Marking its 30th anniversary of safeguarding Pennsylvania's non-game animals, native plants and their habitat, the Wild Resource Conservation Program again is accepting applications for grants to protect the state's native biodiversity.

            Applications are due July 2.

For the past three decades, the program overseen by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded more than 1,700 grants in support of research, conservation and education projects across Pennsylvania.

The WRCP is soliciting grant applications in four areas: species surveys; conservation and management; research; and educational media.

"To secure our best investment of grant dollars, we have solicited input from DCNR's bureaus of forestry, state parks, and recreation and conservation," said WRCP Executive Director Greg Czarnecki. "This diverse input will better enable us to identify the most effective research and conservation efforts."

Launched in 1982, the program 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 for work performed between January 2012 and June 2013. Applications will only be accepted electronically through DCNR's eGrants online grant application system.

To apply for a grant, or learn more about the application process and this year's priorities, visit the Wild Resource Conservation Program webpage.

6/18/2012