significance of the program and the potential alternative use of these funds, a LWCF description has been included in this guide. Per LWCF, all projects funded must serve the public in perpetuity and trails projects have been problematic in this aspect.
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service
Program Goals	The Land and Water Conservation Fund aims to assist States in planning, acquisition and development of recreational resources and to finance new Federal recreation lands.
Program History	Created by Congress in the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as amended (16 USC 4601-4 through 11), the program was initially authorized through 2015. The Act designated a portion of receipts from offshore oil and gas leases be placed into a fund for state and local conservation, as well as for the protection of national parks, forests and wildlands. A moratorium was placed on funding for the program in 1996, however funding resumed with a national appropriation in Fiscal Year 2000. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is divided into two programs - federal acquisition funds and state grants. While the federal program is intended to provide for national park, forest and wildlife refuge and Bureau of Land Management area acquisitions, the state portion is distributed to states by a formula based on a number of factors, with state population being the most influential, for park development and land acquisition and easements. In Colorado, LWCF money is distributed in two ways. First, funds are granted directly to the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (Colorado State Parks) for projects identified in the state’s recreation plan, or a “SCORP”. Also, funds are available to other entities through the Colorado State Parks Trails Program (identified in more detail in the U.S. Department of Transportation Recreational Trails Program section).
Eligibility	Land and Water Conservation Funds are distributed to a state agency for administration. In Colorado, Colorado State Parks receives funds and makes grants through their Trails Program to eligible recipients including local, state and federal governments, school districts, special districts with recreational opportunities, and non-profit organizations. Colorado State Parks Trails Program funds can be used for land acquisition, construction, reconstruction, maintenance or enhancements to an existing or new trail or trailhead, and to purchase snow grooming equipment. All projects must be trail related, however.
Annual Funds Available	$278 million was appropriated by Congress for use in Fiscal Year 2004, $95 million of which was earmarked for distribution to states. In that year, approximately $1.5 million was allocated to the State of Colorado. There is no estimate of available funds for 2005.
Comments	The program has been extremely successful in its thirty years in existence. Up to Fiscal Year 2000, more than $3.3 billion has been utilized by the state program. Of the more than 38,000 projects that have been funded up to 2000, about 10,000 projects were for acquiring approximately 2.3 million acres of park land. Projects are said to benefit every geographic region of the United States.
Contact	Lori Collins Malcolm Colorado State Parks - Trails Program 13787 S. Highway 85 Littleton, CO 80125 Tel: 303-791-1957 ext.131 Email: lori.malcolm@state.co.us or Michael Regan, Colorado State Parks Tel: 303-866-3203 ext. 305
Website Link	http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/lwcf.html or www.tpl.org

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Federal Programs	Bring Back the Natives Program (BBN) National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Trout Unlimited
Program Goals	The Bring Back the Natives Program funds on-the-ground efforts to restore native aquatic species to their historic range.
Program History	Since its inception in 1991, the Bring Back the Natives Program represents funding from a number of cooperating federal agencies. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) acts as the administrator of the program. The BBN program seeks projects that initiate partnerships with private landowners, that demonstrate successful collaborative efforts, that address watershed health issues that would lead to restoring habitats and are key to restoring native aquatic species and their migration corridors, that promote stewardship on private lands, and that can demonstrate a 2:1 non-federal to federal match. Special emphasis is placed on cutthroat trout restoration, with specific preference given to projects that will protect or re-establish migration corridors between breeding populations such as Lahontan cutthroat trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Preference will also be given to support projects that will keep sensitive or declining species off of the endangered species list, or for listed species that have a chance for recovery and de-listing within ten years. Grants are evaluated annually on a national competitive basis.
Eligibility	Non-profit organizations, universities, Native American tribes, and local, state and federal agencies are eligible to apply for BBN funding. Projects can support direct project-related salaries, contractual services and materials needed for on-the-ground restoration. Besides cutthroat trout, other eligible species include bull trout, redband trout, Apache trout, steelhead trout, desert pupfish, Pacific tree frog, and several species of salamanders and salmon that are keystone or indicator species of the health of aquatic communities. Pre-proposals are submitted electronically. If the pre-proposal is successful, a request for a full proposal will be requested from the applicant. Due dates for pre-proposals and full proposals vary from year to year.
Annual Funds Available	12-15 matching grants are awarded annually nationwide. The average grant size is about $60,000.
Comments	It is useful to note that NFWF programs typically require significant match. Also, the reporting requirements are complex. Applicants are welcome to go to NFWF’s website, click on the “Grant Programs” link, and “Info for Grantees” in order to see reporting requirements prior to applying.
Contact	Krystyna Wolniakowski NFWF Northwest Office 806 SW Broadway, #750 Portland, OR 97205 Tel: 503-417-8700 Email: krystyna.wolniakowski@nfwf.org
Website Link	http://www.nfwf.org/programs/bbn.htm

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Federal Programs	Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Association of Counties, Wildlife Habitat Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Community-Based Restoration Program within NOAA Fisheries
Program Goals	The program provides financial assistance to support community-based wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.
Program History	The Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program began in Fiscal Year 1999 to bring together students, conservation corps, citizen groups, corporations, landowners and government agencies to provide environmental education through projects that restore stream banks and wetlands. The program provides challenge grants, technical support, and opportunities for information exchange to enable community-based restoration projects. The stars in “Five-Star” are the partners, funders and/or participants necessary to complete the project. Partners include: - Schools or youth organizations, - Local or tribal governments, - Local businesses or corporations, - Conservation organizations and local citizens groups, - State and federal resource management agencies, and - Foundations or other funders. Projects should ideally involve diverse partnerships of at least five organizations that contribute funding, land, technical assistance, and/or other in-kind services. While projects are eligible to apply with fewer partnerships, they tend not to be as competitive.
Eligibility	Projects are open to any public or private entity for projects that include a strong, on-the-ground wetland, riparian or coastal habitat restoration component. Projects should also include training, education, outreach, monitoring and community stewardship. Land acquisition is not eligible in this program.
Annual Funds Available	It is anticipated that approximately $500,000 will be available nationally in 2005. Revised application information should be available around November 2004. Grant awards are between $5,000 and $20,000, however the average grant is $10,000.
Comments	The Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants program is extremely competitive. Since inception, approximately 250 grants have been selected from over 1,000 applications. The last round of awards in July 2004 included only one grant in Colorado – the San Miguel Riparian Restoration project – out of $550,000 awarded to 50 projects (out of 185 submitted).
Contact	Sarah Ellgen NFWF – Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-857-0166 Email: sarah.ellgen@nfwf.org
Website Link	http://www.nfwf.org/programs/5star-rfp.htm or www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/5star

