(21/P039) TRENTON – Nature enthusiasts can help protect habitats and the wildlife that depend on them through a new Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Supporter program directing contributions to conservation and education efforts across New Jersey’s 122 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced.
The new program will create the opportunity to donate to a dedicated conservation fund, which will directly benefit outdoor initiatives, including hiking, birding, boating and wildlife viewing that are available at New Jersey’s WMAs.
“DEP land managers, biologists and conservationists manage more than 358,000 acres of natural lands for the benefit of wildlife and the public across DEP’s network of Wildlife Management Areas, which provide habitat for numerous species, and endless opportunities for the public to enjoy the beauty of the environment we share,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “As we approach Giving Tuesday on November 30, nature lovers (and those who love them) will have the opportunity to support wildlife and habitat conservation in New Jersey and receive a First Edition Wildlife Supporter decal for their donations, which will help ensure the protection of these priceless lands for future generations.”
Created in 2012, Giving Tuesday is recognized as the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving and encourages people to donate to causes they care about.
Donation levels to the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program start at $10. Contributors who donate $25 or more to the program will receive a first edition collectible decal.
Donations to the program will be dedicated for:
- Management and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat;
- Enforcement of fish and wildlife regulations;
- Restoration and protection of endangered and nongame species;
- Fish and wildlife educational programs and signage;
- Improved public access to recreational facilities on Wildlife Management Areas.
“The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages more than 358,000 acres in 122 wildlife management areas throughout New Jersey,” said Fish and Wildlife Director Dave Golden. “Maintaining these properties for the benefit of wildlife while providing compatible recreational opportunities has traditionally been supported and funded by New Jersey’s hunters and anglers. The Wildlife Habitat Supporter program will now allow everyone who enjoys the outdoors to have the opportunity to help fund conservation in the Garden State.”
“The conservation of our natural resources is critical to a healthy environment, robust economy and protecting the quality of life in our cities, towns, forests and farms,” added New Jersey Audubon President and CEO Eric Stiles. “As a partner on many projects with the DEP, NJ Audubon supports and encourages sound conservation practices. I urge everyone to become a Wildlife Habitat Supporter and be a part of fish, wildlife and habitat conservation in New Jersey.”
For more information or to donate and become a Wildlife Habitat Program supporter, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/whsp.htm
To view a list of New Jersey’s WMAs, visit www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/wmaland.htm
To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org
Like the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NJFishandWildlife/
Follow the Division of Fish and Wildlife on Instagram @newjerseyfishandwildlife
Follow Commissioner LaTourette on Twitter and Instagram @shawnlatur and follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP
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