Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe this week announced an invitation for project applications to the State Wildlife Grants Program.

Grant applications are due June 13.

Projects funded under this program will help address conservation needs for 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.

This year, the Game Commission is requesting applicants submit "Letters of Intent" rather than complete project proposals. Selected applicants then will be invited to submit full proposals. The Game Commission hopes to finalize project selections in September, and award contracts later this year.

Also, for the first time, the Wild Resource Conservation Program has explicitly stated that it will be taking a close look at projects that meet Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan priorities.

"The hundreds of nongame species that inhabit Pennsylvania historically have received only limited funding at best, because of their sheer numbers and elusiveness," Roe 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 Fish and Boat Commission, Wild Resource Conservation Program 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. They 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," Roe 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 2008 SWG's call for projects, and guidelines for letters of intent, visit the Game Commission’s State Wildlife Grants webpage.

5/23/2008