News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2000

MORE THAN $50,000 IN WILDLIFE DIVERSITY GRANTS AWARDED

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has awarded more than $50,000 in wildlife diversity program grants to 15 recipients throughout Ohio.

The grant program is funded through contributions to the department's wildlife diversity and endangered species tax checkoff program and sales of the wildlife conservation license plate, which features the cardinal, Ohio's official state bird.

More than 60 individuals, organizations, and schools applied last fall to receive awards of up to $5,000. Four recipients -- Indian Creek High School, Chillicothe Parks & Recreation Department, Ashland County Pheasants Forever, and the Strongsville Senior Center -- received the maximum allowable grant award.

Wildlife diversity grants are designed to encourage citizen participation in the Division of Wildlife's efforts in promoting abundant and varied wildlife species and in educating people about wildlife conservation. From the American burying beetle to the high flying peregrine falcon, the wildlife diversity program works to conserve Ohio's rich diversity of wildlife species and their habitats. Project proposals are carefully reviewed by wildlife agency administrators and ranked according to how much they benefit Ohio's wildlife and citizens.

For Further Information Contact:
Kendra Wecker or John Wisse, Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6300