More than $735,000 available for wildlife conservation education grants

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services announced the Wildlife Conservation Education Grants Program application period is open now through Oct. 8. More than $735,000 is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Funds for these grants come from fines collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

“Education is foundational for economic development,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “It leads to stronger communities, greater incomes, and more opportunities. These funds not only support enhanced educational opportunities, but they also help us to preserve our state’s wildlife for future generations to enjoy. I encourage all of our school districts to apply.”

According to AGFC Chief of Education Tabbi Kinion, these grants go a long way in strengthening learning opportunities for youth, especially in rural areas of Arkansas where education dollars are at a premium.

“Many schools participating in our shooting sports, archery, and conservation education programs are able to keep the programs going thanks to this partnership,” Kinion said. “We also hear from many teachers who are able to make conservation-oriented field trips possible thanks to the money we collect from wildlife fines.”

Programs eligible for funding include but are not limited to: the study of general fish and wildlife conservation issues, Project WILD Workshops, Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program, Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program, Fishing in the Natural State, Arkansas Stream Team, School Yard Habitat Site Development, and specialized AGFC conservation education/educator training workshops focused on the programs above. Funds may also be used for field trips to AGFC Nature Centers, Conservation Education Centers, and Wildlife Management Areas.

For a county-by-county listing of available funds and an application, visit www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.

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About About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission 

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com. The Arkansas Department of Commerce is the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department, Economic Development Commission and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide-sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.