Application period is closed for FY24.
The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program provides assistance to private and municipal owners of protected lands to enhance wildlife habitat, while promoting public access for outdoor recreation.
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Application period is closed for FY24.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is responsible for the conservation—including restoration, protection, and management—of fish, wildlife, and their habitats in Massachusetts. Although MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition in Massachusetts, land protection alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of the Commonwealth’s diverse wildlife. Investment in habitat restoration and management is urgently needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, MassWildlife and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have substantially increased their investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and are committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on other conserved lands across the state. The MHMGP program encourages landowners to engage in active habitat management on their properties to benefit wildlife.
MHMGP objectives
Owners of private or municipal conserved lands in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Conserved land is defined as property protected by a Conservation Restriction or Easement, an Agricultural Preservation Restriction, land enrolled in Chapter 61, 61A/B, land subject to a current Landowner Incentive Program covenant, land owned in fee by a non-profit organization whose primary mission is the conservation of land, municipal land under the care and control of the town conservation commission and town forests (parks and recreation land is not eligible unless there is a conservation restriction or it is enrolled in Chapter 61 or 61A/B); or an entity under equivalent protection as determined by MassWildlife staff.
Award amounts: Applicants are eligible to receive between $10,000 and $75,000 per grant towards their approved habitat management project.
Posting date:
MassWildlife posted the FY2024 MHMGP grant application and RFP on September 1, 2023.
Application deadline: Applications are closed for FY24.
Project deadline: All work must be completed and all awarded funds expended by June 30, 2024. There are no extensions possible under this program.
Examples of Habitat Types supported by the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program
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Upland |
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Wetland |
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Aquatic |
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Examples of Habitat Restoration & Management Practices supported by the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (with applicable permitting)
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Upland |
Mowing Prescribed Burning Invasive Control Harrowing Seeding Tree Clearing & Stumping |
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Wetland |
Prescribed Burning Invasive Control |
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Aquatic |
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Allowable activities/costs (partial list, see RFP for full list):
Direct costs for on the ground habitat improvements specifically designed to benefit wildlife will be eligible for reimbursement. All project costs must be approved in the agreed upon contract budget to be eligible for reimbursement.
Ineligible activities/costs:
Contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator, with questions.