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Federal Programs	General Matching Grants Program National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Program Goals	The General Matching Grants Program seeks projects that address priority actions promoting fish and wildlife conservation and the habitats on which they depend, work proactively to involve other conservation and community interests, leverage Foundation-provided funding, and evaluate project outcomes.
Program History	The NFWF General Matching Grants Program looks for projects that represent a 2:1 non-federal match per granted dollar, and: - Address priority actions promoting fish and wildlife conservation and the habitats on which they depend; - Work proactively to involve other conservation and community interests; - Leverage available funding; and - Evaluate project outcomes.
Eligibility	Federal, state, and local governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for General Matching Grant throughout the year. Ineligible projects include political advocacy, general administrative overhead, multi-year, and basic research. Projects may not include federal matching funds or mitigation, restitution or other permit or court-ordered settlements.
Annual Funds Available	Funds available to the General Matching Grants Program is unknown at this time.
Comments	Potential applicants are asked to submit a pre-proposal identifying a program that fulfills the requirements described above in the Program History section. While there is no clear identification of types of projects that are eligible, comments on NFWF’s website regarding “good” pre-proposals includes: Addresses a clear conservation need and benefit of proposed action(s); Shows opportunities for substantive multi-sector involvement and coordination; Integrates program monitoring and evaluation; and Shows an ability to use NFWF grant funding to leverage additional non-federal funding sources.
Contact	Rebecca Kramer, Program Manager Southwest Region, NFWF 28 Second Street, 6^th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 Tel: 415-778-0999 Email: Kramer@nfwf.orf
Website Link	http://www.nfwf.org/programs/guidelines.htm

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Federal Programs	NFWF/NRCS Matching Grants for Conservation on Private Lands Program National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	NFWF and NRCS have developed a partnership to support high quality projects that engage private landowners, primarily farmers and ranchers, in the conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife and natural resources on their lands.
Program History	Through an agreement between the two agencies, NRCS has provided $3 million to NFWF in support of the partnership. NFWF has agreed to devote all funds to a competitive matching grant program to support conservation projects. Projects will be evaluated on: - Conservation on working landscapes, or projects that integrate conservation practices in ongoing agriculture, ranching and forestry operations. - Demonstrated value for fish and wildlife. - Projects that restore, conserve and manage habitat for northern bobwhite quail and other grassland nesting birds and associated wildlife species on private lands, including restoration of native prairie, riparian and stream habitats. - Conservation practices benefiting water quality. - Partnerships. - Leverage of funds. - On-the-ground components. - Landscape scale, especially watershed- or landscape-scale. - Immediacy of need.
Eligibility	Eligible grant recipients include state and local governments, education institutions and non-profit organizations. Funds may NOT be used for land acquisition, fundraising, political advocacy or litigation purposes. Pre-proposals are submitted electronically. If the pre-proposal is successful, a request for a full proposal will be requested from the applicant. Applicants must work with the appropriate foundation regional office to solicit a project review to be submitted with a full proposal.
Annual Funds Available	$3 million is available for Fiscal Year 2004-05. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000 based on need. Decisions on pre-proposals submitted in September 2004 will be made in March 2005. Please check the NFWF website (http://www.nfwf.org/programs/nrcsnacd.htm) for pre-proposal due dates. Fiscal Year 2005 funding is currently pending before Congress.
Comments	The program aims to support a diverse array of projects from across the country. There are no established geographic or programmatic priorities, however the program seeks innovative demonstration projects with seek to engage limited resource farmers in efforts to promote conservation practices that benefit fish, wildlife and coral reef ecosystems, and projects that address conservation needs while improving the economic sustainability of working farms and ranches. While the program requires that every dollar granted is matched with a dollar from non-federal sources, NFWF encourages applicants to achieve at least a 2:1 ratio.
Contact	Rebecca Kramer, Program Manager Southwest Region, NFWF 28 Second Street, 6^th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 Tel: 415-778-0999 Email: Kramer@nfwf.org Or Jody Olson, National Program Coordinator NFWF 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-857-0166 Email: Jody.Olson@nfwf.org
Website Link	http://www.nfwf.org/programs/nrcsnacd.htm

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Federal Programs	Native Plant Conservation Initiative National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Plant Conservation Alliance
Program Goals	The Native Plant Conservation Initiative seeks projects that provide plant conservation benefit, projects with multiple partnerships and use of innovative ideas such as landscape approach, shareable new technologies, and teaching by example.
Program History	The Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA) is a cooperative program created to promote the development of conservation solutions and sharing of information to benefit declining native plant species and communities throughout North America. The PCA includes a number or federal partners including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, and the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, NRCS, and more than 195 non-governmental organizations. Since 1995, PCA and NFWF came together to request proposals for the Native Plant Conservation Initiative. Projects are sought that directly address plant conservation priorities established by one or more of the federal agencies who provide funding. While individual agency guidelines and areas of interest may be found on the website, in general there is a strong preference for on-the-ground projects that involve local communities and citizen volunteers in restoration or protection of native plant communities. Projects must be technically sound and feasible, and carried out by qualified organizations.
Eligibility	Eligible applicants include 501 (c) non-profit organizations, and local, state, or federal government agencies. For-profit businesses, individuals and USDA agencies are not eligible to apply directly to this program, but are encouraged to work with eligible applicants to develop and submit proposals. Direct land acquisition proposals are not accepted. Project proposals are accepted twice per year, December 1 and July 15.
Annual Funds Available	Per the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, there is no estimate of annual funding available for the program. Appropriation levels vary dramatically from year to year. Grant awards range from $5,000 and $40,000, however the average grant is $15,000. Over the past nine years, projects worth more than $4 million have been funded throughout the United States.
Comments	Over the past four years, only four projects have been funded in Colorado. The most recent, in 2002, was granted to Colorado State University for the Upper Arkansas River Plants and Pollinators project. The project served to inventory the Upper Arkansas River Corridor for seven globally-imperiled plant species, as well as identify insects which may be responsible for pollination. Data will enhance effectiveness of three interagency resource management plans.
Contact	Ellen Lippincott NFWF – Native Plant Conservation Initiative 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-857-0165 Email: ellen.lippincott@nfwf.org
Website Link	http://www.nfwf.org/programs/npci_application.htm

