State Wildlife Grants Program

In 2001 the U.S. Congress created the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program (WCRP) and State Wildlife Grants Program (SWG) to address the needs of declining fish and wildlife. These are the primary federal programs to prevent future endangered species listings. The US Fish and Wildlife Service distributes funding to state wildlife agencies using a formula based on population (2/3) and land area (1/3).

Competitive Grants Program

Since the inception of the programs, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has opted to make a portion of its annual allocation available to partners through a competitive grants program. During the last six years the Commission has awarded over $3 million in grants to conservation partners and universities to conserve at-risk species and their habitats. An advisory committee with representatives from private conservation organizations will make funding recommendations to the agency's Board of Commissioners. This year the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is making at least $300,000 available through the competitive grants program. To apply for a competitive grant, download an application, scoring & eligibility criteria, application instructions/timeline and related materials. Proposals require a 50% nonfederal match.

Although proposals addressing any Legacy Plan need are welcome, the following subjects have been identified as specific needs and will be given additional consideration during the ranking process:

2) Research identifying relative vulnerability and optimal conservation strategies for Tier I and II species in relation to climate change.

3) Research identifying best management practices to reduce invasive species impacts on Tier I and II species and priority communities.

4) Habitat management projects that target improvements for Tier I plant species.

5) Comprehensive bat surveys in the Pine Ridge Biologically Unique Landscape (BUL).

6) Comprehensive mussel surveys in the Tallgrass Prairie ecoregion, particularly in the Missouri River and/or Elkhorn Confluence BULs.

Further, projects are particularly encouraged that 1) address specific needs of Tier I species, and 2) include a public education component.

Natural Legacy Plan

In September 2006, Nebraska completed the Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan. Congress required that each state complete a wildlife action plan as a condition for receiving funding through the State Wildlife Grants program. Nebraska's planning effort included unprecedented collaboration between the state's conservation and agricultural communities and is being used to prioritize future conservation work and expenditures of State Wildlife Grants and other funding programs. Initial implementation of the Natural Legacy Project is being done in partnership with the Nebraska Environmental Trust through several flagship initiatives. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Partnership Team, consisting of the state's leading conservation and agricultural organizations is helping to guide implementation. All future allocations of State Wildlife Grant funds will be closely tied to implementation of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan.

Kristal Stoner
Wildlife Diversity Coordinator
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 N. 33rd Street
PO Box 30370
Lincoln, NE 68503-0370
kristal.stoner@nebraska.gov