People interested in the status and biology of different types of turtles in Wisconsin can sign up to assist wildlife biologists as they conduct research surveys for nesting female turtles at the Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.

Local fire departments and county or area fire organizations can apply for Forest Fire Protection Grants, which were established in 1997 to strengthen local fire departments’ and county or area fire organizations’ capabilities to assist the DNR forestry staff in suppression of forest fires.

The grant program provides funds for the purchase of forest fire suppression equipment and training, including: personal protective equipment; forest fire training; forest fire prevention, forest fire tools and equipment; communication equipment; rural fire mapping and numbering; and off-road all-wheel drive initial-attack vehicles.

Applications were mailed recently to Wisconsin fire organizations statewide and are also available on the DNR Web site. FFP applications must be postmarked on or before July 1, 2008.

The Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program is one of 33 grant programs administered by the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Community Financial Assistance. The DNR issues approximately 3,600 grant awards each year to local units of government, Indian Tribes, nonprofit conservation organizations, fire departments, dry cleaners, and individuals. You can learn more about these DNR grant programs on the following DNR Community Financial Assistance Grants Web page.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Eileen Trainor - (608) 267-0848; Chris Klahn - (608) 297-2214