Species Protection Account

Protection, research, management and conservation

Utah's Species Protection Account — formerly the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund — has a mission to protect Utah's plant and animal species of greatest conservation need, as well as species recognized as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Species Protection Account funding is allocated for each Utah state government fiscal year (July 1–June 30). To apply for funding, submit your project proposal by close of business on the second Friday in January for work during the following fiscal year.

The primary objective of the Species Protection Account is to direct funds toward the protection, conservation and recovery of federally listed species and species of greatest conservation need as identified in the Utah Wildlife Action Plan. Working with partners, our goal is to prevent additional species from being listed under the ESA, and work toward downlisting or delisting species already listed under the ESA.

Contact

Please contact Paul Thompson, DWR Species Protection Account administrator, if you have questions about the account or need assistance with project submissions.

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• 801-791-4034

Frequently asked questions

Q: I have more detailed questions about how to apply for Species Protection Account grants, or I'm having problems entering my project in the WRI. What do I do?

A: Contact the program coordinator, Paul Thompson, with questions you may have about submitting a project or for help navigating the application process.

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• 801-791-4034

Q: Why was the name of the fund changed from the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund (ESMF) to the Species Protection Account?

A: The fund does much more than work on improving the status of federally Endangered Species Act-listed species. One of the major objectives of the fund is to help implement the Utah Wildlife Action Plan to ensure Utah's native species remain healthy, which keeps them from needing protection under the ESA. Also, the fund is officially recognized in Utah Code as the Species Protection Account, so the name change aligns with Utah Code.

Q: Who determines which projects get funded?

A: Competitive projects are evaluated by an advisory committee to ensure they meet the funding intent and mission of the Species Protection Account. See information about the Advisory Committee.