Deadline Tomorrow to Help NH Wildlife

EAGLE TIMES STAFF
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is asking the public to participate in its 2023 spring appeal in support of the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program.

The 35-year-old program works with state and private partners to steward nongame wildlife.

In addition to the 51 threatened and endangered species in New Hampshire, the Nongame Program is responsible for the protection of more than 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as thousands of insects and other invertebrates.

Thanks to private financial support, the department says it has achieved meaningful results.

Early on, the Nongame Program worked with partners across the state to establish recovery programs for iconic species such as bald eagles, piping plovers, and the Karner blue butterfly, New Hampshire’s state butterfly. 

The State of New Hampshire offers a $100,000 challenge grant to fund the work of the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, but to qualify the Department must raise an equal amount in private contributions by June 30. These funds are also critical in meeting federal grant match requirements.

Donations support field research and monitoring of nongame and endangered wildlife identified as priority species in the N.H. Wildlife Action Plan, technical assistance to other organizations and private landowners and direct on-the-ground species and habitat restoration efforts.

Hunting and fishing license revenue does not support nongame wildlife protection efforts in the Granite State.

“Partnerships, volunteers, and the public’s financial support have been, and continue to be, critical to our success,” said Nongame Program Supervisor Mike Marchand. “We have initiated research efforts focused on turtles, freshwater mussels, and pollinating insects and are now using that knowledge to put action on the ground for these species. Working with other government agencies, land trusts, communities, private landowners, and other partners, priority habitats have been identified, monitored, managed, and protected.”

Visit www.wildnh.com/nongame to learn more about the program’s work and to donate.