2021 Targeted Grant Priorities WRCP is soliciting grant applications for priorities in the following categories – surveys, research, conservation and management and climate change. Detailed priorities within each of these categories are outlined below. It is recommended that projects/grant applications address one of the priorities listed below. However, applications may be accepted that address priorities outlined in the Pennsylvania State Wildlife Action Plan and/or address the needs of plant species or plant communities of concern within the Commonwealth. The applicant should contact the WRCP Agency Coordinator to discuss the project, how it may fit into flora or fauna priorities and potential for funding. Please refer to the “Application Submission Information” section below for further information. Surveys Plant Conservation Genetic Studies Conservation genetic information is a tool for use in plant conservation which can provide a view of how genetically diverse species populations are and inform threatened and endangered plant species recovery plans. DCNR is interested in learning more about the populations genetics of the species listed below. This information will be used by DCNR and the PA Plant Conservation Network in the implementation of species recovery plans and safe-guarding strategies to prevent species extirpation from PA. Aconitum reclinatum, Agalinus auriculata, Carex bicknellii, Euphorbia purpurea, Lycopodiella margueritae, Malaxis bayardii, Paxistima canbyi, Polemonium vanbruntiae, Pycnanthemum torreyi, Trollius laxus, Gaylussacia brachycera For some species, genetic markers may already have been identified by previous studies. Researchers would choose one species from above, or any other highly G-ranked species to focus on, then review published literature to identify species with genetic markers identified. One goal of this project is to compare the diversity within and/or among Pennsylvania’s populations to the diversity of other states’ populations. Another goal of this project is to provide actionable recommendations for conservation actions to DCNR. Terrestrial Invertebrate Species Surveys Invertebrates make up a bulk of biodiversity in Pennsylvania, yet, many invertebrate taxa are under surveyed and their distributions, habitat needs, and threats are not well understood in Pennsylvania. Terrestrial invertebrates were identified as lacking information in the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. This project will help fill those gaps in information. This is a collaborative priority between DCNR and PGC. The agencies have identified the top two needs for terrestrial invertebrate species studies; researchers may select one on which to focus: 1. Conservation ranking of moth species in Pennsylvania to assist with the next update of the Pennsylvania State Wildlife Action Plan. Work includes prioritization of moth species for review, data mining and analysis, identification of potential threats, and evaluation of 300 species with the NatureServe Rank Calculator. Identify species with anticipated or apparent climate-change related range expansion or contraction in Pennsylvania. 2. Surveys and conservation ranking for three globally rare tiger beetles in Pennsylvania: Cobblestone tiger beetle (Cicindela marginipennis), Appalachian tiger beetle (Cicindela ancocisconensis), Northern Barrens tiger beetle (Cicindela patruela) Response of Wildlife to Fire Management: Increased use of controlled burning as a management tool on State Game Lands, State Forest Lands and other conservation properties calls for an adaptive management framework to evaluate species’ response. There is a need to better understand effects of fire management on a range of species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and plant communities. This project should develop the monitoring framework, and test that framework in at least three locations, focused on priority species from the Wildlife Action Plan (Species of Greatest Conservation Need) such as Allegheny Woodrats and Timber Rattlesnake, then set the stage for data collection and evaluation to be ongoing. The outcome will be to advise future applications of fire management to enhance benefits and reduce risks to Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This is a collaborative priority between PGC, FBC and DCNR. Monitoring the Effects of Round Gobies on Freshwater Mussels: The Round Goby has invaded the French Creek watershed with the potential to adversely affect rare freshwater mussel populations. The potential impacts of this invasive species on rare freshwater mussels could have long-term negative consequences for one of the most diverse mussel streams in the United States. Establishing long-term, quantitative monitoring sites for freshwater mussels in LeBoeuf and French Creek will be necessary to ascertain the effects of the introduction of Round Goby on the freshwater mussel community. Taxonomic Review of the Checkered Sculpin The Checkered Sculpin (Cottidae cottus sp.) is a small benthic fish found in a restricted portion of the Mid- Atlantic region of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. In Pennsylvania, the Checkered Sculpin is not state listed; however, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan does consider it to be S2 or state imperiled and G4Q or apparently secure globally with questions regarding taxonomy. For decades, this fish has been known to biologists and generally addressed by a provisional common name based on observed pigmentation, yet it has not been formally described by taxonomists. The lack of a taxonomic description precludes its listing as Pennsylvania threatened or endangered and reduces the level of conservation it can receive despite its rarity. A formal taxonomic review of the Checkered Sculpin, including morphological and genetic assessments as appropriate, is needed to determine how to approach future conservation efforts. A taxonomic review should include a representation of the extant populations in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is aware of four occupied stream drainages and estimates that a genetics assessment would benefit from at least 120 (4x30) samples from Pennsylvania. Established partnerships with other state (MD, VA), federal, or academic entities focused on fisheries conservation and the Checkered Sculpin is preferred. Conservation & Management Research on the Conservation of Threatened and Endangered Plants DCNR is interested in research proposals related to the conservation of Pennsylvania Threatened and Endangered plants, including information on the distribution, ecology, life history, genetics, and stewardship. Considerations of climate change on species and habitats should be incorporated where appropriate. This broad request is expected to guide researchers to focus on highly G- and S-ranked species and provide key information the Department is lacking in forming recovery plans for species. This priority is left broad on purpose to capture researchers’ creativity and innovation in approaching the needs of rare flora in PA. Assessment and Understanding of Medicinal and Edible Plants in PA Collecting non-timber forest products such as edible plants or medicinal herbs appears to be increasing anecdotally, often promoted through social media. However, much is unknown about the status of these plants currently, and whether the increased collection is impacting the health of the populations or status of the species in Pennsylvania. These plants are generally thought to be “common” or locally common and are not currently classified as Threatened, Endangered or Vulnerable. With the pressure increasing for collection of edible or medicinal plants we need to begin to assess existing populations and threats for these species. The goal of this project would be to identify a list of plant species that are commonly collected for medicinal or edible uses and inventory them across PA. This will identify plants that are at risk of high collection, understand their populations across the state and how collection impacts them, and look at other trends and pressure in order to identify species that should be considered for listing as vulnerable or other classifications. Other trends and pressure that could be reported on may include impact on habitat by climate change, increased development pressure, or fragmentation. .