White-Nose Syndrome Grants to State Willidfe Management Agencies. Endangered Species Conservation Recovery Implementation

The Service has targeted up to $1 million for this funding opportunity in 2018 to help build and adapt state capacity that will assist with the management and control of WNS and Pd. Available funds are from internally directed funds for Fiscal Year 2018. These grant awards are made under CFDA Number 15.657, Endangered Species Conservation â¿¿ Recovery Implementation Funds. Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq, as amended; Public Law 93-205, 87 Stat. 884, Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1978, Public Law 95-632, 92 Stat. 3751, and Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1982, Public Law 97-304, 96 Stat. 1411. 2018 PRIORITIES The purpose of this funding opportunity is to help our state partners build or expand WNS management programs. We intend to award funds that assist state agencies to complete the following activities: 1) provide information about sites available for WNS treatment research and development; 2) prepare for and respond to the establishment of Pd; 3) maintain inter-agency coordination for bat conservation and facilitate research for WNS ; 4) monitor bat populations and conduct surveillance for WNS and Pd; 5) conserve WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable bats; 6) conduct outreach on WNS and bats, and 7) participate in the Serviceâ¿¿s Annual WNS Meeting and regional bat working group meetings. Additional details about priorities are provided with the descriptions of eligible budget items below.