This Tax Season: Help Minnesota’s Overlooked Wildlife

Think about the first time you heard a loon call across a lake at sunset. Or the moment you spotted an eagle soaring overhead.

Those experiences stick with you. They’re the moments that make living in Minnesota special.

MINNESOTANS HAVE A SPECIAL CONNECTION WITH THE OUTDOORS

Minnesotans have always had a deep connection to the outdoors. It’s part of who we are. We hunt, we fish, we paddle, we hike, and we spend countless hours in the woods and on the water. We pass those traditions down to our kids and grandkids because the lakes, forests, and wildlife here aren’t just scenery; they reflect our way of life here in Minnesota.

But here’s something many people don’t realize. Some of Minnesota’s most iconic animals depend on us, especially the species that don’t have a hunting or fishing season to help fund their protection.

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AN EASY WAY TO HELP AT TAX TIME

That’s where the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Wildlife Fund comes in, and believe it or not, tax time is one of the easiest ways to help!

These species don’t have dedicated license fees to support their conservation. The Nongame Wildlife Fund relies almost entirely on donations. That means every day, Minnesotans just like you are the driving force behind the research, habitat restoration, and education that keep these animals around for future generations.

OTHER STORIES: Minnesota’s EagleCam Shows Eagles Getting Ready for Eggs

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

The results of our efforts speak for themselves. Bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback in Minnesota. Ospreys are nesting again in places they disappeared from decades ago. River otters are returning to waterways where they hadn’t been seen in years.

LOOK FOR THE 'LOON ICON' ON YOUR TAX FORM

When you file your Minnesota state taxes, you’ll see a small option on the form. Look closely for the loon icon. That’s the Nongame Wildlife Fund checkoff. You can donate any amount, whether it’s $5, $10, or more. If you're able to give more and it matters to you? Go for it. But know that if finances are a struggle for you and your family, small amounts by thousands of people doing the same thing can make a huge difference.

THE DOUBLE MATCH HELPS YOUR DOLLARS STRETCH!

Every dollar you donate is double-matched through the 'Reinvest in Minnesota Critical Habitat' license plate fund. That means your contribution goes three times as far to help wildlife across the state.

WHERE DO YOUR DOLLARS GO?

Wondering what kind of work is funded with the money you provide?

• Field research on rare and vulnerable species
• Habitat restoration projects
• Educational programs across Minnesota
• One of my favorites: The DNR’s EagleCam and FalconCam

If you’ve ever watched the EagleCam and felt that sense of pride seeing those birds thrive, this is one of the ways it happens.

QUIET DECLINE DOESN'T MEAN IT'S NOT HAPPENING

Because of climate shifts and habitat loss, it's putting pressure on wildlife in ways we didn’t see a generation ago. Some species are declining quietly, without the attention that larger or more well-known animals receive.

That’s why programs like the Nongame Wildlife Fund are so important. They focus on the species that might otherwise be overlooked. The ones that still need a fighting chance.

Hunters and anglers have long supported wildlife through licenses and fees. The Nongame Wildlife Fund gives everyone else a way to pitch in, too.

SOMETHING THAT MAKES TAX TIME LESS PAINFUL

And the best part? It takes just a few seconds at tax time, which kind of makes me feel better about having to pay taxes.

I understand financial difficulties. So just know that even a small donation can make a BIG difference.

Here in Minnesota, taking care of the outdoors isn’t just a hobby; it’s a responsibility we all share.