Thousands awarded to local schools from AGFC fine collections

Thanks to wildlife violation fines collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services has awarded grants totaling $645,493.22 to promote wildlife education and improve school conservation programs to 206 schools, school districts and conservation districts in 68 Arkansas counties.

The AGFC actually never sees a single penny from citations its officers write, according to AGFC Director Austin Booth said. Instead, that money is invested in the children of that county to help instill that love of the outdoors that makes Arkansans unique.

All schools in the state are eligible to participate in the program, but only money collected in the county where the violation occurred may be used as grant funds for that county.

The funding has helped schools create and maintain archery, fishing, and competitive shooting sports programs. Schools also have used 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 have used the funding to help promote wildlife conservation awareness in the communities by hosting environmental education days and fishing derbies for children of all ages.

Schools in Howard County received a total of $2,368.07, while the Mine Creek Conservation District received $1,184.07 to purchase AYSSP materials.

Dierks High School and Mineral Springs High School will utilize their funds to purchase AYSSP materials and pay tournament fees.

Schools in Pike County received $18,638.23.

South Pike County School District received $4,544 and will use the funds to purchase ANASP material, while Center Point Elementary School received $14,004.23. They plan to purchase items to complete their outdoor classroom, including pavers and circular concrete benches. The outdoor classroom will be handicap accessible.

In Hempstead County, Blevins High School received $1,410.37 to purchase ANASP material.