Sacramento ??? Threatened with endangered species expansion, California officials today urged the Senate to reject a House-imposed $25 million cut to the State Wildlife Grants Program. California's Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is also asking that funding for the proposed $75 million program be increased to $85 million. DFG is eligible for 5 percent of the total federal appropriation.??

"Without significant funding from the State Wildlife Grants Program, California risks losing momentum in implementing conservation strategies for critical species," said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick. "We urge the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee to support a funding level of $85 million for the program in fiscal year 2007."

?ĮOn May 11, the House approved a federal budget with a cut of $24.7 million for the national grants program, often touted as the country's primary effort for endangered species prevention. Last year, the State Wildlife Grants Program was appropriated $68.5 million. The President's Fiscal Year 2007 budget proposes an increase in the program to $74.7 million. ??In March, 170 House members and 56 Senators crossed ideological, regional, and partisan lines to sign a letter urging an increase in funding for the program to $85 million.?? However, if the Senate approves the House's recommended cut it will put California's 5 percent share at $2.5 million compared to $4.2 million the state would receive if the program was funded at $85 million.

"Conservation efforts are critically important to the health of California's spectacular resources," said Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman. "The State Wildlife Grants Program has afforded us successful species conservation like the tri-colored blackbird that benefited from grant funding. A proper funding level is crucial to continue vital projects and facilitate new partnerships with private landowners. As they did last year, the Senate needs to lead the effort to protect this program."

According to analysis from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the drastic federal cut is especially problematic, as states have completed proactive plans for wildlife conservation.?? The State Wildlife Action Plans are a component of the State Wildlife Grants Program and are specifically required by Congress. These plans were years in the making and are supported by more than 3,500 conservation organizations.

California's action plan identifies 807 vulnerable wildlife species and actions necessary to improve wildlife populations and the habitats upon which they depend. The plan, known technically as a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy, is based on the concept that the best insurance the state can have is to ensure that the conservation of species and habitats is increased. The draft plan is out for public comment.

Created by Congress in 2001, State Wildlife Grants allocate federal dollars to every state wildlife agency to address pressing wildlife needs.?? Projects range from habitat restoration to invasive species management and have created new conservation partnerships between the states and private conservation groups. As the largest single source of funds for state wildlife diversity programs, State Wildlife Grants have enabled states to focus on many wildlife management issues not previously addressed.

The State Wildlife Grants program has strong support from the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, a bipartisan group that supports hunting, fishing and conservation and is the largest caucus on Capitol Hill. In March, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) along with Senator Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) co-authored a letter to fellow Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus members urging them to support increased funding for State Wildlife Grants.