Calling all ranching and conservation pioneers. The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), a leader in creative conservation solutions, is launching America’s first Virtual Fence Conservation Fund. This groundbreaking quarter-million dollar initiative aims to enhance wildlife conservation by empowering ranchers and conservationists to adopt virtual fencing technology on public and private lands. The fund is now accepting applications from ranchers, landowners, and conservation organizations who seek to employ this promising technology to advance land, water, or wildlife conservation initiatives. Virtual fencing technology uses GPS-enabled collars on livestock and base station towers to create invisible boundaries without the need for physical fences. This allows for more flexible and wildlife-friendly land management without the need for physical barriers that benefit both agriculture and conservation. Ranchers also benefit by eliminating the time-consuming and expensive task of repairing, replacing, and maintaining traditional barbed-wire fences. About PERC’s Virtual Fence Conservation Fund PERC’s Virtual Fence Conservation Fund is aimed at advancing the use of virtual fencing as a tool for conserving and managing critical habitats and ecosystems and supporting ranchers. Examples could include: - Conserving key wildlife migration corridors
- Protecting ecologically sensitive habitats
- Managing predator risk
- Protecting regrowth areas after wildfire
- Restore riparian corridors
- Safeguarding important waterways
Grant Details and Application Process PERC will award a series of grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 based on overall conservation impact and project size, with a total of $250,000 available. Funds can be applied to support partially funded projects or entirely new initiatives. In addition to funding, PERC’s Conservation Innovation Lab will provide guidance and support throughout the project’s implementation. The lab incubates groundbreaking ideas and offers creative solutions that advance lasting conservation outcomes in partnership with ranchers and conservation organizations. Eligible applicants include: - Ranchers and agricultural landowners
- Conservation organizations
- Indigenous communities
Successful applicants must demonstrate: - A clear conservation benefit from the implementation of virtual fencing
- A commitment to monitoring and sharing results
- A sustainable plan for long-term use of the technology
Applications are due by February 1, 2025. Click here to submit an application or learn more. |