Interior Secretary Salazar Announces $900,000 Grant Award
for Imperiled Species Conservation in Michigan and Indiana
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced an award of $864,020 to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to help conserve and recover imperiled wildlife species in Michigan and Indiana through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Competitive Program. The federal funding will be matched by $600,421 in non-Federal funds provided by the state and its partners for projects to benefit more than thirty imperiled species.
The grant is part of nearly $9 million in SWG Competitive Program funds awarded to twelve state wildlife agencies across the country to help imperiled fish, wildlife and plant species.
“The projects funded by these grants target some of the most imperiled species and habitats in the United States. They’re also among the most effective, because they are tied to well thought-out conservation plans that identify the highest priorities in each state – as well as the areas where we can make the biggest difference for imperiled species,” said Salazar.
The SWG Competitive Program, part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State Wildlife Grants Program, awards grants to projects that implement strategies and actions to conserve imperiled species contained in approved State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plans (also known as State Wildlife Action Plans). Grants are scored using criteria developed by a team of Service and state wildlife agency directors. Funding for the grants comes from Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 appropriations for the SWG Competitive Program.
“This grant provides a key opportunity to manage prairie fens and savannas for species of greatest conservation need, all identified in Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan,” said Russ Mason, Chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. “This was made possible through strong partnerships with other conservation organizations and our successful Landowner Incentive Program.” This grant will restore and enhance 200 acres of prairie fens and associated savannas to benefit the federally endangered Mitchell’s satyr butterfly, as well as another 400 acres for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, a candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Thirty-two other imperiled species will also benefit from this project.
All 56 states and territorial wildlife agencies have approved State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plans, which collectively provide a nationwide blueprint for actions to conserve imperiled species. The Plans were created through a collaborative effort among state and federal agencies, biologists, conservationists, landowners, sportsmen and the general public. Each Plan was then reviewed and approved by a national team that included members from the Fish and Wildlife Service as well as directors from state wildlife agencies.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
