WV- habitat conservation 2025-2026THE approved 2015 state wildlife action plan described 19 terrestrial habitat types which are linked to avian and mammal species of great conservation need (sgcn)

This U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Formula Grant under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) will provide $455,428.65 to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR) from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026. The funding will support several activities related to terrestrial habitat conservation and management in West Virginia, including:

1. Continued efforts to classify and map habitat types across the state linked to avian and mammal species of conservation need.
2. Initiation of a community health monitoring program for these primary habitats.
3. Assessment of the status of non-native invasive plant species in exemplary habitats.
4. Provision of technical assistance to public and private land managers for habitat restoration and enhancement projects.

The overarching goal is to address the primary threat of non-native invasive species to the 19 terrestrial habitat types in West Virginia, as identified in the state's 2015 Wildlife Action Plan. This work aligns with the Wildlife Restoration program's mission to conserve and manage wildlife and their habitats.

The plan also identified threats to these sgcn habitats. The primary threat to terrestrial habitat in west virginia is nonnative invasive species, primarily plants. Activities in this grant will continue habitat classification efforts across the state, initiate a community health monitoring program for the primary habitats, assess status of nnis plants in exemplary habitats, and provide technical assistance to public and private land managers with restoring or enhancing habitat on the property.