Project abstract RCN 3THE regional conservation needs (RCN) program formalizes a cooperative approach to actions that address species of greatest conservation need (sgcn) across multiple states

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission received a $256,307.69 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the State Wildlife Grants program (CFDA 15.634) for the period of April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2028. The funding supports regional coordination and implementation of conservation actions for species of greatest conservation need across multiple Northeast states. Specifically, the Commission is undertaking standardized survey protocol development, renewable energy impact analysis, and regional status assessment and conservation planning for priority species. A subaward of $ amount was provided to the Wildlife Management Institute, Incorporated to address needs associated with implementing the Pennsylvania State Wildlife Action Plan. The Formula Grant enables the Commission and its partners to advance the goals of the State Wildlife Grants program by developing conservation strategies and actions for sensitive species in the Northeast region through 2028.

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. Pennsylvania fish and boat commission is participating in work for stoneflies, terrapins, renewable energy, and technical support, in addtion to overall grant administration. 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.