ODNR News Releases - New Program Unveiled to Provide Additional Support of Ohio's Wildlife


New Program Unveiled to Provide Additional Support of Ohio's Wildlife Mar 4 Written by: news editor 3/4/2009 12:00 AM 03/04/09 Ohio Wildlife Stamp goes on sale in March 2010 New Program Unveiled to Provide Additional Support of Ohio's Wildlife Ohio Wildlife Stamp goes on sale in March 2010 COLUMBUS, OH - The new Ohio Wildlife Stamp, available for purchase in March of 2010, is a new tool for Ohioans to help conserve, enhance and restore native wildlife and its habitat, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. "We've developed this stamp because we know there are Ohioans who want to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts," said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife. "For years the funding for these wildlife projects has come from Ohio's hunters, trappers and anglers. This stamp will allow wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to directly impact the future of Ohio's native animals." The Ohio Wildlife Stamp will cost $15. Of that amount $14 goes directly to supporting Ohio's wildlife, and $1 to the license vendor as a handling fee. The photo of a Baltimore oriole, selected through a contest, will appear on the first stamp; a different Ohio species will be featured on the stamp each year. Stamp sales will begin on March 1, 2010. They will be available for purchase online at wildohio.com and at participating license vendors around the state. No taxpayer dollars are used to fund wildlife projects in Ohio. One funding source is the voluntary contributions made to the Division from the state income tax check off. Ohioans also support conservation efforts by purchasing the cardinal and bald eagle license plates. These funds are vital to wildlife conservation, but they are not enough. Ohio's hunters and anglers have shouldered most of the responsibility for conservation projects. Through the purchase of licenses and permits, these outdoorsmen and women have funded the restoration of the bald eagle and river otter, as well as the acquisition of critical habitats and development of educational materials. Those funds also provide required matching dollars for federal grants. Competition for these dollars is growing and there simply isn't enough funding to meet all of the needs for Ohio's wildlife. "Ohioans who make the decision to buy the Ohio Wildlife Stamp will take an active role in investing now for tomorrow's Wild Ohio," said Graham. For more information, visit wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com. -30- For further information, contact: Kendra Wecker, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614. 265. 6300 Laura Jones, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614. 265. 6811 Jason Fallon, ODNR Communications 614. 265. 6842 Trackback Print Location: Blogs ODNR NEWS Wildlife Tags: