The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program (STWG), and its predecessor, the State Wildlife Grants Program (SWG), were created by Congress to protect and manage fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need (SGCN). This proactive approach supports projects that help prevent fish and wildlife from declining to the point of being threatened or endangered.  Similar federal efforts exist for state fish and wildlife agencies for sport fishes (Sport Fish Restoration or Dingell-Johnson program) and game species (Wildlife Restoration or Pittman-Robertson program).

The primary emphasis of this program is on conservation of non-game fish and wildlife. Federal funding is presently annually apportioned to the states in a formula based on land area (1/3) and population (2/3). No State may receive more than 5% or less than 1% of the available funds.  The STWG program provides annual appropriations to the state wildlife agencies for the management, protection, and conservation of imperiled species and has resulted in more than $340 million in conservation funding since its inception in 2000.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) developed a "Wildlife Action Plan” (WAP) in order to identify and conserve Kentucky’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need and to comply with the requirements of the STWG Program.  This document represents a proactive plan for sustaining the diversity of species and habitats found in Kentucky.  KDFWR acted as the lead agency in this effort but many partners provided crucial input.  The general public was also invited to participate and provide input.  This is not KDFWR’s plan, but rather a plan for Kentucky’s SGCN, as well as for all interested Kentuckians.

II.    Applicant Eligibility

KDFWR is providing an opportunity for conservation organizations and universities to receive a portion of the STWG program funds through a competitive granting process.

III.  Project Eligibility

Projects must focus on the conservation and management of certain native species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mollusks, or fish and their associated habitats.  Projects should emphasize Kentucky’s SGCN, and have a duration of one to three years.  Other organisms not currently listed as SGCN in Kentucky, such as crayfish, will be considered if the proposed project will provide baseline data that will assist in determining if those organisms should be listed. 

  Appropriate projects include those that:

• benefit native species or assemblages on our SGCN list and their habitats
• include implementation activities (e.g., “on-the-ground” management, technical guidance, population monitoring, some public outreach efforts (please contact KDFWR if interested in a public outreach project, because only certain outreach projects are applicable), laboratory and field research, etc.)
• work to conserve an area of unique biodiversity 
• investigate factors that may contribute to the decline of listed species or habitat  
• provide data to determine status, distribution, or develop conservation recommendations for native species via surveys, inventories, and monitoring activities  

IV.   Funding Constraints

Legislation requires a 50:50 match of these federal funds for implementation projects, and a 75:25 match for planning projects.  Projects are only considered planning projects if they focus on:  (1) efforts to update, modify, or revise a State’s Strategy, (2) efforts to collect public opinion information or input that will be used to guide State efforts to update, modify, or revise its Strategy, or (3) processes, such as coordination meetings, that build collaboration between the State and partners.  All projects that do not focus on one of the above, are considered implementation projects. These federal funds may be matched using state or private funds.  Any applicants considering contributions (e.g., services, equipment, etc.) must adhere to federal guidelines on eligible match.  Successful applicants will be considered sub-grantees of KDFWR and must agree to follow federal laws and requirements.   

·         These federal funds are available on a reimbursement only basis. 

·         Costs accrued prior to grant approval by the US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) are not eligible for use as match or for reimbursement.

·         Federal funds cannot be used to match other federal funds.

·         Law enforcement is ineligible for STWG funding.

·         Projects focusing on public education and outdoor recreation are ineligible for funding.     

V.     Reporting Requirements

Project investigators must submit quarterly financial reports reflective of the expense categories listed in the proposed budget, quarterly progress reports, interim federal reports (for grants > 1year), final reports, and electronic copies of data to KDFWR.  Reports can be submitted electronically and should be in scientific format, including abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and literature cited.  Quarterly progress reports should state general results, to-date accomplishments, and justify any needed changes to the approach or budget (formats for progress, interim, and final reports will be provided to successful applicants).  Prior to the first field season, a detailed methods section and timeline will be provided to KDFWR.  In addition, KDFWR personnel may conduct other methods of monitoring progress, including on-site visits and scheduled meetings with project investigators.      

VI.   Selection Criteria

Project proposals will be evaluated on the following:

• Focus on implementation activities
• Focus on the conservation needs of declining species
• Provide own match and greatest return per dollar invested (versus those with excessive indirect costs)
• Incorporate multiple species of concern
• Incorporate priority conservation areas
• Involve multiple partners
• Achieve multiple management objectives and provide tangible benefits
• Possess a reasonable project timeline and efficient budget
• Adhere to format/application guidelines

VII.  Grant Selection

Applications will be reviewed by an internal technical review committee and will be scored based upon adherence to guidelines, project eligibility, incorporation of selection criteria, projects deemed most critical to state wildlife needs, and any additional criteria.  Partial funding may be awarded for projects if it is determined that the project will be successful with decreased funding. 

VIII.Submission Deadline

Grant applications must be received by December 31 of the current calendar year.  Applications received after this date, or incomplete applications, will not be considered for funding.  Applications may be sent electronically or via mail.  A confirmation of receipt will be sent to the applicant.       
  

IX.   Award Notification

Successful applicants will be notified by March 15 of the subsequent calendar year.  Following state agency acceptance, successful applicants will work with the agency to submit application for federal approval. 

X.     Availability of Funds    

It is expected that funds will be available by July 1 of the year in which the successful applicant is notified, but is contingent upon an approved USFWS grant and availability of funds.  Only those costs and contributions accrued during the grant period are reimbursable (must have federal approval prior to initiation of grant period).

XI.   Send Application to:

Danna Baxley

State Wildlife Grants/Research Coordinator

#1 Sportsman's Lane

Frankfort, KY 40601 

PH: 800-858-1549 x 460

danna.baxley@ky.gov