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February 9, 2007
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE’S INCOME TAX CHECK-OFF PROGRAMS
HELP PROTECT OHIO’S NATURAL AREAS AND WILDLIFE
COLUMBUS, OH - Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys and trumpeter swans are back in Ohio’s skies and the habitats of rare plants like Virginia spiraea, dragonsmouth orchid and small-whorled pogonia are better protected thanks to donations to the state’s income tax check-off programs benefiting wildlife and natural areas.
Now that Ohioans are in the thick of tax preparation season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is urging taxpayers to remember these programs when filing their state income tax returns. Donations help ODNR protect natural areas and scenic rivers and reintroduce endangered wildlife.
“A simple checkmark on your tax form helps preserve Ohio’s natural environment,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan. “Future generations will benefit from the effort. Contributions of only a few dollars go a long way in protecting our native species and habitats.”
Last year, more than 43,000 Ohioans donated nearly $413,000 to the Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species check-off, while more than 37,000 donated nearly $399,000 for Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species.
Check-off donations have fostered the return of trumpeter swans to the Lake Erie marshes and peregrine falcons to the skylines of major cities. Snowshoe hares are again present in Geauga and Ashtabula counties and Karner blue butterflies flutter in the Oak Openings of Lucas County. Check-off monies also help purchase critical habitat and fund wildlife research programs.
 Last year, ODNR used check-off donations to acquire 30 acres along Scioto Brush Creek in Adams County to protect Ohio’s largest population of federally threatened Virginia spiraea. Donations also helped purchase 19 acres of buffer for Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County and 38 additional acres at Sears Woods State Nature Preserve in Crawford County. Check-off money also helped fund a 342-acre conservation easement along the Grand State Scenic River in Ashtabula County and a 160-acre conservation easement to protect the federally endangered small-whorled pogonia (pictured at right) in Hocking County.
Ohioans can donate all or part of their state income tax refund by checking the appropriate boxes on the state tax return form (lines 28 and 29 on the IT-1040 form and lines 20 and 21 on the IT-1040 EZ form) for the amount they wish to donate to either or both programs.
Taxpayers not eligible to receive a refund may send a check to either the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves or the ODNR Division of Wildlife at 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224. Information is also available on the Internet at ohiodnr.com.
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