Research Funds Available
Please note that funding for research for certain species are restricted by funding source. For example, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Grants may be used only for birds and mammals in which there is a clear conservation significance or management need. Statewide Wildlife Grants (SWG) may be used only for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and/or their habitats as identified in the 2011 Texas Conservation Action Plan. For research proposals that rank high in terms of need and technical review, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will cooperate with the Principal Investigator in arranging appropriate funding sources.
TPWD, as many state wildlife agencies, is facing severe budget cuts over the next few years. TPWD has had a 21.5% (-$150M) budget reduction in fiscal year 2012. The Wildlife Division is facing an 11.2% (-$2.7M) reduction and the loss of 30 permanent full time positions (-9.4%). The Texas Legislatures’ appropriations bill designated $1M and 20 positions cut in our Wildlife Diversity and Wildlife Research Programs. This affects appropriation of federal grants and nonfederal match, including funds from the Horned Lizard and Deer vehicle license plate donation, which has been used for research in the past.
At the federal level, although not quite as bleak, the funding outlook is austere as well. SWG that has funded Texas species recovery projects has been cut 30% in FY11. Early drafts of the FY12 federal appropriations bill indicate an additional 60% reduction for FY12. No new SWG proposals are being considered for FY12 or FY13 at this time.
For a list of specific research needs by species see Call for Proposals. TPWD will determine the applicable and appropriate funding sources for your proposal and rank it against standardized Wildlife Research Proposal Evaluation Criteria. However, proposals should include a non-federal match of at least 25% in order to qualify for federal assistance.
Please note that most funds have a non-federal matching requirement. In most cases, the applicant is responsible for securing the nonfederal match.
| Grant Program | Fund Coordinator | Total Amount Awarded per Year (Avg.) | Annual Project Award (Avg.) | Financial Match Requirement | Number of Proposals Awarded in FY2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson Act - PR) | Rosie Roegner | $900,000 | $65,850 | 25% | 2 |
| Section 6 | Craig Farquhar | $570,242 | $51,808 | 25% | 9 |
| Texas Migratory Game Bird Stamp | Dave Morrison | $215,000 | $25,250 | None | 0 |
| Upland Game Bird Stamp | Dave Morrison | $456,000 | $25,000 | None | 0 |
| Horned Lizard License Plate | Wendy Connally | $394,000 | $42,000 | None | 0 |
| State Hunting License Revenue | Matt Wagner | $124,000 | $24,500 | None | 0 |
- Section 6 proposal deadline is November 15. Opening date: September 15.
- All other proposals deadline is January 15. Opening date: November 15.
- All amounts given are approximate.
