Wildlife Programs Funded

In the last fiscal year, Idaho was able to fund 15 wildlife programs with money approved by Congress under the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program. Idaho received $570,141 from the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program to fund wildlife conservation, education, and recreation projects. As in other states, demand for wildlife programs eligible for WCRP funds far outstripped the $570,141 that Idaho received. In fact, more than $500,000 in project proposals were submitted to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, demonstrating a continuing need for the support the WCRP provides. Fifteen projects in Idaho were approved for WCRP funding. Many of the projects would have remained stuck in the planning stages without the support provided through WCRP. Now they are becoming a reality, to the benefit of kids, sportsmen, and the public throughout Idaho. Conservation Project Examples Conservation Data Center (Natural Heritage Program:($48,933) The objective is to continuously collect the best biological information available on candidate, sensitive, threatened, endangered, and species of special concern in Idaho and their habitats and to manage databases containing that information. This information goes to a wide array of users involved in conservation planning. The Conservation Data Center (CDC) provides up-to-date and comprehensive information (distribution, abundance, habitat status, and threats) on special status species. This information is important in developing conservation strategies that support proactive conservation planning and reduce the likelihood of listing under the Endangered Species Act. Wolverine Project in the Clearwater Region:($72,360) In cooperation with the University of Idaho and other state and federal agencies, Idaho Department of Fish and Game is continuing studies on wolverine denning characteristics and female/offspring biology to evaluate the relationship between wolverine reproductive den site selection and winter recreation. Employing radio telemetry techniques are used to investigate how various human-related and natural features in the environment influence wolverine movement. The wolverine has again been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act, and this information may allow us to identify factors that could affect survival, take corrective actions, and avoid listing the species. Education & Recreation Project Examples Idaho Wildlife Viewing Guide:($41,607) The Idaho Wildlife Viewing Guide (IWVG) was first 1 in 1993. This full-color guide covers 94 sites in Idaho for the best and most accessible wildlife viewing in the State. Idaho Department of Fish and Game is planning an updated, expanded and accurate guide of wildlife viewing opportunities across Idaho and provide other recreational and amenity information for their travel. WCRP Grants Program:($306,267) More than two-thirds of the WCRP funds have been set aside to allow funding of projects that are proposed by educational institutions, conservation organizations, private individuals, non-government organizations, and local, state and federal agencies. Fish and Game seeks to fund projects that will contribute to the conservation needs of native fish and wildlife species in Idaho. Here are descriptions of some of the projects: Education Woodland Middle School Field Days:($2,100) Three days of conservation education program were planned in Kootenai and Shoshone counties in watershed-specific locations. Sixth grade students will learn about native and endangered species, ecology, soil conservation and water quality. Living with Bats:($10,500) Educational materials about Idaho's Bats will be developed and distributed throughout the state. A videotape or DVD is also planned to instruct on how to safely remove unwanted bats from buildings. This project will also provide educational opportunities at counties fairs. Getting a Wild Education:($9,990) The Idaho Wildlife Council is building three new displays to help in providing continued quality conservation education programs to the residents of Kootenai County and the entire northern Idaho region. These displays include a Bat Cave, Beaver Lodge, and Bear Den. Watchable Wildlife Signs for Idaho State Parks:($15,500) This project by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is undertaking the design and installation of educational signage at 10 Watchable Wildlife viewing sites in the northern part of Idaho. A set of Wildlife Viewing Binoculars is also being installed. Researchers at Boise State University are undertaking the following studies:

• Dispersal and Survival of Spotted Frog Juveniles in a Fragmented Habitat:($24,000) Boise State University, Jim Munger
• Idaho Bird Observatory: The Avian Migration Project- Boise Ridge & The Shrubsteppe Bird Studies:($30,000) Boise State University and Idaho Bird Observatory, Greg Kaltenecker
• Migratory Connectivity Linking Raptors to their Breeding Areas Through Stable Isotope Analysis:($17,900) Boise State University, Al Dufty
• Preserving and Restoring the Old-Growth Ponderosa Pine Ecosystem in Idaho:($24,500) Ecosystems Management Research Institute, Jon Haufler
• Influences of Livestock Grazing and Landscapes on Populations and Habitats of Lewis's Woodpeckers and other Riparian Landbirds:($10,500) Rocky Mountain Research Station, Vicki Saab
• Analysis of Southern Idaho Ground Squirrel Diets: How Important is Remnant
• Native Flora?:($25,500) Albertson College, Eric Yensen and Teresa Tarifa
• Vegetation and Waterbird Response to Geomorphic Setting, Montane Wetland Condition, and Water Manipulation on the Targhee National Forest, Idaho:($10,000) University of Missouri, Leigh Fredrickson
• Idaho Ground Squirrel Conservation Genetics:($16,900) University of Idaho, Alisse Garner and Janet Rachlow
• Evaluation of Census Techniques for Pygmy Rabbits:($11,800) University of Idaho, Janet Rachlow
• Habitat Use, Home Range Size, and Relative Abundance of the Great Basin Collared Lizard in southwest Idaho:($5,500) Northwest Nazarene University, Jon Cossel