(10/P6) TRENTON - Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Bob Martin today reminded residents to help protect New Jersey’s bald eagles and other endangered wildlife when they file their state income tax this year.

“Some of the world’s most beautiful and rare wildlife species live in our state, and we’re working to conserve them for our children and for future generations. There’s no easier way to show your support than by checking off for wildlife on your state income tax return,” Commissioner Martin said.

Residents should look for Line 57 − the New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Fund ¬− on the NJ 1040 income tax form, or remind their tax preparers that they want to make a contribution. Every dollar donated goes directly to the DEP’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program, enabling biologists to continue their work to restore, conserve and enhance New Jersey’s populations of rare species. What’s more, each contribution is matched with an equal amount of federal funding, further strengthening efforts to protect hundreds of imperiled species.

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program is responsible for protecting and managing nearly 500 wildlife species, including 73 species currently listed as endangered or threatened. The program is funded almost entirely by the state income tax check-off donations and through sales of New Jersey’s distinctive Conserve Wildlife license plate.

For more than 36 years, Endangered and Nongame Species biologists have been working to bring back from the brink of extinction a variety of rare species such as the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon and the osprey. Contributions to the Endangered Wildlife Fund make it possible for these scientists to prevent other birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish and even butterflies from being added to the state’s list of endangered and threatened species.

To learn more about New Jersey’s endangered species, visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com