Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund Grant

The Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund Grant aims to support research and stewardship activities to manage and restore BC's native grasslands, which are crucial habitats for many endangered species. Established in 2001 by The Nature Trust of BC, this grant honors conservationists Dr. Bert Brink and Dr. Alastair McLean. Eligible projects must demonstrate effective management practices and enhance grassland ecosystems, addressing the challenges posed by urban development and climate change.

Background
Grasslands are rare, unique, life-sustaining ecosystems. More than 30% of BC’s threatened or endangered species depend on grasslands for their survival. BC’s grasslands represent less than 1% of the provincial land base and one of Canada’s most endangered ecosystems. Native grasslands provide critical habitat corridors for dozens of migratory species that move between northern and southern latitudes of North America. Historically, many of these grassland ecosystems occupied more of BC’s land base. However, with urban expansion, other development activities, and agricultural use, native grasslands have become significantly diminished. The challenge is to balance the conservation of critical wildlife habitat in the remaining native grasslands with ongoing activities of sustainable resource use and development, along with processes such as climate change. It is necessary to gain a better understanding of how the land can be managed to address this challenge.
The Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund, established by The Nature Trust of BC in May 2001, honours two of Canada’s most celebrated conservationists and past Board members (Dr. Bert Brink and Dr. Alastair McLean) who devoted much of their lives to conserving BC’s native grasslands.
Project Application Information
The objective of the Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund is to promote research, habitat restoration and other stewardship activities that will assist in the management of the land, plants and animals of BC’s native grasslands

Eligibility

Eligible ProjectsProject must be located in native grassland ecosystems in BC. Proponents may be individuals, conservation organizations, public agencies, academic or research entities. Applications must demonstrate how the project meets the evaluation criteria.Activities considered for funding include:Scientific research.
Inventory and assessment.
Enhancement or restoration.
Evaluation and monitoring.
Design or planning related to how current land-use or management practices can be refined to conserve and/or improve management of native grassland habitats.

Ineligibility

Examples of activities not acceptable for funding support include:Administrative costs for interest groups or organizations.
Compensation for individual “losses” attributed to the conservation of grassland habitats.
Promotion of private sector business opportunities.