The Important Mammal Areas Project is being carried out by a broad based alliance of sportsmen, conservation organizations, wildlife professionals, and scientists. It is funded primarily by the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account, which is a federally-funded program administered in Pennsylvania by the PA Game Commission. Additional financial and logistical support has been provided by other members of the IMAP partnership. An Advisory Board helps to guide the process.

Here's how it begins...someone (maybe you!) submits a preliminary nomination using a brief nomination form. Preliminary nominations will be screened to identify those that fulfill at least one of the five IMA criteria. If selected, nominators will then submit full nomination materials with the help of IMAP personnel and local scientists. Final site selection will be the responsibility of the Mammal Technical Committee of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey.

Our primary concern is to help ensure the future of Pennsylvania's wild mammals, both game and non-game species. Although particular attention will be given to species of special concern, we are also interested in habitats that simply have high mammalian diversity. Because a commitment to preserve our natural heritage requires understanding the needs of native species, we will also be identifying places where people can learn about mammals and enjoy them in their natural environment.