FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2010
Contact: Ashley Spratt 612-713-5314
Iowa and Michigan Receive Nearly $1.6 million to Support Species of Greatest Conservation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region announced recently that nearly $1.6 million in grants will be going to state fish and wildlife agencies in Iowa and Michigan to help conserve and recover Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Competitive Program. Priority is given to multistate, cooperative conservation projects that demonstrate measurable performance results and benefits SGCN. This federal funding will be matched by more than $700,000 in non-Federal funds provided by states and their partners for projects helping SGCN and their habitats.
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 SGCN contained in approved State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plans (also known as State Wildlife Action Plans). Funding for the grants comes from Fiscal Year 2010 appropriations for the SWG Competitive Program.
All 56 states and territorial wildlife agencies have approved State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plans, which collectively provide a nationwide blueprint for actions to conserve SGCN. 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.
Funded projects in the Midwest include:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources: The Use of Fire and Grazing to Improve Grassland Habitats for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) – This project will develop an effective management framework for increasing the diversity of grasslands in working landscapes, thereby increasing the capacity of these areas to support viable populations of SGCN. Project activities will take place on both public and private lands. The use of fire and grazing will initially enhance conditions for SGCN that prefer a mix of woodland and open country, such as the loggerhead shrike. As woody vegetation becomes less prevalent (or is prevented from spreading on lands that were recently grazed, but are now used exclusively for recreation), habitat for SGCN that require open grasslands will be created or enhanced (e.g., the greater prairie chicken and Henslow’s sparrow). Over time, with moderation of stocking rates and application of fire, these lands will exhibit greater herbaceous structural diversity and begin to accommodate species requiring more variation in grassland habitat structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure (e.g., the regal fritillary butterfly and upland sandpiper). Private lands dedicated to grazing or recreational uses and proximate to existing reserves will thus effectively act in a complementary fashion to benefit these SGCN and other grassland-dependent wildlife. Iowa DNR will partner with the Missouri Department of Conservation as well as personnel from Illinois and Oklahoma to accomplish project goals.
Federal funds awarded: $732,904; non-federal match: $317,113
Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Oak Savanna, Pine Barrens and Jack Pine Restoration in Michigan and Ohio for Species of Greatest Conservation Need – This project will restore and enhance 600 acres of oak savanna in Michigan and Ohio for the recovery and benefit of the Karner blue butterfly and restore 400 acres of pine barrens and jack pine forest in Michigan for the recovery and benefit of Kirtland’s warbler. In addition, the project will potentially benefit 188 SGCN that utilize oak savannas, pine barrens and jack pine forests. Forty-five percent (or 450 acres) of the project lands fall under private ownership. The states of Michigan and Ohio will partner to accomplish project goals and activities.
Federal funds awarded: $852,484; non-federal match: $383,000
For more information on these grants, go to http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SWG/SWG.htm.
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 www.fws.gov.
