Watchable Wildlife Fund Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Watchable Wildlife Program?
- How will my donation be used?
- Is my donation tax deductible?
- May I mail a donation?
- Who is the contact for questions about donations?
- Who can I contact for technical problems with this Web site?
- May I make donations in memory or in honor of another person?
- Are there other opportunities for me to donate to non-game or conservation programs?
- Are donations to this fund used solely for watchable wildlife?
- How do I purchase a Watchable Wildlife (Bluebird) license plate?
What is the Watchable Wildlife Program?
The Watchable Wildlife Endowment Fund was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1994, as part of legislation establishing the Watchable Wildlife specialty license plate, or “Bluebird Plate”. Since 1994, more than 200,000 Bluebird Plates have been purchased by Tennesseans, which has built the Fund’s principal balance to more than $5 million. Only the interest from the Endowment Fund may be spent, and funds must be spent on projects in support of Tennessee’s more than 1,000 species of nongame and endangered wildlife, and to benefit watchable wildlife in perpetuity.
At present, the Fund generates approximately $136,000 in interest annually, which may be spent on watchable wildlife projects. Since the Fund’s establishment in 1994, more than $1 million in interest has been available to fund watchable wildlife projects across Tennessee.
Tennessee has the greatest diversity of wildlife of any inland state in the country. The opportunities for viewing wildlife across Tennessee are great for photographers, hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts. From Bald Eagles at Reelfoot Lake to Sandhill Cranes in the Chattanooga area, our state has numerous opportunities for the public to view these spectacular species. All wildlife is watchable, but the Watchable Wildlife Program provides the citizens of Tennessee information to help conserve native fish and wildlife.
How will my donation be used?
Funds from the Watchable Wildlife Endowment Fund support a wide variety of Tennessee nongame and endangered wildlife projects, including the conservation of songbirds, promoting wildlife viewing opportunities at many TWRA wildlife areas, purchase of land, monitoring of amphibians, among others.
For a more complete listing of projects supported by the Watchable Wildlife Endowment Fund, see TWRA’s Watchable Wildlife Web site, www.tnwatchablewildlife.org
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, a donation to the Watchable Wildlife Program is tax deductible. TWRA, as a government agency, is a non-profit organization. You will be able to print a form for this purpose after your donation has been processed. Consider donating using your credit card and receive a free gift.
May I mail my donation?
Yes, you may mail your donation. If you choose to mail a check please make it out to “TWRA” with “Watchable Wildlife Endowment Fund” in the memo section and mail your check to:
TWRA Revenue Division
PO Box 41729
Nashville, TN 37204-1729
Attn: Watchable Wildlife Program
Who is the contact for questions about the Watchable Wildlife Program?
Call the TWRA Wildlife Division at (615) 781-6610.
Who can I contact for technical problems with this Web site?
Call the Watchable Wildlife helpdesk at NIC, TN Help Desk
Phone: (615) 313-0300 or toll-free at 1-866-8TN-EGOV
E-mail: help@egovtn.org
May I make donations in memory or in honor of another person?
Yes, there is a place on the Web site to enter the name of the person you want to honor.
Are there other opportunities for me to donate to non-game or conservation programs?
Yes, Hunters for the Hungry, and the Lifetime Endowment Fund which is funded primarily from the sales of the Lifetime Sportsman License.
Are donations to this fund used solely for watchable wildlife?
Yes.
How do I purchase a Watchable Wildlife (Bluebird) license plate?
The Watchable Wildlife license plate can be obtained at most County Clerk offices when you register your vehicle, or you may order a plate by mail when renewing your vehicle registration. The cost for the Watchable Wildlife license plate is $35.00, of which $30.75 is transferred to the Watchable Wildlife Endowment Fund. Since the Bluebird license plate was first established in 1994, more than 200,000 Tennesseans have purchased one, making it one of the most popular specialty license plates in the state. For more information on specialty license plates, visit www.tennessee.gov/revenue/vehicle/licenseplates/specialty.htm.
