Funding the NJ Endangered and Non-game Species Program

You have seen cars on New Jersey roads with this Conserve Wildlife license plate, but did you know how it was obtained and what it means?

This special plate's purchase dedicates 80 percent of the fees to the NJ Endangered and Non-game Species Program. That is important because - as many people do not know - that program is supported by contributions and not by the state. 

These revenues help the state's Bald Eagle comeback, Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys, Bog Turtles, Barred Owls and many other species to survive in the state.

The other source of revenue is the checkoff on your state tax return on Line 66 on your NJ 1040 income tax return. EVERY dollar you donate goes directly to the state's Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and your contribution is matched with an equal amount of federal funding, further strengthening efforts to protect imperiled species.

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program is responsible for more than 600 species of greatest conservation need across New Jersey, including 86 species currently listed as endangered or threatened.

A NJ Income Tax Check-off to Help Endangered Species

New Jersey residents can continue to help the recovery of endangered species through a state income-tax check-off. Not the most opportune time to ask someone for a "donation," but taxpayers can give a portion of their state refunds to fund wildlife protection.

Simply look for Line 59 on your NJ 1040 income tax return, and check-off for wildlife. Or remind your tax preparer that you want to make a contribution.

Every dollar you donate goes directly to the DEP's Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP), enabling biologists to continue their work to restore, conserve and enhance New Jersey's populations of rare species. What's more, your contribution is matched with an equal amount of federal funding, further strengthening efforts to protect hundreds of imperiled species.

The funds collected in past years have helped specie such as the bald eagle and osprey populations reach record highs in the state.

It is an understandable misconception that these programs are funded by tax dollars or the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses. They are not.

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program also works closely with local conservation groups. They award Conserve Wildlife Matching Grants —funded by sales of Conserve Wildlife license plates — to fund efforts of nonprofit conservation organizations,

Support NJ's Endangered Wildlife With A Conserve Wildlife License Plate

When you buy a $50 Conserve Wildlife license plate, you not only let everyone know you believe in conservation. You let them know you're doing something about it. More than 80% of your payment, goes directly toward preserving our state's endangered wildlife.

That's crucial, because the New Jersey's endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife protection program receives no dedicated state funding and must depend completely on contributions from the general public.

Revenues from license plate sales (and the wildlife check-off on the state tax form) have made a difference in conserving wildlife that is threatened and endangered.

Conserve Wildlife license plates may be purchased during the motor vehicle registration cycle at a Motor Vehicle Commission agency, at any New Jersey automobile dealer when buying or leasing a new car, or by calling 1-888-486-3339 on weekdays to request an application to purchase a license plate via mail.

To learn more about the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s “Drive Conservation Home” License Plate Program, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensp/plates.htm

Fortieth Anniversary of NJ Endangered Species Law

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife released a rehabilitated bald eagle at a Morris County golf course on March 4. 2013 to draw attention to the 40th anniversary of the state’s endangered species protection law. The annual state income tax check-off provides critical support to efforts such as this.

“The health of our wildlife populations is a good indicator of the overall health of the environment,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda. “Since the enactment of the Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act of 1973, we have had many success stories in New Jersey, such as the return of the bald eagle from nearly being wiped out in New Jersey to more than 110 pairs successfully raising a record 165 offspring in 2012.”

To mark the anniversary and draw attention to the income tax check-off, the Division of Fish and Wildlife released a four-year-old male bald eagle that was rehabilitated by the nonprofit Raptor Trust. The eagle was found in January with a severely dislocated wing on a roadside along the Oak Ridge Reservoir in Morris County. The release took place at the Morris County Park System’s Berkshire Valley Golf Course.

The Endangered Wildlife Fund check-off is located on Line 59 of Form NJ-1040. Taxpayers are provided the option of contributing $10, $20, or an amount of his or her choosing, toward protection of threatened and endangered species.

The state’s Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act was signed into law on December 14, 1973, two weeks before President Nixon signed the federal Endangered Species Act.As a result of the state law, the Division of Fish and Wildlife established the Endangered and Nongame Species Program to carry out the work necessary to restore and maintain these species.

