COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio’s rare and irreplaceable ecosystems are better protected, thanks to Ohioans making donations to the state’s income tax check-off program benefiting natural areas/endangered species or wildlife species/endangered wildlife.

Since it is tax preparation season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) asks taxpayers to consider a contribution to help protect unique and special areas around the state. The tax check-off program allows people to make a donation quickly and conveniently.

“We appreciate the support of Ohio’s residents throughout the year who visit our nature preserves and support conservation,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “People can choose to make a positive impact to benefit the state nature preserves or Ohio’s endangered wildlife through the income tax check-off program and know their donations will be used responsibly.”

The tax check-off monies are used to protect the public investment made over the last 40 years to set aside and maintain the very best remaining natural areas in the state. The donations help support critical ecological management activities, including efforts to remove non-native and invasive species that pose a serious and ever-growing threat to sensitive habitats in the fragile state nature preserve system. 

Ohioans can donate all or part of their state income tax refund by checking the appropriate boxes on the state tax return form (line 25b – natural areas/endangered species - or 25c – wildlife species/endangered wildlife - of IT 1040 form; line 18b Ohio form IT 1040EZ; or line 13d-2 – natural areas/endangered species – or line 13d-3 - wildlife species/endangered wildlife - of the TeleFile worksheet) for the amount they wish to donate to either of the program.

Taxpayers who are not receiving a refund this year can still contribute by sending a check to: ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves' Natural Areas Fund or ODNR Division of Wildlife's Wildlife Diversity Fund, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Learn more by visiting the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.

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