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Federal Programs	Conservation Partnership Initiative (CPI) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	The CPI program was established to foster conservation partnerships that focus technical and financial resources on conservation priorities in watersheds of special significance and other geographic areas of environmental sensitivity.
Program History	Created as a component of the Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program established as part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill), the CPI program is an effort to use existing authorities to accomplish the goals of the Partnerships and Cooperation discretionary feature of the 2002 Farm Bill. Of critical natural resource concerns facing agriculture and the environment, many require solutions that look beyond the borders of individual farms and ranches. The Conservation Partnership Initiative’s overall objectives are to: - Encourage agricultural producers to cooperate in the installation and maintenance of conservation practices that affect multiple agricultural operations; - Encourage producers to share information and technical and financial resources; - Encourage cumulative conservation benefits in geographic areas; and - Encourage the development and demonstration of innovative conservation methods. The CPI program is administered in two phases. First, applicants apply through state conservationists for project planning funds. The NRCS Chief selects projects. Upon completion of the planning phase, projects are expected to secure implementation funds from partners. CPI conservation priorities are identified annually. The priorities for 2004 were: - Terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat; - Coastal resources; - Livestock nutrient management; and - Minor/specialty crop pest management.
Eligibility	State, local and tribal governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals with a history of working with agricultural producers are all eligible.
Annual Funds Available	Funding for any specific year is announced when proposals are requested. $1 million was available for Fiscal Year 2004. Applicants may request up to $200,000 (but not less than $100,000) for the planning phase of a project.
Comments	While CPI projects are initially submitted to local NRCS offices, the program is administered as a national program. Individual states do not receive a state allotment of funds, but rather participate in a competitive nationwide grant cycle.
Contact	Dennis Alexander NRCS Colorado State Conservationist 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov
Website Link	http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cpi/

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Federal Programs	Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Commodity Credit Corporation
Program Goals	The Conservation Reserve Program provides assistance to farmers and ranchers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands by assisting them through annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving vegetative cover practices on eligible land.
Program History	The CRP program was authorized as part of the Food Security Act of 1985 as amended. (It is also governed by regulations published in 7CFR 1410.) The program protects millions of acres of American topsoil. By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP protects groundwater and helps improve the condition of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. Acreage enrolled in the program is planted with resource-conserving vegetative covers, making the program a contributor to increased wildlife populations in some parts of the country as well. The CRP program is administered by the Commodity Credit Corporation through the Farm Service Agency, while program and technical support is offered by NRCS, Cooperative State Research and Education Extension Service, state forestry agencies, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and private sector providers. Landowners may register eligible cropland during designated sign-up periods. (For information on timing and areas eligible to receive funding, contact FSA.) Upon acceptance, participants receive annual property rental payments, including certain incentive payments and cost-share assistance. Environmentally desirable land devoted to certain conservation practices may be enrolled at any time as part of CRP’s “continuous sign-up”. (Additional information on this option and its eligibility requirements may be found on FSA’s web site.) As of the end of August, 2004, almost 900 active contracts were in place in Colorado totaling 2.2 million in active crop acres. Nationwide, almost 35 million acres are active in the program.
Eligibility	Landowners of cropland which is planted to an agricultural commodity and is physically and legally capable of being planted in a normal manner to an agricultural commodity or certain marginal pastureland that is enrolled in the Water Bank Program or suitable for use as a riparian buffer or for similar water quality purposes. In addition, cropland must meet one of the following criteria: - Have a weighted average erosion index of 8 or higher; - Be expiring CRP acreage; or - Be located in a national or state CPR conservation priority area.
Annual Funds Available	$56.6 million has been made available nationwide for Fiscal Year 2005 for CRP technical assistance. $45 million has been allocated to Colorado for all USDA programs.
Comments	Please note that a number of Colorado counties with participating acreage in the CRP program are not able to accept additional applications at this time. Also, it is helpful to note that CRP contracts do not employ perpetual conservation easements or provide permanent land protection.
Contact	* Different F.S.A. offices serve different Colorado counties. Please visit www.fsa.usda.gov and select the “Your Local Office” link to find your local office. Marshall Reeves, FSA Service Center Office Contact Adams County Farm Service Agency 57 W. Bromley Lane Brighton, CO 80601 Tel: 303-659-0525 ext. 2 Email: marty.reeves@co.usda.gov (serving Adams, Broomfield and Denver Counties)
Website Link	www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/crp.htm, http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/, or www.fsa.usda.gov/co/co.htm

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Federal Programs	Conservation Security Program (CSP) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	The Conservation Security Program supports ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources.
Program History	The CSP program was authorized as part of the Food Security Act of 1985 as amended. (It is also governed by regulations published in 7CFR 1410.) The Conservation Security Program provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes within identified watersheds on Tribal and private working lands. CSP will help producers maintain conservation stewardship and implement additional conservation practices that provide added environmental enhancement, while creating powerful incentives for other producers to meet those same standards of conservation performance. Working lands are defined within the program as cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture, and range land, as well as forested land that is an incidental part of an agricultural operation. The program provides equitable access to benefits to all producers regardless of size of operation, crops produced, or geographic location. The program is unique among USDA conservation programs, however, in that it identifies and rewards the nation’s premier farm and ranch land conservationists who meet the highest standards of conservation environmental management. The 2005 CSP program announced in November 2004 includes a renewable energy component. Eligible farmers will receive compensation for converting to renewable energy fuels such as soy bio-diesel and ethanol, for recycling 100% of on-farm lubricants, and for implementing energy production, including wind, solar, geothermal, and methane production.
Eligibility	CSP funds are available to all private and Tribal agricultural producers within identified watersheds. 202 eligible watersheds have been identified for Fiscal Year 2005 nationwide. Ten watersheds have been identified in Colorado for 2005: Arikaree, Tomichi, Saguache, Pawnee, Mcelmo, Upper White, Piceance-Yellow, Beaver, Rush and San Luis Watersheds. Agricultural producers must insure that their farm or ranching interest is located within one of the identified watersheds. Then potential CSP participants should complete a self-assessment (located on the website listed below) to get a good idea about whether they are eligible for CSP funding. Eligible producers will ultimately submit an application at their local NRCS office.
Annual Funds Available	Grant amount and contract timeframe is determined by the “tier” of participation. · Tier I producers must have addressed water and soil quality to the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) standards on part of the agricultural operation. Grants of up to $20,000 annually are awarded on contracts of 5 years. · Tier II producers must have addressed water and soil quality to the FOTG standards on the entire agricultural operation and agree to address one additional resource by the end of the contract period. Grants of up to $35,000 annually are awarded on contracts of 5 to 10 years. Tier III producers must have addressed all resource concerns to a resource management system level that meets the FOTG standards on the entire agricultural operation and agree to additional enhancement activities. Grants of up to $45,000 annually are awarded on contracts of 5 to 10 years. In Fiscal Year 2005, $32.3 million is available for payment on active contracts and $162 million is available for new project sign-up nationwide. Fund breakdown by state is not available.
Comments	New 2005 CSP watersheds include one or more watersheds in every state. It is estimated that nearly 208,000 farms and ranches are within established watershed boundaries nationwide. About 52% of the agricultural land is cropland and 48% is grazing land. In Colorado, 10 watersheds have been identified, representing an estimated 2,900 farms and 3.6 million acres.
Contact	Dennis Alexander USDA NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov
Website Link	www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp

