Posted on 08/25/2023 6:28:32 AM PDT by SJackson
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services has turned nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in poaching violations into an educational opportunity.
A news release stated that the AGFC has set aside all wildlife and fishing fine money collected in each Arkansas county last year specifically for education grants teachers may use to increase conservation education efforts in schools.
The money is available in the form of a grant overseen by the AEDC, with teachers and administrators having until Oct. 25 to apply on the AEDC website, according to AGFC.
The release states that the amount of money available in each county is based on the fines collected in that county and any unused funds from previous years. Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply for these grants regardless of size or population.
“Last year, these grants paid for everything from field trips to nature centers and educator workshops to building butterfly habitats and other outdoor experiences right on school grounds,” AGFC Chief of Education Tabbi Kinion said. “Grants averaged about $3,000 and ranged from $300 to $16,500. The grant amount really boils down to fine money available in each county and number of applicants.”
AGFC states that all fine money collected in each county never really crosses county lines. In some rural school districts, these extra dollars have played pivotal roles in offering conservation education programs that would otherwise have been cut due to lack of funding.
“AGFC programs like Archery in the Schools, Fishing in The Natural State, and schoolyard habitat are often funded with these grants, but any needs for conservation education a school has, even class supplies to teach the Outdoor Adventures program, are eligible for grant funding,” Kinion said.
Good idea. Insignificant amount of state budget which can help school kids.
Rather intelligent funding guidelines - keep funding in the counties where it was gathered, where the need for conservation education is clearly needed. Teach ‘em young.
That’s a great idea. I’m trying to think how many states I believe would do this, or just keep the money.
My guess is Michigan or California have already spent it before the ink is dry on the ticket.
I despise poachers.
L
As long as the strings attached to it are not to woke.
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