F23AS00302 - Migratory Bird Conservation in the Midwest

This program provides grants for the conservation of birds that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but not Federally-listed as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Proposals should address projects in the geographic area that includes USFWS Region 3 (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin); non-breeding season areas important for birds breeding in Region 3 states; or broad-scale actions that will have tangible benefits that include birds in these states. To focus conservation on the highest priority issues with the greatest probability of making a difference for birds, the Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program operates under the USFWS business model known as Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC). SHC integrates biological planning, landscape design, conservation delivery, and monitoring and evaluation in a way that generates adaptive feedback that enables sound decisions and constantly improves our efficiency and effectiveness in conserving birds.In 2023, the Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program will consider proposals addressing the following themes. NOTE: Applicants must consult with MB Staff as listed below BEFORE submitting an application (see contacts listed below within the respective proposal themes)Further understanding of migration, migratory connectivity, migratory threats, wintering ecology, and annual survival for birds moving within and through the Midwest—including local movements of birds-of-the-year during the period between hatching and dispersal/migration. Proposals addressing focal/priority species identified by Joint Venture partnerships in the Midwest are preferred - especially those focused on grassland-dependent species, shorebirds, or aerial insectivores. Visit https://umgljv.org/planning/joint-venture-plans/, https://www.chjv.org/priority-birds-habitats, or https://ppjv.org/assets/pdf/PPJV_2017_ImplPlan_Sec5.pdf to learn more. Staff Contacts: Andrew Forbes ([email protected]), Sarah Kendrick ([email protected]), Michael Wells ([email protected]), Kelly VanBeek ([email protected]) or Rachael Pierce ([email protected]). 2) Build capacity for sustainable conservation and monitoring of Neotropical migrants during the non-breeding season. Staff Contacts: Andrew Forbes ([email protected]), Sarah Kendrick ([email protected]), Michael Wells ([email protected]), [email protected]) or Rachael Pierce ([email protected]).3) Assess trends, status, limiting factors and /or causes of decline of Great Lakes waterbirds (e.g. King Rail, Yellow Rail, Herring Gull, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Black Tern) or shorebirds (e.g. Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin). Staff contact: Rachael Pierce ([email protected]) or Michael Wells ([email protected]).