People and organizations who work to protect Pennsylvania’s non-game animals, native plants and their habitat are invited to apply for a share of $1 million in grants from the Wild Resource Conservation Program.

Applications are due June 30 for work to be performed between January 2008 and June 2009.

“Field research and on-the-ground restoration efforts protecting some of our most vulnerable species are supported through these grants from the Wild Resource Conservation Program,” said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. “Over the years this program has helped reintroduce river otters and fishers in Pennsylvania; preserve and protect our rare plant species; and bridge the gap between scientific discovery and sound conservation policy.”

Launched in 1982, the program, funded through Growing Greener and voluntary contributions, 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.

A manual that includes information on how to apply, along with selection criteria, is available on the Wild Resource Conservation Program webpage.

Paper copies of the manual can be ordered from the Wild Resource Conservation Program, P.O. Box 8764, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8764. Questions on the grant program can be directed to WRCP Interim Director Greg Czarnecki at 717-783-1639.

5/4/2007