PA Environment Digest

Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management Director Calvin W. DuBrock Thursday announced an invitation for project applications to the State Wildlife Grants Program. Applications are due June 8.

These projects will help address conservation needs through high-priority projects for endangered, threatened and at-risk species across Pennsylvania.

The federal dollars for this program are awarded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State Wildlife Grants Program. Grant recipients also contribute substantially to the project. Ultimately, the program represents a tremendous windfall for beleaguered Pennsylvania wildlife.

“The hundreds of nongame species that inhabit Pennsylvania historically have received limited funding at best,” DuBrock said. “The importance of nongame species has been recognized by the agency for a long, long time. It simply hasn’t had the funds required for comprehensive conservation. Now, with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and through partnering with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and State Wildlife Grants recipients, we are poised to manage these species like never before.

“State Wildlife Grants and partnering opportunities provide a much-needed infusion of funding that greatly expands wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania. These funds come at time when nongame research and fieldwork are more important than ever and surely will pay dividends to wildlife managers for many years to come.”

Because distribution of SWG funds is based upon land area and population size, Pennsylvania has received a large proportion of these funds, ranking among the top six states in funding received to date. However, conservation needs annually outpace the funds available, so competition for funding remains fierce among prospective projects.

“We look forward to working with our conservation partners across the state to develop the best projects for the sustainability of ecological benefits to the Commonwealth’s wildlife and residents,” DuBrock said. “This program provides us with a means to make a great difference, and we aim to do just that.”

For more information on Game Commission priorities for the 2012 SWG call for projects and guidelines for project applications, visit the agency’s website.

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