Look for the Loon

LOOK FOR THE LOON

April 5, 2011

MADISON -- As tax day rapidly approaches, Wisconsin residents can consider making a vital contribution to help preserve and protect Wisconsin's natural resources through the checkoff on state income tax forms.

The majority of the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Endangered Resource's conservation work is funded by donations, and because these donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the state, donations are doubly important.

"Making a donation on a Wisconsin income tax form is an investment in a healthy and prosperous environment, crucial to both the quality of life and the economy of our state," says Laurie Osterndorf, director of the DNR endangered resources program.

Past donations have helped the Bureau of Endangered Resources manage more than 650 State Natural Areas that include outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscapes and are home to 90 percent of the plants and 75 percent of the animals on Wisconsin's endangered and threatened species list.

Some recent successes of the Endangered Resources Program include the delisting of bald eagles in 2007 and ospreys and trumpeter swans in 2009.

"Donations are more critical now than ever, however," Osterndorf says, "as Wisconsin's cave bats are under danger from white-nose syndrome, a mysterious and devastating disease that is spreading to the Midwest from the Eastern United States. So remember, look for the loon silhouette next to the line entitled Endangered Resources Donation on your tax form to make an investment in Wisconsin's natural resources."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Endangered Resources (608) 266-7012

Last Revised: Tuesday, April 05, 2011