NOAA Fisheries announced up to $99 million through the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund for conservation and recovery projects supporting Pacific salmon on the West Coast and Alaska. The funding supports state and tribal projects to improve habitat and increase salmon and steelhead populations, with applications due June 29, 2026.
Mud Hole Custom Tackle and CCA Florida announced Pierson Hewitt from Winter Park High School as the $5,000 Grand Scholarship winner of the Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program. Hewitt implemented conservation initiatives including a youth camp, rod building seminar, and lake cleanup programs. The partnership has awarded $39,000 in total scholarship funds to students focused on Florida's environmental health.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department increased Local Sportsmen's Group grant funding to $100,000, a $25,000 boost since 2007. Doug Burt, AZGFD's R3 program manager, noted the increase addresses inflation and rising event costs. Applications are due June 14, 2026.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's distribution of over $57 million through the State Wildlife Grants Program to support state conservation efforts. Funding supports habitat restoration and species management, with recent successes including Boreal Toad conservation in Utah and Guadalupe Bass restoration in Texas.
The Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program presented by Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Program is a five-day educational experience for Florida high school students featuring marine facility tours, industry leader meetings, and speech competitions with college scholarship opportunities. Applications are open with a May 1 deadline, and the program runs June 14-18, with graduates eligible to compete for the Grand Scholarship.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Office announced $44 million in grants through the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grant program and Small Watershed Grants program. Recipients including Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation, and Watershed Alliance of York will restore wetlands, improve fish habitat, and reduce nutrient pollution across the Chesapeake Bay region.
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's announcement of $1.2 billion in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration apportionments to support states, commonwealths, and territories in conservation and outdoor recreation efforts funded by excise taxes on hunting, shooting, boating, and angling equipment.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is committing $65,000 this year to scholarships and conservation grants. The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation have recently received funding to purchase habitat structures, with the Hall expecting total contributions to exceed $160,000 over seven years.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced $12.5 million in funding for 30 conservation projects in the Delaware River watershed, generating $29.3 million in total investment. Projects will restore habitats, improve water quality, and enhance public access across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.