Maine, along with every other state in the nation, is embarking on a herculean effort to update its 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), required by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to access hundreds of thousands of dollars through the State Wildlife Grants program.
The purpose of the SWAP, per Congress, is to keep as many species as possible off the threatened and endangered list by identifying those species and habitats that are declining or otherwise compromised and developing conservation actions to enhance habitats and boost populations. The plan includes a list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need, key habitats associated with them, identified threats for both species and habitats, and conservation actions for all. It also includes a plan for how to engage partners and the public in both the development of and the implementation of the plan.
Maine Audubon is playing a key role in facilitating the update to the plan, due October 2025. We want to hear from you about what you care about, if you have any additional information about any of the species or habitats, if you have suggestions for actions we can take, and what you think the top priorities for action should be. You can find the 2015 SWAP on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife webpage, where updated sections for the 2025 plan will be posted as they are drafted. We’ll be sending out public surveys this fall, so stay tuned to learn how you can get involved and be sure you are signed up for our e-newsletters and action alerts!
Above: Saltmarsh Sparrow, photo by USFWS
