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DONATIONS TO OHIO'S TAX CHECK-OFF FUND ASSIST WILDLIFE DIVERSITY EFFORTS Ohio's bald eagle restoration program aided by check-off dollars COLUMBUS, OH - A simple check mark on the 2003 state Income
Tax return goes a long way in helping support Ohio's wildlife diversity and
protecting its endangered species, according to the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Ohioans who have generously donated to the state's Wildlife
Diversity and Endangered Species Income Tax Check-off Fund have helped
return the bald eagle to the Buckeye State, restore the peregrine falcon,
and return the river otter to Ohio's streams. Other wildlife reintroduction
efforts supported by check-off dollars include the osprey, trumpeter swan,
American burying beetle and snowshoe hare.
"Through their donations to the state's endangered species
fund, Ohioans have repeatedly shown their commitment to the state's wildlife
and the habitats necessary to sustain those populations," said ODNR Director
Sam Speck.
Wildlife check-off funds also help underwrite educational
efforts, including the annual Wildlife Diversity Conference.
Donations to the Ohio Wildlife Diversity and Endangered
Species Fund can be made through the 2003 Ohio Income Tax form by checking
line 25 of the 1040 form or line 17 on the 1040EZ. Direct contributions can
be sent in care of the fund to the ODNR Division of Wildlife, 1840 Belcher
Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43224-1300.
In addition, a portion of the money generated from the sales
of cardinal license plates benefits the state's wildlife diversity fund.
Plates can be purchased through a local registrar or by calling
1-888-PLATES3.
Source: ODNR
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