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Fewer Iowans are contributing to the state’s Fish and Wildlife Fund on their tax returns to support wildlife conservation efforts. Last year, about 5,800 people checked the so-called Chickadee checkoff box, or about four-tenths of 1 percent of Iowa taxpayers.
Stephanie Shepherd, a wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Diversity Program, said checkoffs are the only source of funding for the program.
“At Chickadee Checkoff, the number of donors continues to decline for some reason, probably because the way people pay their taxes has changed so much over the years,” Shepherd says. “Chickadee checkoffs appeared on tax forms in 1982, so things have certainly changed a lot.”
She said the checkoff funds are essential to the agency’s work to help protect Iowa’s most vulnerable species.
“We are a people that is 100 percent focused on all the wild animals that can’t be hunted, fished, or trapped, that is, all the wild animals that are not gamed,” Shepard said. “That includes songbirds, bald eagles, bumblebees, frogs and toads, dragonflies, and anything else that can’t be hunted, fished, or trapped.”
Recent projects supported by Checkoff include investigating the nesting success of bald eagles and determining the status of the endangered Pawseek Skipperling butterfly.
“When the Chickadee Checkoff was created, it actually created our program,” Shepherd said. “This allows us to conduct a full range of species conservation activities, from outreach to research to habitat management projects.”
The number of checkoff donors has declined by 50% over the past 20 years. Last year’s purchase price was about $147,000, about $8,000 less than the year before. Iowans can contribute as little as $1 on their state tax forms.
“Starting this year, the tax form has changed. It looks like Congress has made some changes to the way the tax form is set up and the Department of Revenue, so things have changed a little bit,” Shepherd said. “If you’re working with taxpayers, remember to let them know you want to donate. Also, note if they use an electronic program.”
Shepard said 100% of donations to the checkoff go directly to the program and there are no administrative fees. Also, you don’t have to donate through your tax form. You can donate directly on his DNR website: https://programs.iowadnr.gov/donations
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