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Federal Programs	Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	Provides technical, education and financial assistance for land management practices that benefit wildlife, including improved waste management and reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Program History	Re-authorized as part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill), the EQIP program was created to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. In Colorado, five major resource concerns were identified: Non-point source reduction - animal waste management; Grazing lands; Reduction in soil erosion on cropland; Wildlife; and Non-point source reduction – water quality/quantity. Local EQIP activity begins with the locally-led conservation process. A local work group consisting of local governmental agencies, with input from a wide range of partner agencies, determines resource needs and concerns in the state. In Colorado, the local work group and local conservation districts were asked to work together to determine ranking criteria to address the five Colorado resource concerns. Input from this group was provided to the appropriate watershed group in the state – ten groups made up of members from local conservation districts, partner agencies, and wildlife, agricultural and environmental groups. Using proposed ranking criteria from local work groups, the watershed groups determine resource concerns for that watershed and make recommendations to the NRCS regarding issues such as the percent of funds to go to each issue, ranking criteria, eligible practices, cost share rates, etc. In addition to the general EQIP process described above, Colorado receives funds in 3 watersheds earmarked for salinity control work – Gunnison-Dolores, Colorado River and San Juan Basin watersheds. Through the Ground and Surface Water Conservation component of EQIP, funds are available for work to achieve a net savings in water used in the area generally known as the Ogallala Aquifer in northeast Colorado, the Rio Grande Watershed and the Lower South Platte Watershed. Applications can be made continually on all Colorado EQIP programs through a project’s local USDA service center or on-line. Please note, however, that a cut-off date is established for applications to be considered for funding in any fiscal year.
Eligibility	Persons engaged in livestock or agricultural production are eligible for the program. Persons must be in compliance with the “highly erodible land and wetland conservation” provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill.
Annual Funds Available	$793.5 million has been made available nationwide for the EQIP program in Fiscal Year 2005. $45 million has been allocated to Colorado for all USDA programs.
Comments	Colorado has a number of opportunities not available to other states. While Colorado-specific details and process are provided above, applicants may contact local USDA representatives for additional information. Funds may only be used for conservation practices rather than land acquisition or the purchase of conservation easements. Examples of eligible conservation practices in Colorado include fencing, forest site preparation, land clearing, prescribed burning and recreation land grading and shaping.
Contact	EQIP contacts may be found at local USDA service centers based on the watershed in which project occurs. Click on http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/fsc-locations.htm to determine local contact, or contact: Dennis Alexander USDA NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov
Website Link	http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/ or http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/

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Federal Programs	Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	The CIG is a voluntary program (under the broader EQIP program) intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production.
Program History	Re-authorized as part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill), the EQIP program was created to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, tribes, or individuals. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the nation's most pressing natural resource concerns. Competitive grants are awarded to projects that have a goal of providing benefits of a large geographic area. Projects may be watershed-based, regional, multi-state, or nationwide in scope. Applications should describe the use of innovative technologies, approaches or both that address a natural resource conservation concern(s). Natural resource concerns eligible for funding will change annually and will be announced when proposals are requested. In order to be eligible, projects must involve eligible EQIP producers, describe a project to develop an innovative conservation approach or technology (or both), AND address one of more announced CIG concerns. The natural resource concerns for Fiscal Year 2004, for example, are: - Water resources; - Soil resources; - Atmospheric resources; - Grazing land and forest health; and - Wildlife habitat.
Eligibility	State, local and tribal governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals are all eligible. Funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Proposed projects must conform to the description of innovative conservation or activities published in the annual request for proposal (RFP).
Annual Funds Available	Funding for CIG is announced yearly as part of the RFP. In Fiscal Year 2004, $14.25 million was awarded to entities including universities, governmental organizations, states, resource and development councils, agri-businesses, conservation districts and individuals. Of the 2004 awards, $171,274 was awarded in Colorado to one individual project and one agri-business project.
Comments	Please note that all applications are to be submitted and evaluated by the NRCS national office. This program allows NRCS to work with different groups, such as businesses, than other programs. The program is focused on the transfer and sharing of promising technological information.
Contact	Dennis Alexander, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs USDA NRCS 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov or Carl Lucero 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop 5473 Beltsville, MD 20705 Tel: 301-504-2222 Email: cig@usda.gov
Website Link	http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig

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Federal Programs	Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	Help farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. Purpose is to purchase conservation easements for the purpose of protecting topsoil by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land. The USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value with perpetual easements as the highest priority.
Program History	Initiated as the Farmland Protection Program (FPP) in 1996, the program was re-authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) as the “Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.” The program is a voluntary program that supports state, local, and tribal governments, and non-governmental entities in the acquisition of conservation easements from landowners. NRCS solicits proposals from eligible entities, not from landowners as in other federal programs. Landowners interested in the program need to be working with an eligible entity in order to receive funding through this program. Federal funds are awarded through the State Conservationist to eligible entities for worthy projects. Land, as part of a farm or ranch, included in the program must: - Contain prime, unique or other productive soil or contain historical or archaeological resources; - Be privately owned; - Be part of a pending offer from an eligible entity; - Be covered by a conservation plan (by closing); - Be large enough to sustain agricultural production; - Be accessible to markets for what is produced; - Be surrounded by parcels of land that can support long-term agricultural production; and - Be owned by an individual or entity that does not exceed the Adjusted Gross Income Limitation. (Individuals or entities that have an average income exceeding $2.5 million for the three tax years preceding the year the easement is conveyed are not eligible for the FRPP program.) Since inception and through 2003, more than 300,000 acres were protected nationwide. Through September 2004, Colorado protected 9,831 acres of agricultural lands through the program using more than $4.25 million. When all currently funded projects are closed, Colorado will have utilized $11.4 million to protect more than 21,000 acres of working farms, ranchlands and orchards.
Eligibility	State, local or tribal entities and non-governmental organizations with existing farmland protection programs are eligible to apply for FRPP funds.
Annual Funds Available	$66.5 million has been made available nationwide for Fiscal Year 2005 for FRPP. $45 million has been allocated to Colorado for all USDA programs.
Comments	FRPP easements, designed to protect entire working farms, woodlands, wetlands, important natural areas, and historical and cultural resources, have been numerous throughout Colorado. Through Fiscal Year 2002, $4.6 million has been awarded to cooperating entities in Colorado. These funds are protecting over 9,300 acres of agricultural lands on over 20 different properties around the state. Projects include irrigated farmlands along the Front Range, an orchard overlooking the Colorado River on the West Slope, and cattle ranches near Gunnison, Pueblo, and Steamboat Springs. In Fiscal Year 2003, partners in Colorado requested $6,926,997 in FRPP funds and received $2,715,000 to purchase easements.
Contact	USDA NRCS 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Gary Finstad, Natural Resource Specialist//FRPP Coordinator Tel: 720-544-2820 Email: gary.finstad@co.usda.gov Dennis Alexander, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov
Website Link	http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp/ or http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/

