Applications are now being accepted for $1 million in grants for projects protecting Pennsylvania's non-game animals, native plants and their habitat by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The deadline for applications is 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, the Wild Resource Conservation Program is focusing on five critical areas: effects of climate change on biodiversity; elementary education materials; Wildlife Action Plan priorities; wild plant management; and general biodiversity projects.

"By funding projects that address one or more of these priorities, we will be able to address the most critical issues facing Pennsylvania's non-game species and wild plants," said program Executive Director Greg Czarnecki. "We'll be focusing on those species and habitats most at risk, and filling educational needs identified during teacher workshops we've held over the past year."

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.

Projects for the current round of grants must be completed between January 2009 and June 2010.

A manual that includes information on how to apply, along with selection criteria, is available at 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 grants program can be directed to Czarnecki at 717-783-1639 or send email to: gczarnecki@state.pa.us .

5/2/2008