The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, established in 2000 and administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada, provides funding for species identified under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), as well as species not listed under SARA but at risk of conservation concern. The two project categories with different funding allocations are the Species at Risk (SAR) Stream (for Schedule 1 species under SARA) and the Prevention Stream (ECCC 2015). The monarch is designated as Special Concern Schedule 1 under SARA, and a final management plan was released in 2016, in Management Plan for the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) in Canada. This plan identified several broad strategies to meet the plan’s objectives, including “Conserve current Monarch staging habitat in Canada, and promote the enhancement of staging areas that are essential to successful migrations” (Environment Canada 2014). Under the SAR stream, projects by individuals on private lands are eligible, including those targeting restoration, enhancement, or management of habitat for SAR species. In particular, tallgrass prairie habitat is considered a priority landscape.

Funded activities may include planting or removal of invasive species, and BMP implementation. Other activities related to land protection, program planning, monitoring and outreach are also eligible. Funding can range from C$10,000 to C$100,000, annually. Multi-year projects are preferable, with funding up to three years, and 1:1 match is required from non-federal sources. In-kind resources are eligible as match and need not all be available up-front. A list of eligible costs is provided on the website, as is information regarding elements of a successful project. Recipients of this incentive can also amend an existing agreement to implement new or additional measures for their project. Submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) is recommended but not required for applicants prior to submission of a full proposal, in order for them to receive helpful feedback (ECCC 2015). Funding in 2015 supported 18 projects that benefit pollinators, including monarchs (Leck 2016).

• Environment Canada. 2014. Management Plan for the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) in Canada [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. iv + 39 pp.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). 2015. The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. www.ec.gc.ca/hsp-pih/.
• Victoria Leck. 2016. Canadian Wildlife Service, Consultation Biologist. Personal communication.

Amount of the Incentive
C$10,000 to C$2,000,000 annually. 1:1 match required and may include in-kind resources. Projects may receive additional funding to implement new or additional measures as an amendment to an existing agreement.

Related Institutional Objectives or Targets
Loi sur les espèces en péril

Keywords: best practices, direct financial payment, enhancement, management, monarch, restoration, species at risk, technical assistance