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CHECKOFF CONTRIBUTIONS HELP PROTECT
OHIO'S NATURAL AREAS AND WILDLIFE

Ohio's natural areas and endangered wildlife income tax checkoff programs have fostered the return of bald eagles, peregrine falcons and trumpeter swans to the state's skies and have helped preserve the habitats of rare plants such as the lakeside daisy and running buffalo clover.

With tax preparation season approaching, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is again urging taxpayers to remember these programs when filing their state income tax returns. Donations made through simple checkmarks on the state income tax form help ODNR protect natural areas and scenic rivers, reintroduce endangered wildlife and preserve wetland habitat.

Since 1984, checkoff programs have generated moare than $22 million.

Last year alone, Ohioans contributed $1,086,537 to these funds: $565,224 for natural areas and preserves and $521,313 for wildlife habitat and endangered species protection.

Donations to the Division of Wildlife have:
Restored bald eagle, trumpeter swan and peregrine falcon populations
Helped reintroduce showshoe hares to Geauga and Ashtabula counties
Assisted in placing thriving colonies of Karner blue butterflies in the Oak Openings of Lucas County
Helped purchase critical habitat and fund programs for wildlife research and education

Donations to the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves have:
Preserved additional habitat at many of the 126 state nature preserves including Johnson Woods in Wayne County, Gallagher Fen in Clark County, Lakeside Daisy in Ottawa County and Rockbridge in Hocking County
Funded trail construction and visitor facilities at state nature preserves
Helped fund the fight against invasive plant species in many of the state's nature preserves
Helped fund publications and public awareness programs to educate Ohioans about nature preserves and scenic rivers

Ohioans can donate part or all of their state income tax refund by:
Checking the appropriate boxes on lines 16 and 17 on the IT-1040 EZ forms or lines 24 and 25 on the IT-1040 form
Sending a check to either the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves or the Division of Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity Account at ODNR Fountain Square Complex, Columbus, Ohio 43224