February 25, 2010
More Than $7 Million Awarded to 42 Native American Tribes in 16 States for a Wide Range of Conservation Work
For Immediate Release – February 25, 2010
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced more than $7 million in grants will go to 42 Native American projects in 16 states to fund a wide range of conservation projects nationwide.
“Tribal Wildlife Grants are much more than a fiscal resource for Tribes. The projects and partnerships supported by this program have enhanced our commitment to Native Americans and to the United States’ shared wildlife resources,” Salazar said.
More than $50 million has gone to Native American tribes through the Tribal Wildlife Grants program in the past eight years, providing funding for 400 conservation projects administered by 162 participating Federally-recognized tribes. The grants provide technical and financial assistance for the development and implementation of projects that benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitat, including non-game species.
“The Tribal Wildlife Grants program has helped the Service to collaborate more effectively with Native American tribes in conserving and restoring the vast diversity of fish and wildlife habitat they manage,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Rowan Gould.
The grants have enabled tribes to develop increased management capacity, improve and enhance relationships with partners including State agencies, address cultural and environmental priorities, and heighten interest of tribal students in fisheries, wildlife and related fields of study. Some grants have been awarded to enhance recovery efforts for threatened and endangered species.
The grants are provided exclusively to Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments and are made possible under the Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2002 through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant program.
During the current grant cycle, tribes submitted a total of 137 proposals that were scored by panels in each Service Region using uniform ranking criteria. A national scoring panel recommended 42 proposals for funding.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.