IA DNR: Give a Few Dollars for Wildlife

What do peregrine falcons, regal fritillary butterflies, spadefoot toads, and badgers have in common? They are all wildlife species that benefit from contributions to the Fish and Wildlife Fund tax check-off (aka Chickadee Check-off) on line 58 of Iowa state tax form 1040.

Research and habitat management for game species such as deer, turkeys, waterfowl and pheasants are funded through license fees and habitat stamps. Iowa's non-game wildlife relies mainly on the generosity of Iowans through the check-off.

The chickadee check-off has a relatively long history. Introduced by the Iowa legislature in 1981, it was the first check-off and has since been joined by four more. At its high point, more than 16,000 people donated each year raising approximately $200,000. The fund has fallen 26 percent in the last six years, with fewer than 10,000 people donating approximately $110,000 in 2006. This is despite the fact that a recent survey indicated that 45 percent of Iowa's population over age 16 engage in wildlife watching activities. Iowa's many non-game species are benefiting from the generous contributions of a few.

Funds from the Fish and Wildlife check-off go to a variety of activities undertaken by the Iowa DNR's Wildlife Diversity Program. The Wildlife Diversity Program is in charge of the 80 percent of Iowa's wildlife that is not hunted, fished or trapped - that is more than 500 species. Check-off funds are used to help host public events in local communities such as Bald Eagle Appreciation Days, Pelican Fest, and Hawk Watch. They are used to fund research on Iowa's most imperiled wildlife such as red-shouldered hawks and ornate box turtles and to restore to Iowa long-gone species such as trumpeter swans, peregrine falcons and ospreys.

Contributions are also used to develop and distribute several educational publications on Iowa's diverse wildlife and to guide the management of public and private lands for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Investing in the future of Iowa's non-game wildlife is as easy as checking a box on your state tax form. Every cent of each donation is put to work for Iowa's non-game wildlife and the contribution is tax-deductible. Please consider contributing to the Fish/Wildlife Fund - it is one of most hassle-free ways to make a difference for wildlife. The check-offs are on line 58 of the state tax form.

For more information, contact the Wildlife Diversity Program at 515-432-2823.

The "Chickadee Check-off" or Fish/Wildlife Fund