Friday, May 20 is Endangered Species Day, making it a great opportunity to learn about programs that are helping some of Utah's endangered and threatened species to recover.

A mom of five who loves the hunting lifestyle

"I hunt in part because of tradition, and in full because it's a lifestyle that I love. My family members have been avid hunters for many generations, and it continues to speak to us."

— Aubrey Tuttle

A youth hunter who loves getting outdoors with his family

"I hunt because I enjoy being outside and being with my family in the field. My family loves the outdoors and so do I. Being able to have the chance to harvest an animal — and the memories and feelings that go along with it — mean so much to me."

— Bronx Withers

An outdoorsman who loves hunting's culinary connection

"I hunt for the connection to nature and to be a conscious participant in my ecosystem. I hunt to be able to cook and share some of the best food available with my family and community."

— Igor Limansky

A scientist from India who fell in love with big game hunting in Utah

"Hunting is a connection with nature, and for me, being outdoors helps me to decompress from the stress of day-to-day life."

— Luke Simon

A habitat biologist, food enthusiast and lover of the outdoors

"Each hunt teaches me more about wildlife, habitat, the interconnectedness of the world and the impacts we humans have on nature from near and far."

— Melissa Early

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