Wildlife Habitat Grant (IA)

The Wildlife Habitat Grant, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, supports County Conservation Boards in acquiring and developing land for wildlife habitat. This program offers cost-sharing of up to 75% for eligible projects, which must meet specific criteria, including being open to hunting and trapping. It aims to enhance Iowa's natural resources and promote sustainable practices among communities while ensuring that acquired lands are not used for incompatible activities.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.
Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.
The DNR strives to make Iowa a preferred place to live, recreate, and do business by providing access to natural areas and promoting nature-based activities. This is partly accomplished by fostering collaborative partnerships with citizens, industry, and federal, state, and local governments. DNR works diligently to educate and empower all citizens on the significance of, and benefits that derive from, Iowa’s natural resources.
The Wildlife Habitat Grant is open to County Conservation Boards for the acquisition of land and/or development for wildlife habitat purposes. The program will cost share up to 75% of costs. Grant recipients will not be permitted to provide public use facilities at their own expense for activities such as camping, picnicking and snowmobiling on areas acquired with the funds.
Lands must be open to hunting and trapping.Only those compatible activities such as fishing, hiking, nature study, cross-country skiing, etc. will be permitted.Applications must be for a project with a cost of not less than $4,000 due to administrative costs.

Eligibility

Open to County Conservation Boards for land acquisition and developmentDevelopment projects may include, but are not limited to the following:Establishment of tree and shrub plantings specifically for wildlife habitat including purchase of planting stock, herbicides and fertilizers, equipment rental, and post-planting maintenance during the first year.Establishment of grass seedings primarily for wildlife habitat including purchase of seed, herbicides and fertilizers, equipment rental, and post-establishment care during the second year if necessary. State assistance for the establishment of native grass on privately owned land will be based on the same rates established for any state-sponsored native grass program currently in effect.Dam, dikes, levees, and water-control structures, pothole blasting etc., to provide or enhance waterfowl habitat.Fencing where necessary to exclude livestock or otherwise protect habitat.
Timber stand improvement such as thinning and clearing for any other vegetative stand improvement to enhance wildlife habitat.
Acquisition projects are eligible when the land to be acquired is to be used for wildlife habitat purposes. The cost of an approved appraisal report and the cost of surveys necessary to determine acreage or to establish boundaries are also eligible for assistance.

Ineligibility

The following types of projects are not eligible for assistance:
Acquisition of land when the principal use of the land will be for something other than wildlife habitat.Any type of development which will not provide, protect, or enhance wildlife habitat.Maintenance except as provided for tree and shrub plantings and grass seeding.