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Federal Programs	Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency and, to a limited extent, Forest Service
Program Goals	The Grasslands Reserve Program will conserve vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and help maintain viable ranching operations.
Program History	The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) amended the 1985 Food Security Act to authorize the program, aimed at helping landowners and operators restore and protect grassland, including rangeland, shrubland, pastureland and certain other lands, while maintaining the areas as grazing lands. The program emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under threat of conversion. Funds in Colorado are targeted to native, natural grasslands that support certain plant communities and habitat types. Also, land that is under some threat of conversion to rural residential development, or conversion to cropland or other agricultural uses is targeted. Landowners have several enrollment options, including permanent and 30-year easements, or 30-, 20-, 15-, or 10-year agreements. Landowners or operators may sign up for the program on a continuing basis by contacting either the NRCS or FSA at the Local USDA Service Center. Applications received by a “cut-off date” announced annually are eligible for ranking and funding.
Eligibility	Landowners and operators are eligible to participate in the program. Landowners are eligible for easements and agreements. Operators are eligible for agreements only – and only if they can demonstrate control of the land for the duration of the agreement period. Applicants are subject to the Adjusted Gross Income Limitation. (Individuals or entities that have an average income exceeding $2.5 million for the three tax years preceding the year the contract is signed are not eligible for the program.)
Annual Funds Available	$40.8 million has been made available nationwide for Fiscal Year 2005 for the GRP. $45 million has been allocated to Colorado for all USDA programs.
Comments	In Fiscal Year 2004, four plant communities were targeted: shortgrass prairie, sand sage, sagebrush steppe and sagebrush/wet meadow complex. In addition, projects most likely to be funded will be part of a sustainable, working ranch and consist entirely of good condition native, natural grasslands that have never been plowed or cropped.
Contact	USDA NRCS 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Gary Finstad, Natural Resource Specialist//GRP Coordinator Tel: 720-544-2820 Email: gary.finstad@co.usda.gov Dennis Alexander, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov
Website Link	http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/GRP/ or http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/

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Federal Programs	Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	The Wetlands Reserve Program aims to provide technical and financial assistance to eligible landowners to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands and associated uplands in order to achieve maximum wetland functions and values while obtaining optimum wildlife habitat.
Program History	The Wetlands Reserve program was originally mandated by Section 137 of the Food Security Act of 1985 as amended by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 and the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, and was re-authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill). The program provides an opportunity for landowners to receive financial incentives to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal land from agriculture. Participants in the program benefit by receiving financial and technical assistance, seeing a reduction in problems associated with farming potentially difficult areas, and having incentives to develop wildlife recreational opportunities on their land. Enrollees have three options: Place a permanent conservation easement on the property. In addition to paying for the easement, the USDA pays all closing and wetland restoration costs. Place a 30-year easement on the property. Payment made using this option equals 75% of what would have been paid for a permanent easement. The USDA would pay for all closing costs under this option. As the last option, landowners may enter into a restoration cost-share agreement to re-establish degraded or lost wetland habitat. The USDA would pay 75% of restoration costs. Landowners who have owned their property for at least 12 months, inherited the land and/or exercised the landowner’s right of redemption after foreclosure may submit applications throughout the year for land that is restorable and suitable for wildlife benefits. After applications are filed, state conservationists, with input from state conservation committees, develop state-specific ranking criteria. Since inception and as of April 2003, more than 1.4 million acres were enrolled in the program nationwide and 11,699 acres locally in Colorado.
Eligibility	Landowners and tribes are the only eligible applicants in the WRP. Non-profit organizations can hold easements on enrolled lands.
Annual Funds Available	$244.5 million has been made available nationwide for Fiscal Year 2005 for the WRP. $45 million has been allocated to Colorado for all USDA programs.
Comments	Applications may be obtained from www.sc.egov.usda.gov. Enter “Natural Resources Conservation Service” in the Agency field, “Wetlands Reserve Program” in the Program Name field, and “AD-1153” in the Form Number field. Over the past 14 years, the program has become a popular, cost-effective, and ecologically successful program. The top 10 states in terms of enrollment are Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, California, Florida, Missouri, Iowa, Texas, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Average project size is approximately 187 acres. Landowners participating in WRP continue to control access, have use of non-developed recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, and maintain the right to lease the recreational uses of their land for financial gain. At any time during the contract period, landowners may request NRCS approval of other uses that are compatible with wetland and wildlife conservation objectives of the program.
Contact	Dennis Alexander, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs USDA NRCS 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov
Website Link	www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp

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Federal Programs	Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Program Goals	The WHIP program provides technical and financial assistance to landowners and others to develop upland, wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat areas on their property.
Program History	Created in 1998, the WHIP program was re-authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill). Colorado’s objectives are to improve habitat for declining or at-risk species in order to avoid further species being listed under the Endangered Species Act, improve habitat and increase the population of economically important species, and reduce significant agricultural/wildlife conflicts. For 2005, Colorado is pursuing a Request for Proposal program delivery. Projects which enhance and protect larger scale habitats for wildlife species experiencing significant population declines will be prioritized. Agreements typically last 5 to 10 years. Since inception, WHIP has enrolled nearly 14,700 participants and 2.3 million acres nationwide. Over the past two years, almost $1 million has been granted or paid for WHIP projects in Colorado.
Eligibility	Landowners, federal government when the primary benefit is on private or tribal land, state and local governments (on a limited basis), and tribal entities are eligible to apply for WHIP funds on their land. Among eligible lands in Colorado, priorities are placed on habitat areas for wildlife species experiencing declining or significantly reduced populations, practices beneficial to fish and wildlife that may not otherwise be funded, and wildlife and fishery habitats identified by local, state and tribal partners in each state.
Annual Funds Available	$40.8 million has been made available nationwide for Fiscal Year 2005 for the GRP. $45 million has been allocated to Colorado for all USDA programs.
Comments	For Fiscal Year 2003, $405,000 was awarded to projects in Colorado and $575,000 was awarded in Fiscal Year 2004. While applications are accepted year-round, applicants should note that proposals submitted by January 1 of any year are placed into consideration for funding in that year. Examples of projects in Colorado are not available, however projects in neighboring New Mexico have improved habitat on private land for elk, turkey, bear, shorebirds, grouse, desert bighorn sheep, and other species including the endangered willow flycatchers. The projects have emphasized development of water supplies for wildlife, establishment of permanent flood plains, and fencing cattle out of creeks and ponds.
Contact	Dennis Alexander, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs USDA NRCS 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C Lakewood, CO 80215 Tel: 720-544-2805 Email: dennis.alexander@co.usda.gov
Website Link	www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip

