With budget constraints an increasing reality, teachers, researchers and parks often are faced with the daunting task of prioritizing projects. Thanks to the Arizona Lottery and its ticket buyers, however, those in need may not need to abandon projects benefiting the state’s wildlife and people.

Arizona Game and Fish Department, through its Heritage grants, annually offers hundreds of thousands of dollars to applicants carrying out projects with a wildlife focus that might not otherwise receiving funding. The application deadline for this year’s program is 5 p.m. MST on Nov. 30, 2007. Applications must be received by the deadline at the department’s new Phoenix headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Hwy.

“The driving force behind the Heritage grants is to further the wildlife conservation efforts of the state for the benefit of Arizonans,” says Robyn Beck, Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Heritage grant coordinator. “Many worthy projects may not otherwise be completed.”

Started in 1990, the Heritage Fund was established by Arizona voters to further conservation efforts in the state including protecting endangered species, educating our children about wildlife, helping urban residents to better coexist with wildlife and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Funding comes from Arizona Lottery ticket sales. 

Nineteen recipients received grants during the 2006 program, including the development of an outdoor classroom at the Grand Canyon, aimed at presenting conservation curriculum to students in a more hands-on environment. Other projects ranged from enhancement of a schoolyard wildlife habitat and pollination garden in Tucson to the creation of 60 acres of habitat suitable for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoo in the Yuma area.

Over the years, Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded a total of more than $12 million in grants to communities across the state. The department hosts workshops every August for groups interested in applying for Heritage grants.  Potential award candidates must have a project that is either located in Arizona or involves research in which the wildlife or its habitat is located within the state. Projects must be completed within three years.

More information and application forms for the grants can be found on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/heritage, or by contacting Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530.