The Fish and Wildlife Resources Fund Grant Program

The Fish and Wildlife Resources Fund Grant Program, administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), supports mitigation, enhancement, and species recovery projects related to the impacts of water infrastructure on aquatic ecosystems. Established in 1987 and authorized under Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-60-122.2, this program reflects the state's commitment to preserving fish and wildlife resources affected by water diversion, delivery, and storage facilities. CWCB is empowered to allocate grants for projects that reasonably balance the development of water resources with environmental protection. The grant program is divided into two primary categories: New Projects and Existing Projects. New Projects include those that address impacts from new water infrastructure requiring federal or state permits. These projects may receive funding for design, engineering, and construction, including mitigation efforts aligned with an official State Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan, enhancement activities that improve habitat, and recovery initiatives for species under threat. Eligible applicants for these grants are limited to operators of the water facilities and certain public-interest organizations for species recovery projects. Enhancement applications require a recommendation from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and are subject to joint funding approval. Grants for Existing Projects target mitigation of impacts from already constructed water facilities. These projects may involve acquiring or appropriating instream water rights or conducting river restoration activities. Eligibility is restricted to CWCB itself and operators of the relevant facilities. All grants, regardless of category, are capped at covering 50% of total project costs, with the remaining matched by the applicant through cash or in-kind contributions. Match composition rules apply, particularly for species recovery efforts where only up to half of the required match may be in-kind. The application process is ongoing with no fixed deadline. Interested parties must consult with CWCB staff prior to applying and must register through the CWCB portal. Required application components include a statement of work, budget, schedule, maps, letters of commitment, and for larger projects, a cost estimate. A completed application triggers a review involving CWCB staff and external experts, leading to a funding recommendation submitted to the CWCB Board. Projects are only eligible for reimbursement after the execution of a formal grant contract, which typically occurs within 45 days post-approval. Progress reports are required every six months during project execution, and a final report is mandatory upon completion. This report must document implementation, matching contributions, obstacles encountered, and final expenditures. The final 10% of funding is withheld pending report approval. CWCB emphasizes compliance with state policies and environmental regulations throughout the grant lifecycle. In all cases, Mitigation Grants take priority over Enhancement and Species Recovery Grants when funds are limited. Applicants are encouraged to act promptly, as grants are reviewed and approved in the order received.

Engage CWCB staff early; Ensure alignment with Mitigation Plan; Complete reports to access final 10% funding.