If you read paragraph 5 of Senator Smith's Dear Colleague letter you will notice that Pittman Robertson, as it appeared in Title 3 in CARA and Title 1 of S-990, was funded as far back as 2000. It was likely also funded in subsequent years.
In spite of what ALRA and Henry Lamb might say about expansion of ESA and S 990 creating "Species at Risk", this designation already exists. In fact, there have been Federal Grants available to private land owners for "Species at Risk" for over a year now. These are available thru the Landowner Incentive Program and Stewardship Grant Program. They will also be available this year thru the $100 million Cooperative Consevation Initiative.
Q. How much matching funding would be required?
A. The citizen or organization applying for the grant would be required to contribute at least 50 percent of the cost of the project. In-kind contributions such as supplies and labor would count towards the 50 percent.
Q. What kinds of projects would be funded?
A. Projects would have to restore or conserve natural resources such as wetlands, streams and other habitat for the benefit of wildlife and people. Restoration of cultural resources or recreation facilities are funded through other programs.
Cool. So I can claim that awhile back, before they put in my subdivision, there was a pond on my land, so I can go dig a pond in my back yard (the labor) for the ducks (restoration), and the Federal government will pay me for it.