The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services has awarded grants totaling $645,493 to promote wildlife education and improve school conservation programs to 206 schools and other organizations.
Several of those schools and organizations are in the Lakes Region including money going to Alpena, Harrison, and Lead Hill in Boone County along Berryville and Eureka Springs in Carroll County. The Carrol County Conservation District is also receiving grant money.
Other grants awarded in the region include St. Paul High School in Madison County, the Flippin School District in Marion County, the Deer/Mt Judea and Jasper School Districts in Newton County, and Marshall Elementary School in Searcy County.
The grants are funded by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission through fines collected from hunting and fishing violations.
According to the commission, only money collected in the county where violations occurred may be used as grant funds for that county.
All schools in the state are eligible to participate in the program. The funding is said to have helped schools create and maintain archery, fishing and competitive shooting sports programs. Schools have also used the money to help improve wildlife education by purchasing education materials, materials for the creation of indoor and outdoor habitats, lab supplies and field trips to AGFC nature and education centers.
A complete list of 2023 Game and Fish Wildlife grant award recipients can be found here.
(From Arkansas Economic Development Commission and KTLO)
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