For the past five years, Congress has provided states with supplemental funding through the State Wildlife Grant program to conserve species that typically receive no monetary support. The SWG program does not take away from current game management programs, but instead complements funding shortfalls in programs already in place, and fills in gaps where funding has been lacking.

As a condition of accepting these funds, all 50 states were required to develop a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy - now called Wildlife Action Plan - and submit it to the USFWS by Oct. 1, 2005. The Wildlife Action Plan is intended to identify and focus on species of conservation priority, yet address each state's full array of wildlife.

"This benefits all species of fish and wildlife, not only those at potential risk," said Terry Steinwand, North Dakota Game and Fish Department director.

According to Steinwand, the SWG program represents an ambitious endeavor that allows states to take a more active role in keeping species from becoming threatened or endangered in the future. " North Dakota's Wildlife Action Plan will provide much of the framework for working toward that goal and preserving an important part of our state's heritage for future generations," he said.

North Dakota 's Wildlife Action Plan, available on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, contains information on species of conservation priority, threats that are causing species to decline, and actions for conserving them.

Game and Fish Department nongame biologists started developing the plan in 2002, and received input from land management agencies, tribal interests, nongovernmental organizations, researchers, experts and private citizens.

For more information on North Dakota's Wildlife Action Plan contact Game and Fish Department biologists Sandra Hagen at 328-6382 or Patrick Isakson at 328-6338.

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