MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program

The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (RFP ID: DFW-2026-004) is administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). This competitive reimbursement grant program supports active wildlife habitat management on conserved private and municipal lands across Massachusetts during Fiscal Year 2026. The Division’s mission, reflected in this program, is to improve habitat conditions for native wildlife species, enhance climate resilience of ecosystems, and promote public access to nature for recreation and education. The program aligns with the goals of the 2025 Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan, with emphasis on benefiting Species of Greatest Conservation Need, particularly state-listed endangered, threatened, and special concern species. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to incentivize habitat improvement projects that provide measurable ecological benefits. Eligible projects include those that restore or create habitat conditions for priority species or ecological communities vulnerable to climate change, and those that enhance biodiversity and outdoor recreation access. Projects are required to focus on on-the-ground activities such as mowing, brush cutting, invasive species control, prescribed burning, woodland management, and habitat enhancement through planting native species. Costs eligible for reimbursement include staff time for implementation, contractor services, equipment rental or use, materials and supplies, and signage directly related to the project. Ineligible activities include land acquisition, public access infrastructure, boundary surveying, and research or educational activities. Funding is available for projects between $5,000 and $75,000, with no match requirement. The total duration of each grant agreement is approximately six months, beginning from the date of the Notice to Proceed and concluding no later than June 30, 2026. All work must be completed by this date, as no extensions will be granted. Funding is contingent upon available state capital funding, and MassWildlife reserves the right to rescind awards or adjust budgets based on final appropriations. The grant is issued on a reimbursement basis, meaning awardees will be reimbursed for approved costs after project completion and submission of proper documentation. A final project report, including pre- and post-treatment photographs, must be submitted within 30 days of project completion, with all reimbursement requests due by July 31, 2026. Eligible applicants include owners of private or municipal conserved lands in Massachusetts. Qualifying properties include those protected by a Conservation Restriction or Agricultural Preservation Restriction, lands enrolled in Chapters 61, 61A, or 61B, properties under Landowner Incentive Program covenants, municipally owned conservation lands, or lands owned by non-profit conservation organizations. Town Parks and Recreation lands are only eligible if they meet these protection requirements. Applicants must also comply with the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, the Wetlands Protection Act, and other relevant state laws. Projects located within designated Priority Habitat areas must undergo pre-file consultation with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). Applications will be accepted electronically via the COMMBUYS platform between September 26, 2025, and October 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. The application must include a detailed project proposal, budget, maps, photographs, and required forms. Evaluation is conducted by the MassWildlife Habitat Grant Ranking Committee, and proposals are scored based on alignment with program goals, cost-effectiveness, habitat impact, and long-term conservation value. A minimum score of 80 out of 140 points is required for funding consideration. Award notifications will be issued following review, and successful applicants must execute a standard contract with the Commonwealth before receiving a Notice to Proceed. Program contacts for this opportunity are James Burnham (Program Coordinator, james.burnham@mass.gov) and Emily Myron (Assistant Director of Land and Habitat Conservation, emily.myron@mass.gov), both at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, One Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Official grant information and materials are available on COMMBUYS and the MassWildlife website. It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor COMMBUYS for updates, amendments, and Q&A postings related to the RFP.

Applicants should consult NHESP for habitat review and submit clear, detailed maps and budgets.