Raise awareness about the benefits, successes, and opportunities of wildlife conservation in the commonwealth of massachusetts and to garner continued participation and support by both license holders…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife $1.7125 million under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) on July 1, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2030. This formula grant supports a five-year public awareness and education initiative designed to increase understanding of wildlife conservation benefits and management practices across Massachusetts. The project delivers outreach and education through multiple platforms including publications, traditional media, social media, website content, and public events, with no anticipated subrecipient agreements.

The initiative aims to achieve several key outcomes: enhanced public awareness of Massachusetts Wildlife (MassWildlife) resource management practices, improved access to accurate wildlife information, increased public support for wildlife research and habitat management, promotion of outdoor recreation activities, and greater appreciation for wildlife conservation funding models. By applying social science research methodologies, the project seeks to garner continued participation and support from both hunting and fishing license holders and the general public, thereby strengthening the foundation for ongoing wildlife conservation efforts and quality of life improvements for Massachusetts residents and visitors.

Raise awareness about the benefits, successes, and opportunities of wildlife conservation in the commonwealth of massachusetts and to garner continued participation and support by both license holders and the general public through the application of social science research. Activities to be performed include project administration and outreach education through various platforms such as publications, traditional media, social media, website content and events. Expected outcomes include an increase in the publics awareness and understanding of how masswildlife manages the states wildlife resources enhancement of the publics opportunity to obtain accurate information about massachusetts wildlife increase public support for the continued research and management of wildlife, and their habitats encourage outdoor recreation that improves the quality of life among the states residents and visitors and increase the publics appreciation and support for wildlife conservation programs with an understanding of the funding models that support them. There are no subrecipient agreements anticipated under this award.