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

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) received a $364,571 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 April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2028.

Under the award, NJDEP will coordinate six projects addressing high priority Species of Greatest Conservation Need and regional issues across multiple Northeast states. This includes developing standardized survey protocols for invertebrates, tiger beetles, and stoneflies; assessing the status and distribution of northern diamondback terrapins; analyzing the impacts of renewable energy development on protected species; and providing regional technical support services. NJDEP will also administer the overall Regional Conservation Needs program. The projects are intended to benefit the public through conservation of at-risk species and their habitats. Subrecipient activities will be conducted as identified in each project narrative. Upon completion, NJDEP aims to have implemented new survey methods, conducted a renewable energy impact analysis, and continued analysis of the status, threats to, and conservation of regional species of concern.

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.