Chesapeake WILD

Consistent with the Chesapeake WILD Framework, developed by FWS in partnership with the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership, the Chesapeake WILD Program supports efforts to conserve, steward, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats and related conservation values in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The WILD Program Pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat
• Pillar 2: Improve water quality for fish, wildlife and people
• Pillar 3: Align the power of nature to adapt to changing landscapes
• Pillar 4: Expand access to nature and outdoor recreation for all Americans
• Pillar 5: Build partnership capacity to collaborate and coordinate actions

The Chesapeake WILD Grants Program has two distinct tracks:

• Implementation: Grants of $75,000-$750,000 for projects that result in direct on-the-ground conservation, stewardship, and enhancements of fish and wildlife habitats and related conservation values in the Bay watershed.
• Planning and Technical Assistance Grants: Up to $75,000 for projects that enhance the capacity of local and regional partners to implement future on the ground actions consistent with the priorities above, through community-based assessment planning, design, and other technical assistance-oriented activities.