Checkoff Makes Giving Wildlife a Chance Simple at Tax Time

As Georgians prepare their annual income tax forms, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding all that tax time is a prime time to support wildlife. The Give Wildlife a Chance state income tax checkoff provides a hassle-free option for donating to the Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund, which supports critical wildlife conservation projects statewide.

“Every dollar contributed through the state income tax checkoff is placed in a special fund dedicated to the conservation of nongame and endangered species,” said Jon Ambrose, assistant chief of the DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section. “These donations are especially important because the division receives no state funding for nongame wildlife conservation.”

Nongame wildlife includes all native animals not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as all native plants.

Citizens can donate to support nongame species management and conservation in Georgia by filling in any amount more than $1 on line 26 of the state’s long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ). Contributions can be deducted from refunds or added to payments.

Since 1989, the Give Wildlife a Chance checkoff has raised more than $5.7 million for conservation projects benefiting peregrine falcons, manatees, frogs, salamanders, sea turtles, songbirds, rare wildflowers and other native wildlife.

The income tax checkoff and sales of wildlife plates depicting a bald eagle or ruby-throated hummingbird provide vital funding for conservation projects statewide, helping acquire high-priority habitat and supporting nongame-related conservation, recreation and education projects throughout the state.

For more information on projects funded with checkoff and wildlife tag dollars, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or contact Nongame Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218).

By supporting both the checkoff and nongame wildlife plates, Georgians can help give wildlife a chance.

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