DCNR Awards More Than $372,000 In Wild Resource Conservation Program Grants To Help Protect Pennsylvania’s Native Biodiversity

On December 4, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the award of more than $372,000 to 11 projects dedicated to protecting Pennsylvania’s native biodiversity through the Wild Resource Conservation Program.

“The Shapiro Administration is proud to support these vital projects, which align with our mission to preserve Pennsylvania’s wildlife for future generations,” said Secretary Dunn. “Protecting our vulnerable species from climate change, human development, and other threats is a priority, and the Wild Resource Conservation Program plays a key role in achieving this goal.”

Administered by DCNR, the Wild Resource Conservation Program works to safeguard the Commonwealth’s non-game animals, native plants, and their habitats. Grants are awarded in three categories: species surveys, conservation, and management.

The 2024 grant round includes projects aimed at growing and surveying Pennsylvania’s fungal diversity to assessing natural habitats for stream restoration and improving threatened and endangered wildlife, flora, and fauna. 

Click Here for a list of projects funded.

The Wild Resource Conservation Program’s mission fits with the Shapiro Administration’s broader commitment to preserving and enhancing Pennsylvania’s natural resources. 

Established in 1982, the Wild Resource Conservation Program supports research and protection efforts for Pennsylvania’s diverse native wildlife, including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and plants. 

Pennsylvanians can contribute to the program through the Eastern Hellbender license plate or via the tax check-off program. 

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

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[Posted: December 4, 2024]  PA Environment Digest