New Jersey currently lists 37 species as endangered, including the bald eagle, red knot, piping plover, bog turtle and eastern tiger salamander. Thirty-two species are listed as threatened, including the yellow-crowned night heron, osprey, wood turtle, and northern pine snake.

Check-of funds go to support wildlife conservation programs and are used to match or leverage funds from the federal government’s State Wildlife Grants program. The sales of Conserve Wildlife license plates also help fund the program.

“Donating a small portion of your tax refund to the Endangered Wildlife Fund will go directly to help safeguard our state’s rich fish and wildlife heritage and habitat for future generations to enjoy by supporting research and monitoring, improving management on public and private lands, combating invasive species, addressing wildlife disease problems, and protecting native habitats” said Kelly Mooij, Vice President of Government Relations for the New Jersey Audubon Society.

In addition to the New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Fund, taxpayers may choose to designate contributions to other worthwhile programs. Details are included in the Form 1040 instructions. Contributions to any of these check-off funds will reduce your refund commensurately.

• The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging those interested in the bald eagle release to view a video that shows not only the actual release, but also footage of the bird at The Raptor Trust - go to http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2013/03/dep_releases_rehabilitated_bal.html 
• Additional information about the restoration of New Jersey’s bald eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons, is available at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/raptor_info.htm.
• For more on the Endangered and Nongame Species Program, including facts on species that the program works to protect, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensphome.htm
• For a webcam of an eagle nest at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, visit: www.ustream.tv/channel/eagle-cam. This nest has successfully produced young every year since observations began in 2005.

Help Fund Endangerd Species in New Jersey

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program is responsible for protecting and managing nearly 500 wildlife species, including 73 species currently listed as endangered or threatened. When I have talked to groups about the program, one thing that always surprises people is that it is funded almost entirely by the state income tax check-off donations and through sales of the distinctive Conserve Wildlife License Plate. Imagine running a program by relying on people to contribute when they are paying their taxes!

You can help protect New Jersey's bald eagles and all other rare wildlife by supporting the New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Fund when you file your state income tax this year. Jusst look for Line 58 on your NJ 1040 income tax return, and check-off for wildlife or remind your tax preparer that you want to make a contribution.

Every dollar you donate goes directly to the DEP's Endangered and Nongame Species Program, enabling biologists to continue their work to restore, conserve and enhance New Jersey's populations of rare species. What's more, your contribution is matched with an equal amount of federal funding, further strengthening efforts to protect hundreds of imperiled species.

The bald eagle used on the images above is the best example of a species on the brink of extinction in NJ. In 1979, there was just a solitary nesting pair. Residues of the pesticide DDT from the 1950s and 1960s were still causing thin, fragile eggshells that crushed under the weight of the adult eagles.
But volunteers and Endangered and Nongame Species biologists, plus a ban on DDT and other pesticides, has allowed the bald eagles to make a steady comeback over the past three decades.

In 2011, there were 113 nesting pairs and 119 fledged chicks and a January 2012 bird count found well over 300 eagles making their homes in New Jersey.

The Delaware Bay region of Cumberland and Salem Counties' expanses of coastal wetlands provide plentiful fishing grounds, and the species is expanding northward. The nesting range now includes 18 of New Jersey's 21 counties.

They are still an ususual sight for most New Jerseyeans. A bald eagle perched in a tree directly above busy Route 202-206 in Bedminster, Somerset County, created a minor traffic jam recently as motorists stopped and pulled out their cameraphones.

And don't forget our secretive bobcats that were reintroduced 30 years ago and are now living in the northern third of the state.

Peregrine falcons - the fastest of the world's birds - disappeared from New Jersey in the 1960s, but a reintroduction project and intensive management have resulted in a stable population of about 20 nesting pairs, including some in major cities.

 
If tax time isn't the right way for you to help out, how about "driving home" the conservation message showing off your commitment by purchasing a $50 Conserve Wildlife license plate? More than 80% of your payment, or $4 out of every $5, goes directly toward preserving our state's endangered wildlife. That's crucial, because the New Jersey's endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife protection program receives no dedicated state funding and must depend completely on contributions from the general public.

For more information on New Jersey's endangered and threatened species, go to www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensphome.htm. This webpage includes information on how to help these species through both the tax return check-off and Conserve Wildlife license plates.

