Hunters and anglers boosted support for wildlife habitat management in 2015
Hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts said "yes" to the Cherish
Wisconsin Outdoors Fund<CherishWisconsin.org> in 2015, donating more than
$93,200 for habitat management in the state when buying hunting, fishing and
other outdoor sports licenses. This marks a 7 percent increase in donations
in the fund's second full year compared to its first in 2014.
"More and more hunters and anglers are hearing about the Cherish Wisconsin
Outdoors Fund and are recognizing it as an opportunity to make a big
difference for Wisconsin," said Ruth Oppedahl, executive director of the
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. "Hunters and anglers have a deep
connection with nature and understand what's at stake if we don't invest in
our public lands for future generations."
When hunters and anglers buy their licenses through the Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources' licensing system, they have the option to donate $2 to
the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund. Of all of the vendors, Mills Fleet Farm
in Germantown collected the most money in donations during the 2015 license
year at $3,700.
"Considering we are an outdoors sporting headquarters, big supporters of the
Department of Natural Resources and advocates for fishing and hunting, we
are diligent about asking the Cherish Wisconsin donation question," said Ken
Fry, Mills Fleet Farm director of operations. "Mills Fleet Farm feels
strongly about protecting the public lands our customers use."
Although donations through the DNR license system are usually $2, two
customers donated $200 each and seven customers donated $100 each in 2015.
Wisconsin residents are not alone in their love for the state-donations came
in from residents of many other states.
Starting in March of 2016, hunters and anglers will continue to have the
opportunity to make a donation to the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund
through the DNR's new Go Wild licensing system. The popular camping
reservation website Reserve America<http://www.reserveamerica.com/> also
collects donations for the fund. In addition, direct donations can be made
at CherishWisconsin.org<http://cherishwisconsin.org/>.
"The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources appreciates these generous
donations from hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts through the Cherish
Wisconsin Outdoors Fund," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "The funds help
support habitat management for our state parks, natural areas, wildlife
areas and fishery areas. These are gifts that will last more than a lifetime
and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy our waters and
lands."
The Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund was created through unanimous bipartisan
legislation to "support habitat management activities" on state-owned or
managed lands. In a unique public-private partnership, the Natural Resources
Foundation of Wisconsin holds and manages the fund as an endowment.