The Highlands Conservation Act Program helps Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania protect land and natural resources in the Highlands Region. This grant supports projects where state, county, or municipal entities buy land or land interests from willing sellers to conserve valuable natural resources. Governors of these states can apply for up to half the cost of these projects.
Who it's for: This grant is for state governments in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania that are interested in conserving land and natural resources in the Highlands Region.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Proposing a project for both Base and Competitive funding rounds
- Not being a state government from the specified states
- Lack of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Submitting after the application deadline
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Proof of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Documentation of land or interest acquisition plans
- Governor's endorsement or submission
- Budget breakdown
- Environmental impact assessments
- Maps and land descriptions
- Letters of intent from willing sellers
- State government registration and identification
Cautions
- Projects cannot be proposed for both Base and Competitive funding rounds
- Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate
- Verify eligibility as only state governments from specific states can apply
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are state governments from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. These entities must be involved in land conservation projects in the Highlands Region, acquiring land or interests in land from willing sellers to conserve resources of high conservation value.
Overview
This grant is for state governments in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania that are interested in conserving land and natural resources in the Highlands Region.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Proposing a project for both Base and Competitive funding rounds
- Not being a state government from the specified states
- Lack of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Submitting after the application deadline
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to cover up to 50% of the costs for acquiring land or interests in land to conserve natural resources in the Highlands Region.
Total Program Funding
$9,173,450
Expected Awards
4
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- May 19, 2026
- Deadline
- Oct 31, 2026(140 days)
Application Checklist
- Confirm eligibility as a state government from CT, NJ, NY, or PA
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Secure cost-sharing or matching funds
- Obtain Governor's endorsement
- Gather necessary environmental assessments
- Compile maps and land descriptions
- Collect letters of intent from willing sellers
- Submit application by October 31, 2026