Twenty-three states are receiving a total of $450,000 in grants for white-nose syndrome projects. State natural resource agencies will use the funds for surveillance and monitoring of caves and mines where bats hibernate, preparing state response plans, and other related projects.
Quote:
“These grants help our state partners, who are on the front lines of the battle against white-nose syndrome, do essential work,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National White-Nose Syndrome Coordinator Jeremy Coleman. “White-nose syndrome has spread rapidly, requiring state and federal agencies to direct significant resources toward work on this deadly disease.”Funding source:
The funding for state grants comes from a $1.9 million congressional appropriation for white-nose work. One million dollars of the appropriation will be allotted to research grants, and $450,000 will support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service coordination and management of the response to white-nose syndrome.Background:
White-nose syndrome is a disease of unknown origin that has killed more than a million bats in the Northeast in four years. First seen in early 2006 on hibernating bats in a cave west of Albany, N.Y., it has been confirmed in 11 states and two Canadian provinces. It is considered likely in two more states. Despite a concerted effort by more than 50 agencies and organizations, no means of stopping WNS has yet been discovered.
Photos, additional background, current information, map: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html
List of states and grant amounts below.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works 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 a 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 about our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov. -FWS-States receiving WNS grants, May 2010
Notes: Many of the states did not receive the full amount requested and may be unable to fund all the needs identified in their grant applications. “Surveillance” refers to looking for white-nose syndrome in bats. “Monitoring” refers to recording bat population numbers and locations.
State name Grant Purpose of grant_____________________
1. Alabama $27,190 surveillance, monitoring, communications
2. Arkansas $21,143 surveillance, monitoring, cave closure signs
3. Connecticut $15,095 monitoring, research support, communication
4. Delaware $9,048surveillance, monitoring, communication, state response plan
5. Georgia $15,095 surveillance, monitoring, decontamination supplies, communication, cave closure signs
6. Indiana $20,400 surveillance, monitoring, assessment of cave closures
7. Iowa $12,600 surveillance, monitoring, communications
8. Kentucky $32,039 surveillance, monitoring
9. Louisiana $5,400surveillance, monitoring, state response plan
10. Massachusetts $9,048monitoring, cave gates
11. Minnesota $21,143 surveillance, monitoring, state response plan, communication
12. Mississippi $9,048monitoring
13. Missouri $32,039 cave gates, state response plan
14. New Hampshire $15,095 surveillance, monitoring, cave gates, communication
15. New Jersey $19,529 monitoring, developing new surveillance techniques
16. North Carolina $21,143 surveillance, state response plan, research support, communication
17. Pennsylvania $32,039 monitoring, investigate disease containment
18. South Carolina $15,095 surveillance, communication, assess cave conditions
19. Tennessee $27,190 monitoring
20. Vermont $21,143 surveillance, monitoring, communication, research support
21. Virginia $21,143 surveillance, monitoring, communication, research support
22. West Virginia $27,190 surveillance, monitoring
23. Wisconsin $21,143 surveillance, monitoring, manage winter and summer bat sites, communication
