DNR announces 2015 Wildlife Habitat Grant recipientsMichigan

The Department of Natural Resources today announced the recipients of the 2015 Wildlife Habitat Grants. A total of $1,062,807 was awarded to various conservation organizations, units of government, landowners and nonprofit organizations.

 

The Wildlife Habitat Grant Program, which began in October 2013, is funded with a portion of the revenue from the hunting and fishing licenses sold each year. This grant program is directly related to the new hunting and fishing licensing structure passed by the Michigan Legislature that took effect in March 2014. The Department of Natural Resources administers the program through a cooperative effort between its Wildlife Division and Grants Management Section.

 

The program aims to enhance and improve the quality and quantity of game-species habitat in support of a specific goal from the Wildlife Division’s strategic plan, The GPS (Guiding Principles and Strategies). The grant program’s primary goal relates to GPS Goal 2 – Manage habitat for sustainable wildlife populations in a changing environment.

  

“Hunting generates more than $2.3 billion for Michigan’s economy,” said Russ Mason, Wildlife Division chief. “This program impacts wildlife habitat across the state to ensure there are quality hunting opportunities. In addition, these grants benefit everyone who enjoys the state’s world-class natural resources. We appreciate what hunters and anglers do to fund the professional management of Michigan’s woods and waters.”

 

Mason added that these grants provide additional resources to the DNR’s partners so they can help do the work that wildlife need. “It expands our work force by having partners spend time on important wildlife priorities.”

 

Examples of funded projects include the expansion of wetland areas for improved waterfowl habitat and improved food sources for upland game birds in several locations across the state, as well as increased food and shelter for white-tailed deer.