OHIO'S NATURAL AREAS TAX CHECKOFF PROGRAM AND SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE
Each year, Ohio’s most pristine natural areas are better protected thanks to donations to Ohio’s Natural Areas Tax Checkoff Program. These donations directly and immediately help the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) manage a system of over 136 nature preserves, totaling more than 30,000 acres, across the state.
These important natural areas - which include prairie landscapes, forested wilderness, deep valleys, high hills, gorges, natural bridges, waterfalls, and winding streams –are protected in perpetuity and managed for the rare species and habitats that occur within them.
Visitors are invited to explore many of these preserves, which are open daily from dawn to dusk, and activities such as bird watching, hiking, nature study and wildlife photography are highly encouraged.
State Nature Preserves are sanctuaries for rare plants and animals - 40% of Ohio’s endangered species, and 58% of Ohio’s threatened species, are represented and protected within them. As taxpayers, Ohioans should take pride in protecting these magnificent natural areas for conservation, recreation, and enjoyment for generations to come.
The Natural Areas Tax Refund Program was established by state legislation enacted in 1983, creating a system that allows Ohioans to contribute their state income tax refund to the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. 100% of your donation goes directly to Ohio State Nature Preserves, and donations are used to:
Ohioans can donate all or part of their state income tax refund by checking “Natural areas” on the 1040 Individual Income Tax Return. Contributions made on the tax return, filed this year, are considered deductible charitable donations made in the following year.
As tax season approaches, we hope that you will remember the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves when filing your state income tax return – and join us in protecting Ohio’s natural treasures, forever.
These important natural areas - which include prairie landscapes, forested wilderness, deep valleys, high hills, gorges, natural bridges, waterfalls, and winding streams –are protected in perpetuity and managed for the rare species and habitats that occur within them.
Visitors are invited to explore many of these preserves, which are open daily from dawn to dusk, and activities such as bird watching, hiking, nature study and wildlife photography are highly encouraged.
State Nature Preserves are sanctuaries for rare plants and animals - 40% of Ohio’s endangered species, and 58% of Ohio’s threatened species, are represented and protected within them. As taxpayers, Ohioans should take pride in protecting these magnificent natural areas for conservation, recreation, and enjoyment for generations to come.
The Natural Areas Tax Refund Program was established by state legislation enacted in 1983, creating a system that allows Ohioans to contribute their state income tax refund to the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. 100% of your donation goes directly to Ohio State Nature Preserves, and donations are used to:
- Protect Ohio’s lands and waters through the purchase of new natural areas
- Ensure access to these areas for the education, recreation, and enjoyment of all Ohioans – thereby supporting a good quality of life within Ohio’s communities
- Protect endangered species
- Preserve places where families can safely play, learn, and just enjoy the quiet and peace of nature.
- Leave a legacy of Ohio’s natural beauty for future generations
Ohioans can donate all or part of their state income tax refund by checking “Natural areas” on the 1040 Individual Income Tax Return. Contributions made on the tax return, filed this year, are considered deductible charitable donations made in the following year.
As tax season approaches, we hope that you will remember the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves when filing your state income tax return – and join us in protecting Ohio’s natural treasures, forever.
SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE
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Show your support when you select from Ohio's special collection of conservation license plates. Each style costs $25 above the regular fee; of that amount, $15 goes directly to the designated conservation program.
Natural Areas has its own conservation specialty license plate. Order specialty plates online. |
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