October 13, 2009 - The Open Space Institute has awarded six grants to projects that will amplify support for the conservation of natural areas in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
These Amplification Grants are a key component of Saving New England's Wildlife, an initiative aimed at accelerating the conservation of wildlife habitat identified as conservation priorities by these states in their wildlife action plans. In 2001, all 50 states created such plans, identifying their most vulnerable wildlife lands. Through the vision and generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, OSI established the initiative to further the effectiveness and impact of these plans.
The grants announced today will support activities that include: developing practical tools and approaches for adapting wildlife conservation strategies to climate change; educating public and private decision-makers about the need and benefits of increased funding for wildlife conservation; and producing maps that identify a region’s most critical natural resources.
In a time of limited resources, we are pleased to award these critical grants aimed at helping Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts protect the landscapes that have been identified as top conservation priorities.