The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service announced Oct. 21 it will award more than $6 million in Tribal Wildlife Grants to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native Tribes in 17 states.
In a press release, the Department of the Interior said the grants will provide partnership opportunities for fish and wildlife conservation.
“Respect for wildlife and their habitats is central to Indigenous communities’ relationships with our natural world. Since time immemorial, Native American and Alaska Native Tribes have engaged in conservation efforts that continue to inform our decision-making today,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
The grants will also support 37 projects focused on benefiting a wide range of wildlife and habitats, including species of Native American importance and those that are not hunted or fished, the release stated.
“This funding opportunity will help support our collaborative conservation efforts with Tribes to restore, conserve and protect Tribal resources, wildlife habitat and species – a main pillar of the 'America the Beautiful' initiative.”
The program has awarded more than $105 million to Native American and Alaska Native Tribes since its formation in 2003, supporting more than 590 conservation projects, the release stated.
“The Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides an unparalleled opportunity for federal and state government agencies to partner with Tribes in the conservation of our shared and highly valued natural heritage, as well as cultural priorities,” USFWS Principal Deputy Director Martha Williams said in the release. “These grants are critical in helping achieve these goals and strengthening partnerships between the Service and Tribes.”
The America the Beautiful initiative, directed by President Joe Biden’s calls for conservation, aims to restore 30% of lands and waters by 2023 to improve the quality of life for those who use these natural resources.
