DCNR Offers Grants For Protecting Non-Game Species

Applications are being accepted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for grants to protect Pennsylvania's non-game animals, native plants and their habitat.

 

Applications are due June 30.

 

For more than 25 years the Wild Resource Conservation Program has helped to protect Pennsylvania's native biodiversity by supporting research, conservation, and education projects.

This year WRCP is soliciting grant applications in five areas: effects of climate change on biodiversity; Internet-based educational tools; wildlife protection plan priorities; wild plant management; and general biodiversity projects.

 

"Our native species are facing more challenges today than ever," said WRCP Executive Director Greg Czarnecki. "Habitat loss, competition from invasive species, pollution, and the imminent threat of climate change means that we must focus our resources on applied science and conservation projects that reduce or eliminate the effects of these stresses."

 

Launched in 1982, the program is funded through Growing Greener and voluntary contributions, and supports research and protection efforts to conserve Pennsylvania's diverse native wildlife resources, including bird and mammal species, amphibians and reptiles, insects and wild plants.

 

Applications should be fore projects between January 2010 and June 2011. For the first time, applications only will be accepted electronically through DCNR's eGrants online grant application system.

 

For more information, visit the Wild Resource Conservation Program webpage. Questions on the grants program can be directed to Greg Czarnecki at 717-783-1639.