Endangered Species and a Tax Check-Off

Did you know that New Jersey residents can help secure the future of the State's threatened and endangered wildlife by making a dedicated donation when they file their State income tax returns this year?

"Despite being the nation's most densely populated state, New Jersey has an incredible diversity of wildlife, including some of the world's most beautiful and rare animals,'' said NJDEP Commissioner Martin. "These are special creatures that need our protection, and which we'd like to preserve in the Garden State for our children and future generations. We can support this important effort by making a simple check-off for wildlife on our State income-tax returns."

Residents should look for Line 58 -- the New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Fund -- on the NJ 1040 income tax form, or remind their tax preparers they want to make a contribution.

Each donated dollar goes directly to the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife, enabling its Endangered and Nongame Species Program biologists to continue their work to restore, conserve and enhance New Jersey's populations of rare species.

Each contribution is matched by an equal amount of federal funding, which further strengthens efforts to protect imperiled species.

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program manages nearly 500 wildlife species, including 73 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, mammals and fish currently listed as endangered or threatened.

When I have done talks as a volunteer for the ENSP, one thing I have always emphasized is that the program is funded almost entirely by federal grants, which require matching state funds from the state income-tax check-off and sales of New Jersey's distinctive Conserve Wildlife license plate.

No, it's not paid for by your tax dollars. What a way to fund a program!  And what a time to ask for donations - when people are paying their income taxes!

Nevertheless, those two revenue sources, which generated $292,000 in 2010 and $1.8 million over the past five years, help finance efforts by DEP biologists to prevent some rare species from becoming extinct in New Jersey, and to make sure other creatures do not have to be added to the state's list of endangered and threatened species.

What are the "dividends" that your investment makes?

New Jersey biologists restored our bald eagle population from one nest in 1979 to 82 nesting pairs today.

New Jersey biologists have led the international effort to prevent the Western Hemisphere extinction of the red knot, which depends on the eggs of spawning Delaware Bay horseshoe crabs they devour in New Jersey each spring to fuel an epic migration from their South American breeding grounds to Canadian Arctic nesting grounds.

The bobcat was reintroduced in New Jersey 30 years ago, and research and protection efforts since then have allowed this secretive cat to establish a foothold in the northern third of the state.

More than 30 years of intensive management and cooperative efforts with coastal communities have prevented the State extinction of three New Jersey beach nesting birds, the piping plover, least tern and black skimmer.

Peregrine falcons disappeared from New Jersey in the 1960's but through a reintroduction project and intensive management we now have a stable population of 20 nesting pairs statewide.

Learn more about New Jersey's endangered species:
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensphome.htm
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/tandespp.htm

For information on the Conserve Wildlife license plates:
http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensp/plates.htm

Something Good About Paying Your NJ Taxes

If you're working on your NJ Tax return this weekend, take note of the Endangered Wildlife Fund Tax Check-Off.

You can help protect New Jersey's bald eagles and all other rare wildlife by supporting the New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Fund when you file your state income tax this year by checking off line 57 on your NJ 1040 income tax return. It's a check-off for wildlife. (Or remind your tax preparer that you want to make a contribution.)

Every dollar you donate goes directly to the DEP's Endangered and Nongame Species Program, enabling biologists to continue their work to restore, conserve and enhance New Jersey's populations of rare species. What's more, your contribution is matched with an equal amount of federal funding, further strengthening efforts to protect hundreds of imperiled species.

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program is responsible for protecting and managing nearly 500 wildlife species, including 73 species currently listed as endangered or threatened.

The program is funded almost entirely by the state income tax check-off donations and through sales of the distinctive Conserve Wildlife License Plate.

For more than 35 years, Endangered and Nongame Species' biologists have been working to bring back from the brink of extinction a variety of rare species such as the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon and the osprey. Your contribution to the Endangered Wildlife Fund makes it possible for these scientists to prevent other birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish and even butterflies from being added to the state's list of endangered and threatened species.

Whether you receive a tax refund this year or you owe tax this year, you can help keep the wonder of rare wildlife alive for our children - and for theirs - by checking off for wildlife on your NJ 1040 tax return.

