Donations used to protect nongame species

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' (KDWP) Chickadee Checkoff Program has funded hundreds of projects for nongame wildlife through the years. Project costs range from $500 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most larger projects and current efforts use Checkoff funds to obtain matching federal grants through Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act and the State Wildlife Grants Program.

Presently, KDWP is funding several larger projects addressing sensitive species and general nongame needs through these sources, based on the state wildlife action plan, "A Future for Kansas Wildlife." This small grants program will make available a portion ($20,000) of the annual contributions to the Chickadee Checkoff for small projects. Project proposals must address elements in "A Future for Kansas Wildlife," which may be found here. Applications should be no longer than two pages and include the following information:

• title;
• name of applicant;
• contact information;
• purpose of the project;
• how the project relates to priorities in "A Future for Kansas Wildlife";
• amount being requested (up to $5,000) and what it will be used for; and
• the schedule for completion of the project.

Go to the KDWP website or email proposals to Ken Brunson, wildlife diversity coordinator, at kenb@wp.state.ks.us. The deadline for submission is March 1. Requests may be made for funding portions or all of a proposed project.

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