Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) Grant

The Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) aims to mitigate wildlife conflicts, particularly with big game species in Colorado. It supports agricultural operators by enhancing migratory corridors and promoting private land conservation. Funded by a portion of hunting license revenues, HPP requires matching contributions for projects. Eligible applicants include agencies and individuals, while prioritizing collaborations. Projects can involve fence improvements, habitat enhancements, water development, and emergency conflict response, all focused on effective wildlife management and conservation efforts.

What is the Habitat Partnership Program?
The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.
Purpose
Work with private land managers, public land management agencies, sports persons, and other interested parties to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fence issues related to big game ungulate species (deer, elk, moose, and pronghorn)Assist CPW in meeting game management objectives
Assist with private land conservation efforts
The HPP is funded by 5% of the revenue from deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose hunting licenses in areas of the state covered by a local HPP committee. Matching contributions from project applicants are required for every project.
Enhance wildlife migration corridorsWhat types of projects can I do?
While HPP does a variety of projects, related to HPP’s main purpose: to reduce conflicts between livestock and big game, to help CPW achieve game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. Committees review projects that solve an immediate problem; for example, fence repairs. They also review projects that are longer term, such as habitat projects that take more planning time, implementation is more complex and results take longer. However, these types of projects, especially projects larger in scale and scope, are more valuable, cost-effective and have become a priority for HPP. The following is a non-exhaustive list of common projects:
Fence projects: Fence removal and/or updating existing fences to a wildlife-friendly design. HPP is not responsible for fencing livestock in or out. Their role in fence projects is to minimize wildlife conflicts and improve grazing practices. Virtual fence projects must comply with the latest version of the HPP Virtual Fence Policy.Habitat Improvement: HPP may fund various habitat improvement projects, such as seeding, fertilization, weed control, vegetation thinning, prescribed burns, forage leases, and grazing management. Conflict reduction or improved wildlife herd distribution outcomes are required.
Water development: HPP is a funding program, not a permitting program. While HPP may provide funding for projects, it is the responsibility of the applicant and/or landowner to obtain any necessary permits, approvals, licenses, surveys, water rights, etc. HPP will reimburse drilling costs for approved well projects only if enough water is found for a productive well. The State Council may require NRCS involvement.
Conservation Easements: HPP may consider contributing to transaction costs of easements that protect the property's conservation values, particularly agricultural productivity, wildlife habitat, and hunting access.
Emergency conflict response: HPP may participate in baiting operations and associated conflict relief efforts related to severe winter conditions.
Research and Monitoring: HPP may participate in research activities related to wildlife and range, including those focusing on habitat conditions, populations, inventory, and movement patterns.

Eligibility

Any agency, entity, organization or individual can applyHPP funding can only be used in those areas that have established HPP committees. Local HPP committee support is required for any habitat grant application.Project applications must have at least a 50% cash match from non HPP sources.

Ineligibility

This grant is intended to include one or more of the methods in Overview to treat current vegetative conditions on a large landscape scale. Proposals that include other project types, either for funding or as an in kind contribution, will be disqualified. HPP funds cannot be used for: agency staff time (permanent, seasonal or temporary), the purchase of equipment or for materials that would not be used in the implementation of the project or which have a useable lifespan after the project is completed. If an application has non habitat related projects included, those will be removed from consideration and this may affect the match. Due to the uncertainty of burn windows and the one year time frame to complete projects awarded this grant, burns will not be considered and should not be used as a match.