03-23-2010, 11:17 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio taxpayers' support of wildlife diversity has paid dividends in protecting the state's endangered species, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The box that thousands of Ohioans check annually when completing their state income tax return provides support for the division's Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Income Tax Check-off Fund. Money from that fund has helped the division achieve great success in reestablishing the bald eagle to record numbers in the state. Funds have also been used in management efforts which are helping increase the populations of several other species including the osprey, peregrine falcon, snowshoe hare and Eastern plains garter snake.
"Please remember Ohio's wildlife and habitat conservation as you prepare your taxes. This is a great opportunity to do your part and make a donation for our endangered species," said Kendra Wecker, wildlife diversity coordinator for the Division of Wildlife. "Your donations are crucial to helping bald eagles, peregrine falcons and ospreys continue their comeback in our state."
Wildlife check-off funds also help support informational programs, such as the state's annual Wildlife Diversity Conference. Wildlife education in Ohio's schools also benefits from check-off funds in the form of wildlife-specific curriculum supplements, Wild Ohio Magazine for Kids, and grants to enhance outdoor education.
Contributions to the Ohio Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund can be made through the 2009 Ohio Income Tax form by checking line 25C of the 1040 form or line 18C on the 1040-EZ. Direct donations can be sent in care of the fund to the Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, Building G, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693. Donations may also be made via the Internet at wildohio.com.
In addition, a portion of the money generated from the sales of cardinal and bald eagle license plates benefits the state's wildlife diversity fund. Plates can be purchased through a local registrar, online at OPLATES.com or by calling 1-888-PLATES3.
To learn more about wildlife diversity in Ohio, visit the Division of Wildlife's Web page at wildohio.com .
The Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
-30-<br />
For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at ohiodnr.com
For further information contact:<br />
Kendra Wecker, ODNR Wildlife<br />
614. 265. 7043<br />
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Wildlife<br />
614. 265. 6325<br />
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Communications<br />
614. 265. 6860
The box that thousands of Ohioans check annually when completing their state income tax return provides support for the division's Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Income Tax Check-off Fund. Money from that fund has helped the division achieve great success in reestablishing the bald eagle to record numbers in the state. Funds have also been used in management efforts which are helping increase the populations of several other species including the osprey, peregrine falcon, snowshoe hare and Eastern plains garter snake.
"Please remember Ohio's wildlife and habitat conservation as you prepare your taxes. This is a great opportunity to do your part and make a donation for our endangered species," said Kendra Wecker, wildlife diversity coordinator for the Division of Wildlife. "Your donations are crucial to helping bald eagles, peregrine falcons and ospreys continue their comeback in our state."
Wildlife check-off funds also help support informational programs, such as the state's annual Wildlife Diversity Conference. Wildlife education in Ohio's schools also benefits from check-off funds in the form of wildlife-specific curriculum supplements, Wild Ohio Magazine for Kids, and grants to enhance outdoor education.
Contributions to the Ohio Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund can be made through the 2009 Ohio Income Tax form by checking line 25C of the 1040 form or line 18C on the 1040-EZ. Direct donations can be sent in care of the fund to the Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, Building G, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693. Donations may also be made via the Internet at wildohio.com.
In addition, a portion of the money generated from the sales of cardinal and bald eagle license plates benefits the state's wildlife diversity fund. Plates can be purchased through a local registrar, online at OPLATES.com or by calling 1-888-PLATES3.
To learn more about wildlife diversity in Ohio, visit the Division of Wildlife's Web page at wildohio.com .
The Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
-30-<br />
For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at ohiodnr.com
For further information contact:<br />
Kendra Wecker, ODNR Wildlife<br />
614. 265. 7043<br />
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Wildlife<br />
614. 265. 6325<br />
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Communications<br />
614. 265. 6860