Wetlands for Wildlife Grants

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), a division within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, administers the Wetlands for Wildlife Program, a competitive grant initiative aimed at conserving, enhancing, and restoring wetland and riparian ecosystems across the state. For nearly three decades, CPW has supported projects that benefit both declining or at-risk species and waterfowl populations, with a strong emphasis on public waterfowl hunting opportunities. The program has already contributed to the stewardship of over 220,000 acres of wetlands and 200 miles of streams and awarded more than $40 million in grants. In its 2025–2026 grant cycle, CPW continues its commitment to wetland conservation, supporting comprehensive, impactful projects that align with its updated State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). The program prioritizes projects that improve fall and winter habitat for ducks in public hunting areas or enhance breeding habitats in key areas such as North Park and the San Luis Valley. It also targets species identified in the updated SWAP, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need and a new subset, Species of Greatest Information Need. Eligible project types include wetland and riparian restoration, enhancement, and creation. Activities may involve habitat manipulations for beavers, feasibility studies, engineering, and on-the-ground habitat treatments, among others. Indirect costs are allowed but discouraged, with a cap of 10% of the grant request. Equipment purchases are generally not allowed, though pumps may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible applicants include local governments, state and federal agencies, tribes, nonprofit habitat conservation organizations, and private companies. CPW and other Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff may also apply. However, private landowners are not eligible to apply directly. Matching funds are not mandatory but are encouraged and considered during application scoring. All landowners whose properties are included in a project must provide support letters detailing the scope of work and any additional public access that may result. The submission process requires prospective applicants to contact the Wetlands Program Coordinator prior to applying. Applications must be submitted electronically by February 24, 2026, in both PDF and Word formats, with a total file size under 20MB. The file should include maps, photos, and any necessary support letters. The review process is multi-tiered, starting with format screening, followed by review by CPW regional and scoring teams, and concluding with recommendations from a statewide project selection committee to the CPW Director, who has final approval authority. The effective funding period is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. Projects must commence expenditures within the first 12 months or risk cancellation. "Shovel-ready" projects are strongly encouraged, though phased projects may be considered if they present a clearly articulated long-term vision and plan. Reporting requirements include quarterly updates and a detailed final project report with financial, ecological, and geospatial documentation. Insurance and contracting conditions apply to non-governmental applicants, who must also be registered to do business in Colorado. This program is recurring and reflects CPW’s ongoing investment in wetland conservation. Based on the current deadline and annual cycle, the next expected funding round will likely occur in early 2027. For additional information or questions, applicants should contact Brian Sullivan, Wetlands Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 970-472-4306.

Shovel-ready projects are encouraged; include timelines and clear justifications.