White-Nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes - FY19

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is pleased to announce the availability of financial assistance to State and District of Columbia agencies and federally recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease of bats. As in previous years of this funding opportunity, State agencies are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. In 2019, the Service is extending eligibility for funding through this program to Tribal natural resource or environmental management programs. The most competitive proposals will present actionable plans to manage WNS and affected or potentially vulnerable bat species. WNS has been confirmed in three federally listed bat species (Indiana bat, gray bat, and northern long-eared bat). The northern long-eared bat was listed as Threatened primarily due to impacts of WNS. Concern over population declines resulting from WNS led the Service to schedule status assessments for two additional bat species: little brown bat and tricolored bat. The work funded through the WNS grant programs is expected to reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S. industry and the public by potentially precluding the need to list additional species. In addition, the projects funded will provide information that will ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis. Since 2008, funding through the WNS Grants to State Wildlife Management Agencies has provided critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of bat conservation efforts by States. Although WNS has decimated several species of bats in eastern North America, efforts taken with the support of funding from the Service¿s WNS program have helped the management community to focus efforts where there is the greatest need and benefit. Through the advances made in understanding WNS over the past decade, we now have numerous tools that management agencies can consider when developing and implementing management strategies for WNS. In this way, these grants support the priorities of the Department of the Interior by creating a conservation stewardship legacy, restoring trust with local communities, and striking regulatory balance. The Service has targeted up to $1.2 million (up to $1 million for States and up to $200,000 for Tribes) for this funding opportunity in 2019 to help State management agencies and Tribes develop and implement strategies to conserve species of bats that are affected by or vulnerable to WNS. Available funds are from internally directed funds for Fiscal Year 2019.