LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Division of Rural Services has awarded grants totaling $536,401 to promote wildlife education and improve school conservation programs to 150 schools, school districts and conservation districts in 65 Arkansas counties. The local awards totaled $23,495.The grant program is funded by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) through fines collected from hunting and fishing violations. Only money collected in the county where the violation occurred may be used as grant funds for that county.
All schools in the state are eligible to participate in the program. The funding schools have received in previous years has helped create and maintain archery, fishing and competitive shooting sports programs. Schools also use the money to help improve wildlife education by purchasing educational materials, materials for the creation of indoor and outdoor habitats, lab supplies and field trips to AGFC nature and education centers. Conservation districts use the funding to help promote wildlife conservation awareness in the communities by hosting environmental education days and fishing derbies for children of all ages.