The regional conservation needs (RCN) program formalizes a cooperative approach to actions that address species of greatest conservation need (sgcn) across multiple states

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources received a $245,666 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the State Wildlife Grants program (CFDA 15.634) to administer the Regional Conservation Needs grants from April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2028. The grant supports regional coordination on species of greatest conservation need across multiple Northeast states through six projects, including standardized survey protocols, an analysis of impacts from renewable energy development, and maintenance of a regional database on species status and conservation actions. A subaward of $100k was provided to the Wildlife Management Institute to administer the annual State Wildlife Grant funds distribution process for the Northeast Regional Conservation Needs grant program.

The purpose of the RCN grants is to develop, coordinate, and implement conservation actions that are regional sub-regional in scope, and build upon the many regional initiatives that already exist. The RCN program utilizes a funding mechanism that is equitable to all northeast states and the district of columbia, creating a base of funding for regional projects. The RCN 3 grants support the overall administration of the RCN program, plus 6 projects that address high priority sgcn and regional issues. These are: regional coordination of invertebrate conservation tiger beetle status assessment and survey methods stonefly status assessment northern diamondback terrapin survey methods renewable energy white paper and impact analysis and regional technical support services. The expected results of this grant will be standardized survey protocols that will be implemented within the northeast, an analysis of the impacts of renewable energy development on sgcn, and continued maintenance and development of regional analysis of status, threats, and conservation actions for regional sgcn.intended beneficiaries are the public who use and appreciate sgcn and their habitats. There are subrecipient activities, as identified in the project narratives.