Fish and Game Commission awards Challenge Grants

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently awarded $100,000 to help support projects that enhance fish and wildlife habitat, populations or benefit recreational opportunities associated with hunting, fishing, trapping and other wildlife recreation.

Grants went to the following organizations throughout the state:

Panhandle Region

Selkirk Conservation Alliance

• Award: $5,000

• Project: Priest Lake tributaries water quality monitoring

Idaho Trails Association

• Award: $5,000

• Project: Trail maintenance, clearing and restoration in Units 7 and 9

Statewide Awards

Foundation for Wildlife Management

• Award: $24,750

• Project: Reimburse hunters and trappers for expenses related to wolf harvest in hunting units specified by Fish and Game.

Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation

• Award: $5,250

• Project: Fund sample prep work and testing of serum samples from bighorn sheep to determine prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies.

About Fish and Game Commission Challenge Grants

Commission Challenge Grants are awarded annually, and groups eligible include any officially recognized nonprofit, business, corporation or recognized regional/state/national sporting organization. Private individuals are not eligible for grant funding. Applicants must be willing to provide match, either cash or in-kind support.

When to apply

Grant applications will be accepted in March and April with annual grant awards announced during the July Commission meeting.

* Roger Philips is a public information supervisor for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.