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Ensure broad public participation Coordination with federal, state and local agencies and Native American tribes Descriptions of procedures to review the plan at intervals not to exceed ten years.

8 - PUBLIC

7 - PARTNERS 6 - REVISION

Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife

1 - SPECIES

Descriptions of relative condition of key habitats and community types essential to conservation of species Problems, which may adversely affect species identified in (1) or their habitats

2 - HABITATS

Elements of the SWAP
Plans for monitoring species in (1), their habitats, effectiveness of conservation actions in (4) and responding to new information

3 - THREATS 4 - ACTIONS

5 - MONITORING

A variety of federal and non-federal funds can be used to address the SWAP, but SWG funds can only be expended on the species or their associated habitats, which are identified in the SWAP.

Conservation actions to conserve the identified species and habitats and priorities for implementation

SWG funding has been vital for addressing the critical needs of many cryptic or sparsely populated species for which surveying has been historically limited. Guided by the PA SWAP, PFBC has developed over 50 SWG funded projects that have included surveys for rare fishes, amphibians and reptiles, the restoration of hundreds of miles of rivers and streams through dam removal projects, information management, data analysis, permit reviews and conservation planning. SWG has provided the much needed funding to address these crucial resource needs. Several of these projects are highlighted in PFBC’s SWG summary documents. To view these documents, visit www. fishandboat.com/promo/grants/ swg/00swg.htm.

PFBC use of SWG funds

Each SWAP is required to address eight essential elements. These elements help ensure that the SWAPs and associated funding are used in the best interest of the resources and taxpayers.
photo-Mary Walsh,Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Features of the PA SWAP

As directed by Congress, all states must conduct a comprehensive update of their SWAPs every 10 years unless a state or territory opted for a more frequent revision cycle. Pennsylvania chose the standard 10-year cycle, so a revised PA SWAP must be submitted to the USFWS no later than September 30, 2015. As with the current PA SWAP, the original eight elements must be addressed in the revision. Given the enormity of the effort, PFBC and PGC have recently begun this revision process. As we proceed, there will be opportunities for partners and the general public to provide input into the plan. We encourage you to be a part of this effort by sharing your ideas for securing Pennsylvania’s natural heritage for current and future generations. For more information, visit www.fishandboat.com.
photo-Ryan Miller, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Future of PA SWAP

Blandings Turtle, candidate species

Yellow Lampmussel, species of concern The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has developed over 50 State Wildlife Grant funded projects that have included surveys for rare fishes, amphibians and reptiles.
PFBC website: www.ﬁshandboat.com Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • November/December 2012

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2012