Jan. 30, 2014

Help nongame species this tax season by checking the Chickadee

PRATT – With the flick of a pen, taxpayers can help support a wide variety of nongame wildlife this tax season by making a donation to the Chickadee Checkoff program. To make a contribution, taxpayers simply mark the Chickadee Checkoff box on their state income tax forms and designate the amount they would like to donate. There is no minimum or incremental requirement. Donations can also be made directly to the Chickadee Checkoff program at any time throughout the year by mailing the donation to Chickadee Checkoff c/o Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) at 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124.

A program of KDWPT, Chickadee Checkoff uses donations to fund wildlife programs and initiatives, as well as numerous species assessments and habitat surveys statewide. Programs such as the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS) at Kansas schools, Kansas Backyard Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Certification Program, and the Nursing Home Bird Feeder Program all benefit from Chickadee Checkoff proceeds. In addition, donations support much needed projects like the Prairie Windows project, Bluebird Nest Box Project, and the Small Grant Program.

Private donations are crucial in funding these vital programs, especially when Chickadee Checkoff proceeds are matched by federal funds. Contributions have been steadily decreasing in recent years, making it imperative that every Kansan mark the Chickadee Checkoff box this year. With the support of the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA), KDWPT hopes to see more boxes checked this tax season.

For more information, please visit the KDWPT website www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Other Services/Wildlife Diversity/Chickadee Checkoff.” 

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