As tax season edges closer, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is spotlighting a unique opportunity for taxpayers to double their impact on the state's ecological preservation. According to a recent news release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, nature enthusiasts are encouraged to consider making a donation to the Endangered Resources Fund when filing their Wisconsin income taxes. This fund is vital for the conservation of Wisconsin's rare plants, animals, and State Natural Areas.
Known for harboring sizeable populations of endangered species such as the Karner blue butterfly and the rusty patched bumble bee, Wisconsin prides itself on being a biodiversity hotspot. Drew Feldkirchner, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Conservation Bureau Director, said, "When you support the Endangered Resources Fund, it supports our team’s on-the-ground conservation efforts and helps us collaborate with volunteers and partners to prevent the loss of species across our state." Not to mention, the funds ensure the continued care of almost 75% of the state's endangered and threatened wildlife and 90% of its rare plant species, that have made their home in the sites protected by this initiative.
Donations made to the Endangered Resources Fund are not only tax-deductible but also matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis, effectively doubling contributors' gifts. This leveraging power extends even further as the matched funds are used to qualify for grants that require matching, turning a $25 donation into a potential $100 for conservation. In a statement obtained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources newsroom, Feldkirchner added, "In the past year, we’ve seen the rediscovery of a rare plant not seen for over 100 years, conducted prescribed burns on thousands of acres of natural areas and our biologists documented encouraging signs of recovery among little brown bat populations decimated by white-nose syndrome."
For those interested in contributing to the Endangered Resources Fund, donations can be made through the "donations" section on the Wisconsin income tax form, where "endangered resources" is now the first line under the Financial Donations section for the tax year 2025. For more information on how the Endangered Resources Fund facilitates species recovery and manages state natural areas, taxpayers can visit the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation's Natural Heritage Conservation Field Notes webpage.
Furthermore, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Office of Communications remains a resource for journalists and the public seeking to connect with experts on a wide range of topics for further learning or coverage. Inquiries can be directed to their email, as recommended by the DNR newsroom – ensuring a swift response and meaningful engagement with Wisconsin’s natural heritage.