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Federal Programs	United States Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Funds
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Defense
Program Goals	The Legacy Resource Management Program’s (Legacy’s) goal is to preserve the military’s ability to train on its lands and waters, and to meet human health, safety, and stewardship needs by conserving natural and cultural resources proactively.
Program History	The Department of Defense is the steward of approximately 29 million acres of land in the U.S. In 1990, Congress passed legislation establishing the Legacy Resource Management Program. The Legacy program balances the intensive use of Department of Defense lands for military training and testing with the protection of natural and cultural resources. Three principles guide the program: Stewardship: Safeguarding the environment through ecosystem management, and preserving historic properties, historic records and the nation’s cultural heritage. Leadership: Exploring new ideas, and implementing new technologies for natural and cultural resources management. Partnership: Working with partners to conserve resources in a cost-effective and technically-sound manner. The Department of Defense attempts to support the above three principles through areas of emphasis that are established each year. For 2005, areas of emphasis related to conservation were readiness and range sustainment, integrated natural resources management, regional ecosystem management initiatives, invasive species control and monitoring and predicting migratory patterns of birds and animals.
Eligibility	It is not important what type of entity submits proposals, however it is important that all projects work to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources while supporting military readiness training. Proposed projects are to go through the appropriate military installation and headquarters personnel, all of which are listed at http://www.dodlegacy.org/legacy/intro/contact.aspx. In 1997, Public Law 104-201, Section 2694 significantly tightened the realm of projects eligible for Legacy funding. Proposed projects must have regional of Department of Defense-wide significance and involve more than one military department. Ineligible projects include installation-specific projects (unless a pilot project), those more suitably funded through other sources, compliance projects, routine operation or maintenance of buildings or grounds, game management projects, basic research, restoration of structures not eligible for historic registry, and static displays.
Annual Funds Available	When Fiscal Year 2005 proposals were requested in May 2004, program funding levels had not yet been established. However, historically annual appropriations for the program are approximately $9 million.
Comments	Please note that Legacy projects must involve military installations. Interested parties should contact installations directly to coordinate proposals. Proposal deadlines vary annually. Deadlines are posted on the Legacy website (http://64.158.56.147/legacy/intro/dates.aspx). Additional Department of Defense land protection funding has recently become available through an additional program – the Readiness and Range Preservation Initiative. The program is intended, among other things, to establish open space buffers owned by conservation organizations or local governments surrounding military installations and convey surplus property to non-federal owners for conservation purposes. The effort, however, achieves these conservation goals through exemption from existing clean water, clean air and wildlife protection laws, prompting opposition from environmental groups.
Contact	Pam Behm, Natural Resources Management Specialist U.S. Department of Defense 1225 S. Clark Street, Suite 1500 Arlington, VA 22202 Tel: 703-604-1774 Email: pamela.behm.ctr@osd.mil
Website Link	http://www.denix.osd.mil/denix/Public/ES-Programs/ Conservation/Legacy.html or www.dodlegacy.org

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Federal Programs	National Scenic Byways Program United States Department of Transportation
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Transportation
Program Goals	The National Scenic Byways Program aims to create a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places through efforts to preserve, protect, interpret, and promote the intrinsic qualities of designated byways.
Program History	The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (known as ISTEA), and the 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (known as TEA-21) provide an important source of federal funds for parks and recreation, including the National Scenic Byways Program, Recreational Trails Program, and the Transportation Enhancements Program. The Scenic Byways program does two things: 1) provides for the designation of roads that have outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archaeological qualities; and 2) provides discretionary grants for scenic byway projects located on or adjacent to a designated road or for the planning, design or development of a program. Of the eight eligible grant categories within the National Scenic Byways Program, Byway Facilities and Resource Protection appear to be most appropriate in fulfilling conservation objectives. Byway Facilities. Funding in this grant category is intended for construction along a scenic byway of a facility for pedestrians and bicyclists, rest areas, turnouts, overlooks or interpretive facilities. This grant category includes purchase of land or property to the extent that the project has a clear, demonstrated role in telling the byway story or enhancing the byway traveler experience. Resource Protection. Funding in this grant category is for the protection of scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, and archaeological resources in an area adjacent to a scenic byway. Funds may be used for enhancing, protecting, or preserving resources directly related to the byway or its intrinsic qualities. This includes land acquisition.
Eligibility	Federal appropriations are made to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Projects must be on or adjacent to a state-designated scenic byway. Project requests are coordinated through each local byway organization. Potential applicants must discuss ALL projects with the byway organization ensuring that any project is part of a byway group’s corridor plan and has been identified as a top priority.
Annual Funds Available	Approximately $26.5 million was authorized nationwide in Fiscal Year 2004, with $576,784 authorized for use in Colorado.
Comments	The Byways program has been little used for land acquisition activities in Colorado. The majority of grants have been for planning purposes. One reason is the cumbersome and slow selection process. In a normal year, it may take up to a year from when a project is submitted until the time funds are available. Recently, however, Congressional delays regarding funding have actually extended the length of time from application to approximately two years. Also, funds are extremely competitive. Due to the earmarking of funds by Congress for specific projects, a limited amount is actually available to states. Because of this, the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission limits funding per byway to $100,000 total. Working with the local byway group gives applicants access to the schedule for submittal. Applications are submitted by the byway group to the Department of Transportation, and ultimately to the Federal Highway Administration.
Contact	Sally Pearce, Scenic Byways Program Coordinator Colorado Department of Transportation 4201 E. Arkansas, EP 606 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303-757-9786 Sally.pearce@dot.state.co.us or William Haas, Metropolitan Planner Federal Highway Administration – Colorado Division 555 Zang Street, Room 250 Lakewood, CO 80228 Tel: 303-969-6730 ext. 352 Email: William.Haas@fhwa.dot.gov
Website Link	www.fhwa.dot.gov or www.byways.org

