Defenders' Experts
State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program
Defenders of Wildlife helped create the State & Tribal Wildlife Grants Program (SWG) to encourage proactive wildlife conservation by federal agencies, state agencies and Indian tribes. The purpose of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program is to protect the full range of biodiversity in each state by preventing species from becoming endangered.
Today, every state and territory has completed comprehensive wildlife conservation plans (often referred to as State Wildlife Action Plans) to prioritize and coordinate conservation actions. Defenders is working with state wildlife agencies to implement these plans and keep them up to date with emerging conservation issues such as climate change
State Wildlife Grant Funding
Defenders of Wildlife played a leading role in establishing the State & Tribal Wildlife Grants Program. Congress designates approximately $68 million in funding grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all 6 U.S. territories each year. This funding is intended to help the states develop biodiversity conservation programs.
Because the amount each state wildlife agency receives each year is not enough to meet all of its conservation goals, Defenders encouraged Congress to require each state to create a comprehensive wildlife conservation plan, commonly referred to in many states as a State Wildlife Action Plan. These plans help agencies prioritize and coordinate their conservation efforts.
State Wildlife Action Plans
State Wildlife Action Plans aim to identify the highest priority conservation needs and help coordinate conservation action within and between both government and non-governmental organizations.
Defenders commented on every state plan as it was being written, and in some states our field staff actively participated in the development of the State Wildlife Action Plan. Now that the Action Plans are completed, we are working with the states and other partners to identify ways for the states to implement their plans successfully and to help the states find the money they need for conservation actions outlined in the plans. Plan revisions are required at least every 10 years, and some states have opted to revise them more frequently to address emerging issues that affect plan implementation. For example, several states are working to better address concerns about climate change impacts and the importance of habitat connectivity as part of upcoming revisions.
Policy Connections
A strategic, science-based conservation plan can provide guidance for a wide range of policy issues. Conservation plans can help inform important land use decisions that have wide ranging and significant consequences for wildlife.
Linking Conservation and Land Use PlanningIn this report, Defenders analyzed the State Wildlife Action Plans in the context of land use planning and sprawling development. Rapid and sprawling urbanization poses a significant threat to wildlife nationwide. Analysis of the State Wildlife Action Plans shows us that development patterns are the top priority conservation issue for many states. Read this report to learn more about what your state said about development threats and how the State Wildlife Action Plans can help land use planners protect wildlife.
Linking Conservation and TransportationIn this report, Defenders analyzed the State Wildlife Action Plans in the context of transportation planning. Transportation infrastructure has significant impacts on wildlife. The most recent transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU, requires transportation planners to compare their plans to available conservation plans. The State Wildlife Action Plans can play an important role in informing transportation planning. This report looks at what the State Wildlife Action Plans have to say about transportation infrastructure and planning.
