Fourth quarter grant applications were presented and voted on at the November 25, 2020 AZSFWC Board meeting. Funding for the grants is available through sales of our special Conserving Wildlife license plate. More information about the license plate and how you can obtain one can be found HERE.
Six grants were approved in the amount of $40,721 and included the following:
$12,500 was awarded to the Southern AZ Chapter of Quail Forever for the Coronado National Forest Grassland Project, which is a multiyear effort to control erosion and enhance wildlife habitat. The improved habitat will offer increased forest recreation use through camping, wildlife viewing and hunting. The work will be completed in partnership with the US Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, AZ Game & Fish Department and Fish and Borderlands Restoration Network. The project will provide significant public volunteer opportunities to help plan and build structures, source rocks for building collect seed, plant seed, record and build precise locations, photograph completed work and work in progress. Youth will be directly involved in restoration activities. Funding partners include Fisher Foundation, Southern AZ Chapter Quail Forever, Nation Forest Foundation.
$10,500 was awarded to Arizona Outdoor Adventures for their Youth Camps in 2021. These camps introduce youth to and fosters a lifelong connection with nature, exposing them to the peace and quiet of the outdoors. Campers experience tent camps and participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Campfire talks and “teachable moments” while hiking and fishing provide opportunities for the youth to connect with knowledgeable and caring adults who model stewardship and impart information about the natural environment. The campers learn respect for themselves, others and the environment; how to make constructive life choices; and responsibility and cooperation with their families and authority figures.
$6,000 was awarded to Arizona Elk Society for a Water Hauling Trailer. Through their Water for Wildlife program, the AZ Elk Society hauls water in northern Arizona during the dry times of the year with no precipitation. Hauling activities occur in areas of very rough terrain, which quickly damage and incapacitate hauling equipment, thus requiring replacement. Funding partner is the AZ Elk Society.
$5,421 was awarded to the Mule Deer Foundation for the Black Mountain Trick Tank Rebuild habitat project. To goal of this project is to increase the efficiency of the tank so that it can provide a reliable source of water for wildlife in a critical habitat for a variety of species. A portion of the materials required for this project are being provided by the Mule Deer Foundation.
$2,800 was awarded to Southwest Wildlife Foundation (YVRGC) to conduct a youth small game camp. The purpose of the camp is to introduce youth hunters to small game hunting in a safe and mentored environment. Camp activities include hunting for dove, quail and rabbit, archery range and 3D trail walk, inflatable BB gun range, glassing station with 3D animals, and a predator calling seminar. Funding partners include the Yuma Valley Rod & Gun Club and Southwest Wildlife Foundation.
$3,500 was awarded to Arizona Deer Association for a Water Hauling Trailer. The trailer will be used to haul water to deer catchments throughout the state. Additional funding and maintenance will be provided by the AZ Deer Association.