Utah Wildlife Fund Allocates 5.5 Million For Conservation Projects In 2024

The recent annual Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Endangered Species Mitigation Fund meeting on April 23 saw a significant allocation of $5.5 million to numerous wildlife-related projects. Established in 1997, the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund aims to direct funds towards species and projects that proactively contribute to preventing Endangered Species Act listings in Utah. This initiative aligns with the Utah Wildlife Action Plan, which identifies species and habitats requiring conservation attention and aids in prioritizing funding decisions.

Paul Thompson, the DWR Assistant Habitat Section Chief, emphasized the importance of proactive conservation in maintaining the health of Utah's native species. He highlighted that healthy populations reduce the need for Endangered Species Act protection, thereby enabling management decisions at the state level and minimizing federal oversight and economic restrictions.

The allocated $5.5 million will fund approximately 60 projects over the next fiscal year, marking an increase from previous years, thanks to an additional $2 million in funding approved during the 2024 legislative session. Thompson expressed gratitude for the foresight of the Utah Legislature in establishing the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund, particularly recognizing the challenge of securing conservation funding for non-hunted or non-fished species.

Projects funded by the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund undergo selection and approval by the seven-person Endangered Species Mitigation Fund Advisory Committee, comprising diverse stakeholders and organization representatives. The allocated funds for the current year will be distributed across various initiatives:

• Supporting programs and recovery efforts for Utah species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
• Conducting studies to monitor native species populations effectively.
• Enhancing understanding of native species and improving their habitats.

Since its inception, the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund has completed over 650 projects, dedicating more than $85 million towards native species conservation efforts. It has contributed to the recovery of multiple species and prevented numerous others from being listed under the Endangered Species Act.

These recent allocations complement the record $4.8 million in conservation permit funds allocated earlier, emphasizing Utah's commitment to wildlife conservation through collaborative efforts and strategic funding initiatives. Both funding programs utilize the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative, facilitating efficient resource allocation and project tracking in habitat restoration endeavors.