The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission voted unanimously Thursday to direct more than $750,000 collected from wildlife and boating violation fines to Arkansas schools for conservation education grants this school year.
The funds, administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Department of Rural Services, will be available for programs such as archery, shooting sports and the School of Conservation Leadership Program, AGFC Education Chief Mary Beth Hatch said. The grants aim to build students’ appreciation for the outdoors and support conservation-focused activities.
Contrary to popular belief, the AGFC does not use fine money collected from wildlife and boating infractions. Instead, the money is collected at the county level and earmarked specifically for school use in outdoor and conservation programs…