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Federal Programs	Recreational Trails Program United States Department of Transportation
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration
Program Goals	The Recreational Trails Program provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails for motorized and non-motorized trail users.
Program History	As one of the three programs that resulted from the ISTEA and TEA-21 legislation, the Recreational Trails Program seeks projects in a number of categories, including maintenance and restoration of existing trails, construction of new trails, and acquisition of easements or fee title property for recreational trails or trail corridors. Funds are apportioned to states by formula – 50% equally among all eligible states and 50% in proportion to the amount of off-road recreational fuel use, or fuel used for off-road recreation by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and off-road light trucks. On the federal level, the Recreational Trails Program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration, however at the state level, Colorado funds are administered by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (Colorado State Parks). Funding from the TEA-21 program is added to a larger source of funding including Land and Water Conservation Fund, Great Outdoors Colorado and Lottery dollars, and is granted as part of Colorado State Parks’ “Trails Program”. The recreational grant program through Colorado State Parks is intended to fund project including land acquisition, construction, reconstruction, maintenance or enhancements to an existing or new trail or trailhead, and purchase snow grooming equipment.
Eligibility	Local, state and federal governments, school districts, special districts with recreational opportunities, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for projects. States must meet minimum funding shares among motorized, non-motorized and diverse trail use. States are asked to give consideration to projects that provide for the redesign, reconstruction, non-routine maintenance or relocation of recreational trails to benefit the natural environment. Applications for Fiscal Year 2005 Colorado State Parks Trails Program are available at the first website listed below. A decision is scheduled for May 2005.
Annual Funds Available	Annual funding levels is not available as it is determined as part of the application process. Grants ranging from $15,000 to $200,000 are available through nine grant programs identified below. As part of Colorado State Park’s Trails Program, $2.4 million was awarded for 60 Colorado trail projects in Fiscal Year 2004. Of that total, $1.28 million was provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Recreational Trails Program.
Comments	New for 2005, Colorado State Parks’ program includes nine grant categories. Programs are identified by who the grantee is and the size of the project. In Fiscal Year 2005, the programs are: Small and large grant programs for non-profit organizations, Small and large grant programs for federal agencies, Small, medium and large grant programs for state, county and local governments, Planning grants, and Special grants for activities including training, use of volunteers, mapping and signage. It is useful to note that reporting requirements and the timing of grant payment differ based on which funding source ends up funding any project. For example, Land and Water Conservation Fund paperwork is noted to be extremely time consuming and work can not begin until all federal requirements are met and approved.
Contact	Lori Collins Malcolm Colorado State Parks - Trails Program 13787 S. Highway 85 Littleton, CO 80125 Tel: 303-791-1957 ext.131 Email: lori.malcolm@state.co.us
Website Link	www.parks.state.co.us or www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21

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Federal Programs	Transportation Enhancements Program United States Department of Transportation
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Department of Transportation
Program Goals	The Transportation Enhancements Program provides for the implementation of projects that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.
Program History	As with the other two 1991 ISTEA and 1998 TEA-21 programs described above, the Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program seeks to offset negative effects of surface transportation projects. Funding in this program is set aside to fund a variety of community-based projects, including landscaping and scenic protection, bike and pedestrian facilities, restoration of historic transportation facilities and mitigation of water pollution from highway runoff. To be eligible for Transportation Enhancements funds, a project must be one of the following twelve TE activities and related to surface transportation: Pedestrian and bicycle facilities, Pedestrian and bicycle safety and educational activities, Acquisition of scenic or historic easements and sites, Scenic or historic highway programs (eg. – tourist and welcome centers), Landscaping and scenic beautification, Historic preservation, Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities, Conversion of abandoned railway corridors to trails, Control and removal of outdoor advertising, Archaeological planning and research, Environmental mitigation of runoff pollution and provision of wildlife connectivity, and Establishment of transportation museums. As with other federal programs, the TE program is funded through Colorado’s Department of Transportation.
Eligibility	Federal appropriations are made to the Colorado Department of Transportation. TE funds can then be distributed to state or local governments, or non-governmental organizations.
Annual Funds Available	Since 1991, over $3 billion has been invested nationwide as part of this program. 10 projects have been funded for 2005 in Colorado, yet none of the projects represent land acquisition or conservation projects.
Comments	All proposed projects must also demonstrate a relationship to surface transportation. While the TEA-21 bill has relatively loose matching requirements (including the allowance of other federal funds and in-kind contributions as match), a project sponsor is responsible for providing 20% of the project cost. Please note, also, that the federal portion is paid as a reimbursement after expenditures have been made. Since 1992, only two projects representing acquisition of scenic or historic easements or sites have been funded in Colorado. Projects funded, however, were significant at $256,000 and $150,000. The majority of Colorado projects are for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. It is also helpful to note that each geographic region, of which Colorado has 6, has one or more TE program coordinators, as well as their own application timetables and selection procedures.
Contact	Karen Sullivan, TE Program Manager Colorado Department of Transportation 4201 E. Arkansas Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303-757-9502 Karen.L.Sullivan@dot.state.co.us or William Haas, TE Program Contact Federal Highway Administration – Colorado Division 555 Zang Street, Room 250 Lakewood, CO 80228 Tel: 303-969-6730 ext. 352 Email: William.Haas@fhwa.dot.gov
Website Link	www.fhwa.dot.gov , http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/factsheets/te.htm, http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/index.htm or http://www.enhancements.org/TE_by_state.asp

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Federal Programs	Consolidated Funding Process (CFP) United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Program Goals	The CFP program allows a state or local agency responsible for pollution control programs to develop an integrated approach to pollution control. The program seeks large projects that incorporate two or more EPA program goals.
Program History	The CFP program is unique in that it seeks to fund a single large project using one or more of the existing EPA grant programs (similar to the Great Outdoors Colorado Legacy Program). Each grant program has its own goals and funding levels, including the Wetlands Program Development Grants described in this guide’s next program summary, however an eligible entity need only submit one proposal describing how a project may integrate the goals of one of the five applicable programs. The programs are briefly described below. Regional Geographic Initiative (RGI) Multi-media Funding. This program funds geographically-based projects that fill gaps not being addressed, wholly or in part, by existing national environmental multi-media (eg. water, air, hazardous waste, etc.) programs. A focus is places on projects that include coordination and cooperation between media programs and partners, and showcase innovative solutions to the identified problem. Wetlands Program Development Grants (WPDGs). This program funds projects that build the capacity of organizations to protect, manage and restore wetlands through the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies related to the cases, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. This program does NOT fund non-profit organizations. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program. TMDL funds are for use by eligible entities toward making progress in resolving non-point source problems, or polluted runoff from diffuse or scattered sources in the environment that wash off the landscape with rainwater or snowmelt, in section 303(d)-listed water bodies. (There is a separate Non-Point Source Implementation Grant Program that aims to assist states protect source water areas and the general quality of water resources in a watershed detailed below, however this program is not integrated into the CFP program.) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) – Water Quality Cooperative Agreements. This program aims to forward the overall goal of improving or maintaining water quality. Projects in the region that includes Colorado address issues such as concentrated animal feeding operations, sanitary sewer overflows, storm water, restoration of priority watersheds and water quality impacts from point sources due to growth and sprawl. Source Water Protection Funding. This funding is meant to help communities find ways to manage possible sources of contaminants in their watershed or above their aquifer to prevent pollution of the source of their drinking water supply. Additional information, including funding levels and specific program priorities for Fiscal Year 2005, will be available at the EPA website listed below.
Eligibility	Eligibility varies for each program, however in general any state or local agency eligible to receive and administer funds for pollution programs are eligible under the CFP program. Non-profit organizations, however, are ineligible to apply for Wetlands Program Development Grants (WPDGs). * Proposals for each program will be incorporated into the single RFP that is available on the website listed below. Proposals are due in December 2004 with a decision date in April 2005.
Annual Funds Available	Congress will set funding levels at a later date. However, $2.8 million was granted to 57 projects (out of 135 total) in Region 8, Colorado’s funding region. Projects funded in the CFP process (listed by program) in Fiscal Year 2004 include: - RGI: $197,860 for 7 projects (3 in Colorado) - WPDGs: $1,585,250 for 29 projects (9 in Colorado) - TMDL: $240,792 for 6 projects (2 in Colorado) - NPDES: $817,900 for 16 projects (10 in Colorado) - Source Water Protection Funding: none listed. It is helpful to note that the Consolidated Funding Process does not represent funding in addition to grants provided in separate programs, but merely represents consolidation taking place within the agency’s total grant appropriations.
Comments	While a number of EPA programs have been included as part of the Consolidated Funding Process, individual program summaries for all programs have not been included based on a perceived lack of practicality of each program. Additional information on each program may be requested from individual contacts listed below. Entities approved for funding in the CFP program may receive a single consolidated award in an effort to reduce administrative and application costs.
Contact	Contacts listed are identified as the primary EPA contact for each program. RGI Cynthia Gonzales Tel: 303-312-6569 Email: Gonzales.cynthia@epa.gov WPDGs Brent Truskowski Tel: 303-312-6235 Email: truskowski.brent@epa.gov TMDL Vern Berry Tel: 303-312-6234 Email: berry.vern@epa.gov NPDES, Water Quality Project Grants Pauline Romano Tel: 303-312-7835 Email: romano.pauline@epa.gov Source Water Protection Funding John Giedt Tel: 303-312-6550 Email: Giedt.John@epa.gov
Website Link	http://www.epa.gov/region8/ecosystems/cfp.html or www.cfda.gov (search on program 66.600)

