Did You Know?

Did you know that the Nongame Conservation Section of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division is funded through donations and grants?  Unlike other state agencies, the Nongame Conservation Section is dependent on voluntary contributions through direct donations and fundraising initiatives.  Therefore, we exist because Georgians want us to exist.  Every year, people from all over the state realize the important role that this section fulfills in protecting and conserving Georgia's Wildlife.  However, much more can be done.  Below are several examples of how concerned Georgians can support the Nongame Conservation Section.

State Income Tax Checkoff

Georgians can support our states nongame wildlife at tax time each year. Created in 1989, the state income tax checkoff provides an easy way for Georgians to donate to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. By filling in a dollar amount on line 27 of the long form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ), citizens can make a direct donation to support nongame species management and conservation in Georgia. Once the primary source of funding for the Nongame Conservation Section, the state income tax checkoff peaked in donations at nearly $512,000 in 1991 and has averaged $315,000 a year in contributions.

Wildlife Conservation License Plate

Hummingbird and bald eagle wildlife license plates provide an excellent way for Georgians to show their support for wildlife and contribute to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. Funds from the sale of both nongame wildlife license plates in Georgia benefit the Wildlife Conservation Fund. Funds are used exclusively for conservation, education and recreation projects focusing on Georgia's endangered and nongame wildlife and plants. The funds have also been used to purchase and preserve habitat. Hummingbird and bald eagle tags are available in your local county tag office or online at http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/ .

Weekend for Wildlife

Every year in February the Nongame Conservation Section hosts the Weekend for Wildlife. Held the second full weekend in February at the Cloister resort on Sea Island, Weekend for Wildlife mixes adventure excursions to Georgia's wild barrier islands with a spectacular auction and banquet to create the ideal getaway for concerned wildlife enthusiasts. Registration for this unique event opens in October. You may obtain a brochure or additional information by contacting the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters at (770) 918-6400 after November 15.  

The Environmental Resources Network (T.E.R.N.)

A group of citizens who share an interest in wildlife conservation joined in 1992 to form T.E.R.N -The Environmental Resources Network, Inc. T.E.R.N. is a nonprofit (501c3) organization and is the official "Friends Group" of the Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Program, now referred to as the Nongame Conservation Section, whose mission it is to aid in the financial support of the program and its vital conservation projects. Each year at the groups annual meeting in May, members vote on projects to be funded during the coming fiscal year. Projects for which T.E.R.N. has provided funding include a bald eagle educational display, Sanctuary on the Sapelo bald eagle captive breeding facility, "Georgias Traveling Songsters" poster, International Migratory Bird Day educational materials, manatee tracking equipment, backyard habitat management publications and many others.

In addition to aiding the Nongame Conservation Section by providing financial support, members receive a semi-annual newsletter and the opportunity to participate in unique wildlife-related field trips and management/education projects. Plus, all donations to T.E.R.N. are tax-deductible!

For membership information, please call (478) 994-1438. Or visit the group's Web site at www.tern.homestead.com.

By supporting the Nongame program, you help ensure the vast diversity of wildlife in our state will continue to grow and will be enjoyed by Georgians well into the 21st century.