Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunnannounced that $320,866 in Wild Resource Conservation Program grants have been awarded to nine projects aimed at protecting Pennsylvania's native biodiversity.
"These projects will help critical field research and on-the-ground conservation projects that protect some of our most vulnerable species across the commonwealth, specifically focusing on research in the effect of climate change on rare plants, medicinal and edible plants, moth and butterfly conservation, and other key conservation areas," Dunn said. "DCNR will continue to support projects of this nature as we work to protect our native wildlife resources for future generations."
Overseen by DCNR, the program safeguards Pennsylvania's non-game animals, native plants and their habitat. Grants are awarded in three areas: species surveys, conservation and management.
Among this year's grant priorities are surveys and projects focusing on edible and medicinal plants, effects of fire management on wildlife, the checkered sculpin fish, plant genetics and more.
The funded projects are as follows:
Genetics of Three Endemic Appalachian Plants (Bucknell University) -- $47,992
Climate Change Effects on Rare Plants (or the Distribution and Ecological Assessment of Pennsylvania Plants of Special Concern) (Carnegie Institute) -- $29,746
Medicinal and Edible Plants (Penn State University) -- $31,663
Blue Lupine's Response to Fire, Deer, and Microhabitat Management (Penn State University) -- $46,660
Freshwater Mussels and Invasive Fish in French Creek (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) -- $53,083
Moth and Butterfly Conservation Ranks (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) -- $30,423
Globally Rare Tiger Beetles of Pennsylvania (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) -- $32,362
Habitat Conservation Plan for Limestone Barrens (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) -- $10,173
Genetics of Endangered Pennsylvania Plant Species (Wilmington College) -- $38,824
Visit DCNR's website for more information on the specific projects (PDF)
Applications are being accepted for the 2022 round of funding (PDF), which will focus on surveys, research, conservation and management and climate change.
Visit DCNR's website for more on the grant round (PDF).
Launched in 1982, Wild Resource Conservation Program encourages and supports research and protection efforts to conserve Pennsylvania's diverse native wildlife resources, including bird and mammal species, amphibians and reptiles, insects, and wild plants.
Learn more about the Wild Resource Conservation Program.
Categories: Pennsylvania, Rural Lifestyle