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Federal Programs	Wetlands Program Development Grants (WPDGs) United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Program Goals	The WPDG program aims to build the capacity of organizations to protect, manage and restore wetlands.
Program History	Public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. As amended in 1977, this law became commonly known as the Clean Water Act. The WPDG program was authorized by Section 104(b)(3) and initiated in Fiscal Year 1990 to encourage comprehensive wetlands program development by promoting the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies related to the cases, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. Funded projects must support one of four targeted program areas: Developing a comprehensive wetland monitoring and assessment program, Improving the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation, Refining the protection of isolated and vulnerable wetlands and aquatic resources, and Development of state and tribal programs. As part of the competitive program, regions are encouraged to target at least two-thirds of their competitive WPDG funds to projects that focus on one or more of the program priorities. Projects might include the use of assessment procedures or surveys to test the accuracy of assessment methods that use GIS systems, the development of mitigation standards, information dissemination related to the protection of isolated wetlands or waters from potential impacts, or surveying opportunities for land acquisition, conservation easements, or tax incentive provisions.
Eligibility	States, tribes, and local governments are eligible to apply for WPDGs. * Proposals for the next fiscal year are available on the website listed below. Proposals are due in December 2004.
Annual Funds Available	While interest in the program has continued to grow over the years since program inception, Congress has appropriated just $15 million annually for the WPDG program. Previous grant awards ranged from $11,000 to $496,000.
Comments	It is rare in EPA programs that funds are not available directly to non-profit organizations. Projects are submitted to the local program agency, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While the state is granted funds by the EPA, ultimately DNR will enter into contracts with funded agencies. An online database exists that provides project information for grants funded through the WPDG program since it began. This information may be found at http://yosemite.epa.gov/water/grant.nsf.
Contact	Tara Larwick DNR 1313 Sherman, Room 718 Denver, CO 80203 Tel: 303-866-3556 Email: tara.larwick@state.co.us or Brent Truskowski EPA 999-18^th Street, Suite 300 Denver, CO 80202 Tel: 303-312-6235 Email: truskowski.brent@epa.gov
Website Link	http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands or www.cfda.gov (search on program 66.461)

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Federal Programs	Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants (319 Program) United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Affiliated Agency or Organization	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Program Goals	The goal of the program is to assist states in the implementation of EPA-approved section 319 nonpoint source management programs. The goal of Colorado’s NPS program is to restore waters impaired by nonpoint sources of pollution and to prevent future impairments.
Program History	Public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. As amended in 1977, this law became commonly known as the Clean Water Act. Congress enacted section 319 of the Clean Water Act in 1987, establishing a national program to control “nonpoint sources of water pollution”, or polluted runoff from diffuse or scattered sources in the environment that wash off the landscape with rainwater or snowmelt or irrigation. The nonpoint source program is entirely non-regulatory at the federal level and states may, but are not required, to use regulatory approaches. State programs include a broad range of approaches, including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, and regulatory programs. However, most of the state implementation occurs at the local level, and so states typically provide funds to various groups for projects including best management practice installation of animal wastes, sediment, pesticide and fertilizer control, watershed planning, monitoring, and a variety of education/outreach programs, among others. Many states have an advisory group that works to identify state-specific priorities and select projects for funding. Grants have been awarded annually to all states and selected tribes. Grants ranging from $621,700 to $4.1 million were granted to states in Fiscal Year 2004. Competitive grants ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 were granted to 11 projects in Colorado. Ranges vary from year-to-year and are based on the size of the state’s appropriation.
Eligibility	EPA grants funds to a lead Nonpoint Source Agency in each state. Within EPA Region 8 (the region that includes Colorado), grants are awarded to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and then are available to local project sponsors, which may be units of governments, non-profit organizations, and other state agencies. Colorado’s application process is discussed at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/nps/grant.html. All project sponsors are strongly encouraged to meet with the appropriate nonpoint source committee prior to submitting an application. Applications were to be submitted to CDPHE by November 15, 2004 for Fiscal Year 2005 funding.
Annual Funds Available	It is estimated that more than $209 million will be available in 2005 nationally. It is estimated that $2 million will be appropriated for use in Colorado.
Comments	Besides the overall goals of the Nonpoint Source Program, projects proposed in Colorado must be clear on the nature of the water quality improvement they intend to produce, and how that improvement will be demonstrated (e.g. pollutant load reductions or increases in numbers of age classes for fish species). EPA’s funding priority is to award grants that promote the development and implementation of watershed-based plans which result in improved water quality in impaired waters.
Contact	Laurie Fisher, Nonpoint Source Coordinator CO Department of Public Health and Environment WQCD-OA-B2 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246 Tel: 303-692-3570 Email: laurie.fisher@state.co.us or Peter Monaghan, Nonpoint Source Coordinator EPA 999-18^th Street, Suite 300 Denver, CO 80202 Tel: 303-312-6946 Email: monaghan.peter@epa.gov
Website Link	http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps or http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/nps/grant.html

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Federal Programs

Conservation Grants

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Affiliated Agency or Organization

U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service

Program Goals

The Conservation Grants program provides financial assistance to states to implement conservation projects for listed species and species at-risk.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS