APPENDIX VI 368
species has increased by more than six fold over the past ten years to an expenditure level of over $300
million, and that does not include land acquisition or spending on State listed species. We clearly need a
program to address problems early to avoid costly, intensive measures for recovery of these species.
In reaction to the identified need for resources to reverse the rate of endangered species listings,
Congress first provided funding to states for this purpose in 2001 with the Wildlife Conservation and
Restoration Program. Funds were allocated to the State fish and wildlife agencies on the basis of land
area and human population to help the plight of wildlife species in greatest conservation need. In 2002
and 2003, funds were provided through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program. The apportionment
for the states and territories in 2003 was over $57 million, with Mississippi’s share totaling over $662
thousand. To access these funds, states must match 25% of project costs for planning or 50% for
implementation projects.
To be able to participate in SWG, state agencies must agree to submit a Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy (CWCS) by October 1, 2005. Mississippi, like all other states and territories, has
committed to this effort. The purpose of the CWCS is to provide direction for wildlife conservation at a
state level, with a focus on the species with the greatest conservation need and their habitats. It must
consider the broad range of wildlife and associated habitats of the state, and cut across all jurisdictions.
Threats or problems facing these species and their habitats and proposed conservation actions to sustain
these species are also to be included. Within these guidelines, there are eight required elements to each
CWCS.
What’s here now? — distribution and abundance of wildlife species. Focus on low and declining
species that are indicators of the health of the state’s wildlife.
Health check — location and condition of habitats that are vital to conserving priority species.
Threats — identifying problems that may harm wildlife species and habitat, and priority research for
conservation actions.
Actions — prescriptions and priorities for conserving wildlife species and habitats
Monitoring — how to assess and measure effectiveness of conservation actions.
Review — assessment at intervals not to exceed ten years
Coordination — involvement of federal, state, local agencies and Indian tribes that manage lands or
programs affecting wildlife.
Public participation — required by law and essential for success in developing and carrying out plans.
You are needed now — and later too!
The process is well underway in Mississippi, but over the next several months we will be soliciting input
from the public and various potential partners. It is realistically a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity that
the development of the CWCS provides. It creates an atmosphere to bring all agencies, organizations,
and the public together under one umbrella to plot the course of future wildlife conservation. If SWG
can enjoy similar successes to Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration, we can reverse the
decline of many wildlife species by pooling our resources and talents in this timely partnership. For
more information contact Charles Knight at 601-354-7303 or [email protected]. WI