According to a press release that just came my way, the state is getting $730,000 in federal money to restore 1,200 acres of habitat for the New England cottontail. The full news release follows:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, national news release
April 20, 2009
Contact: Joshua Winchell, 703 358-2279, Joshua_winchell@fws.gov

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today the award of nearly $9 million to 12 state wildlife agencies to help conserve and recover imperiled fish and wildlife species through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Competitive Program. The federal funding will be matched by more than $7 million in non-Federal funds provided by states and their partners for projects helping imperiled fish, wildlife and plant species.

The SWG Competitive Program, part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State Wildlife Grants Program, awards grants to projects that implement strategies and actions to conserve imperiled species contained in approved State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plans (also known as State Wildlife Action Plans). Grants are scored using criteria developed by a team of Service and state wildlife agency directors. Funding for the grants comes from Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 appropriations for the SWG Competitive Program.

“The projects funded by these grants target some of the most imperiled species and habitats in the United States. They’re also among the most effective, because they are tied to well thought-out conservation plans that identify the highest priorities in each state – as well as the areas where we can make the biggest difference for imperiled species,” said Salazar.

All 56 states and territorial wildlife agencies have approved State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plans which collectively provide a nationwide blueprint for actions to conserve imperiled species. The plans were created through a collaborative effort among state and federal agencies, biologists, conservationists, landowners, sportsmen and the general public. Each plan was then reviewed and approved by a national team that included members from the Fish and Wildlife Service as well as directors from state wildlife agencies.

Funded projects include:

• New Hampshire Fish and Game Department: Rangewide New England Cottontail Initiative – This project will restore 1,200 acres of habitat, creating 50 new habitat patches across the New England cottontail rabbit’s range. The long-term goal of this initiative is to address the needs of the and over 100 other at-risk species that depend on early-successional habitats.
Federal funds awarded: $731,975; non-federal match: $315,299

• New Hampshire Fish and Game Department: Staying Connected in the Northern Appalachians – Mitigating Fragmentation & Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife through Functional Habitat Linkages – This project will maintain, enhance, and restore habitat connectivity for 41 wide-range and forest-dwelling species of concern including Canada lynx, American marten, wolf, black bear, and bobcat across the Northern Appalachians Ecoregion in order to mitigate the impacts of habitat fragmentation and climate change.
Federal Funds Awarded: $992,592; Non-Federal Match: $719,519

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.