Grants and Scholarships for NJ Education Projects

Getting funding for environmental education projects is never easy. Teachers should consider grant opportunities from the NJ Department of Environmental Education.

Schools, educators, community groups and state and local agencies may benefit from financial aid relating to environmental outreach and education programs. These grant funds can be used to cover projects related to recycling, pollution control and management, environmental awareness and action programs, natural resource protection, tree planting and community forestry programs and watershed management and protection.

Grant requests are evaluated through guidelines that are defined on each of the application forms. Grant procedures, limitations and application deadlines are available on-line for all DEP grant programs.

To review all such grant opportunities, visit the Grant and Loan Programs website.

• Barnegat Bay Environmental Grant Fund
• EPA Environmental Education Grants
• Environmental Education News (EEdNews)
• Grant and Loan Programs
• HEP Public Involvement & Education Mini-Grants
• Matching Grants Program for Local Environmental Commissions
• Physical Education Grants Initiative (pdf)
• Russell A. Cookingham Scholarship (For students majoring in wildlife management)
  
• Water Festival Grants Guidelines (pdf)

Check Off To Conserve Wildlife in NJ

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program's (ENSP) mission is to actively conserve New Jersey's biological diversity through the protection and management of nearly 500 wildlife species found in the Garden State. These include the 73 species currently listed as endangered or threatened.

The program is funded almost entirely by donations (NOT TAX DOLLARS!) from the sale of Conserve Wildlife License Plates, grants and the state income tax check-off, as well as support from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation.

Talk about a crazy way to fund a program - ask people to donate a few buck when they are paying their taxes! That's crazy!

But it works - you can help protect New Jersey's bald eagles and all other rare wildlife by supporting the New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Fund when you file your state income tax this year.

Look for Line 57 on your NJ 1040 income tax return, and check-off for wildlife. Or remind your tax preparer that you want to make a contribution.

Every dollar you donate goes directly to the DEP's Endangered and Nongame Species Program, enabling biologists to continue their work to restore, conserve and enhance New Jersey's populations of rare species. What's more, your contribution is matched with an equal amount of federal funding, further strengthening efforts to protect hundreds of imperiled species.

Whether you receive a tax refund this year or you owe tax this year, you can help keep the wonder of rare wildlife alive for our children - and for theirs - by checking off for wildlife on your NJ 1040 tax return.

NJDEP Budget Is Likely To Be Cut For 2010

Gov. Jon Corzine's proposed 2010 budget slashes funding for the Department of Environmental Protection.

DEP funding is reduced by 25% from 2008 and Natural Resource Management funding will be cut a third, from two years ago.

About New Jersey's Endangered and Nongame Species Program

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program's (ENSP) mission is to actively conserve New Jersey's biological diversity by maintaining and enhancing endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife populations within healthy, functioning ecosystems.

The ENSP of New Jersey was created in 1973. The U.S. Endangered Species Act was passed that year and then New Jersey passed its own N.J. Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act.

The program is responsible for the protection and management of nearly 500 wildlife species found in the Garden State. These include the 73 species currently listed as endangered or threatened.

The ENSP staff works on projects to restore endangered wildlife, and also to protect and manage wildlife populations and habitats that are threatened.

They also provide information and technical assistance to the New Jersey public and have a volunteer Speaker's Bureau. The speakers go out to groups and schools to speak about the program and the need to protect New Jersey's wildlife. Groups often donate money after learning about the endangered species of their state.

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program's (ENSP) mission is "to actively conserve New Jersey's biological diversity by maintaining and enhancing endangered and nongame wildlife populations within healthy, functioning ecosystems.

Endangered species protection in New Jersey is amazingly NOT FUNDED THROUGH TAX DOLLARS. The ENSP is funded primarily through the Wildlife Tax Check-off on the state tax form and proceeds from the sale of "Conserve Wildlife" license plates.

These plates can be purchased at any time during the registration cycle at a Motor Vehicle Commission agency, at any New Jersey automobile dealer when buying or leasing a new car, or by calling 888-486-3339 (toll free in New Jersey) on weekdays for an application to purchase through the mail. Call 609-292-6500 from out of state.