White-nose Syndrome Grants to States

The goal of the White-nose Syndrome Grants to States is to provide needed assistance to state agencies in addressing the spread of WNS, the resultant loss of cave bat populations, and the threat to federally listed bat species. The Service acknowledges the key role of state agencies in addressing WNS, including responding to the public; collecting data to monitor bat populations and disease progression; engaging in research activities; and implementing actions to curtail the spread of WNS. The Endangered Species Program in Region 5 is responsible for leading the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service response and the allocation of funds and has determined that funding is needed for state agencies to help build their capacity to address this crisis. Priority may be given to states most directly affected or most susceptible to WNS, as determined by proximity to known affected sites. As of April 15, 2013, states confirmed with WNS are: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Oklahoma and Iowa have announced the detection of DNA suggestive of the causative fungus, Geomyces destructans, on bats within their borders. Therefore, states considered susceptible to the disease due to proximity include: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Given that the rate and mode of spread of this disease is not fully understood, grants will also be available for states beyond these areas that have significant cave bat resources or a demonstrated need, should funding be available.