Tax Form Raises Funds for Otters
Environmental Groups Use Tax Season to Help Threatened Wildlife
With the help of the California State Tax form, conservationists raised more than $255,000 last year to preserve the native sea otter population.
Officials at Defenders of Wildlife report that for the first time last year, Californians donated money to sea otter conservation by simply checking a box on their state tax forms. Taxpayers responded generously to the opportunity to donate and gave more than $255,000 to save one of their state’s most famous species. Once again this tax season, Californians can help save the threatened sea otter through a donation on their tax forms.
“Last year, Californians showed just how committed they are to the conservation of sea otters,” said Jim Curland marine program associate for Defenders of Wildlife. “The tax check-off gives people a great way to play a direct role in the recovery efforts for sea otters.”
The California Sea Otter Fund finances researchers and state agencies who are working to understand the threats facing the sea otter, as well as ways to recover their population in California. Half the money raised by the fund goes to the California Coastal Conservancy for research and programs related to improving sea otter habitat, including efforts to reduce sea otter mortality. The remaining half goes to the California Department of Fish and Game for investigation, prevention and enforcement actions.
According to Defenders of Wildlife, a minimum of $250,000 in annual donations must be received from the CA Sea Otter Fund donation box for this particular fund to appear on the state income tax form in coming years. Taxpayers who choose to mark the donation box can contribute any amount, starting at $1.
Last year, Californians donated $255,088. Holly McDonell, spokeswoman for the California Franchise Tax Board, commented: “For a first year fund, the taxpayers of California responded generously to the sea otters.”
Defenders of Wildlife is collaborating with EarthEcho International, the California Coastal Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game to re-launch its campaign to make California taxpayers aware of this simple yet significant conservation opportunity.
“We hope that as taxpayers become aware of this opportunity even more people will check the box to help sea otters,” said Curland.
Philippe Cousteau, president of EarthEcho International and noted conservationist and explorer, will be featured in a series of radio ads and posters touting the sea otter fund.
“The sea otter is a California icon,” said Cousteau. “By checking the sea otter donation box, California taxpayers can ensure that generations to come have the opportunity to enjoy these lovable creatures.”
To learn more about donating to the CA Sea Otter Fund, or to view the sea otter poster and hear Cousteau’s radio spot, visit www.defenders.org/seaotter/taxday.
