More than $777,000 in wildlife and fishing fines is available this year for Arkansas schools to support conservation education programs, officials announced.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services are offering the grants, which are funded by fines collected in each county for poaching and other wildlife violations. Schools and conservation districts across the state may apply for funding to support classroom lessons, outdoor activities, field trips, and programs such as archery, shooting sports, and aquatic ecosystem studies.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the program aims to engage students in conservation and ensure future generations are prepared to protect Arkansas’ natural resources. Teachers and administrators have until Nov. 7 to apply at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission website.
Mary Beth Hatch, AGFC education chief, said the grants are particularly important for rural districts where funding for conservation programs is limited. The amount available in each county depends on fines collected locally and any unused funds from previous years.
For more information, visit www.agfc.com/conservationgrants.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI