Tax Checkoff and Wildlife Plates Support Programs

It's tax time again, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking wildlife enthusiasts for continued support by donating to the Nongame Wildlife Checkoff on 2004 state income tax forms. Checkoff donations support nongame wildlife like songbirds, birds of prey, amphibians and reptiles, while contributing to programs that help everyone enjoy all wildlife. According to Joel Sauder, nongame biologist for Fish and Game based in Lewiston, donations to the program do more that just preserve the majority of non-hunted, fished or trapped wildlife species. "The Nongame Wildlife Program also supports appreciative uses like viewing, interpretive education and photography of all wildlife, including species that are game animals," Sauder said. While most department funds come in the form of license and tag fees from hunters and anglers, or from federal excise taxes on sporting equipment, most nongame funding comes from the voluntary tax form checkoff, wildlife license plate purchases and direct donations. The number of Americans participating in wildlife-associated education and recreation activities such as bird watching, wildlife photography and bird feeding continues to rise annually. While this constituency rapidly grows, the problem of how to adequately fund the Nongame Program and meet ever-increasing demands continues. Tax checkoff funds for wildlife have fallen off severely in recent years as several other checkoff programs have been added to the tax form. When the program started in the early 1980s, it raised about $90,000 annually. Contributions have stabilized around $40,000 in the last eight years. Idaho wildlife enthusiasts can also support Idaho's nongame wildlife by purchasing elk, bluebird or trout wildlife license plates for motor vehicles. The Nongame Wildlife Program receives $25 from the purchase of each new bluebird plate, and $15 from each annual renewal of plates. A small portion of the proceeds from the elk and trout plates supports non-motorized boat access and wildlife disease monitoring and testing. To learn more about Idaho's nongame programs, visit Fish and Game's web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/wildlife/nongame/