Grants to benefit Midwest grasslands

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced last week $2.81 million in grants to maintain or improve nearly 65,000 acres of interconnected, native grasslands in Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.

The grants will generate $9.66 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $12.47 million.

The 16 grants will bolster efforts to sustain, restore and enhance habitats that support populations of grassland species such as greater sagegrouse, mule deer, pronghorn and black-footed ferrets.

The grants were awarded through the Northern Great Plains Program, a partnership between the foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, a private funding source and BNSF Railways.

“The actions of these partners provide the framework to keep the northern Great Plains grasslands healthy and supporting natural and social resources for generations to come. This initiative helps improve the grasslands and surrounding communities, working across ownerships and interests,” said Jane Darnell, deputy regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Region.

The Northern Great Plains Program also supports local projects where ranching communities and conservation organizations promote the common interest of intact grasslands.