The guide first discusses a variety of federal conservation funding programs and their requirements for participation. Many of these programs have a special focus on protecting wetlands, scarce wildlife habitat, urban watersheds, undeveloped coastline, or farmland. Although not all of these programs are devoted entirely or specifically to fee and easement purchase, they may well prove valuable in an overall strategy that includes participation by federal, state, tribal, and local governments, non-profit conservation organizations and land trusts, and private interests — from industry and small businesses to foundations and individual donors. Appendix B contains information on the Fiscal Year 2003 appropriations for each of these programs, sources of funding, allocation of funds, typical project grant size, and special purposes.

The guide then summarizes state and local funding options, including notable innovative projects.