Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 002 - Game and Fish Commission
Rule 002.00.19-003 - Conservation License Plate Policy and Procedure
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
Keeping the Natural State natural.
I. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to act as a policy for allocation of funds collected through the Conservation License Plate ("CLP") Program.
II. Background
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration offers over 100 specialty license plates to Arkansas residents. These plates are sold for $35 above standard registration, with $25 going to the sponsoring agency and $10 going to the Department of Finance and Administration.
In 2000, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission issued its first specialty license plate and continues to do so today under the authority of Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-24-905.
Section (e) of this code authorizes the use of proceeds from the license plates as follows: The fee remitted under subdivision (b) (2) of this section shall be deposited into the Game Protection Fund to be used by the commission for the following purposes:
The Conservation License Plate Program generates around $1 million annually in revenue for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The goal is to maintain a balance of no less than $1 million in the fund, so annual budget disbursements vary.
History has proven that the plate design choice dictates the success level of sales. License plate designs include the following:
|
2000: |
White-tailed deer |
|
2001: |
Ruby-throated hummingbird |
|
2002: |
Largemouth bass |
|
2003: |
Wild turkey |
|
2004: |
Mallard |
|
2005: |
Rainbow trout |
|
2006: |
Ivory-billed woodpecker |
|
2007: |
Rocky Mountain elk |
|
2008 |
: American black bear |
|
2009: |
Diana fritillary butterfly |
|
2010 |
: Labrador retriever |
|
2011: |
White-tailed deer |
|
2012: |
Black crappie |
|
2013: |
Bald eagle |
|
2014: |
Fox squirrel |
|
2015: |
Smallmouth bass |
|
2016: |
Northern cardinal |
|
2017: |
Red-tailed fox |
|
2018: |
White-tailed deer |
|
2019: |
Northern pintail |
|
2020: |
TBD |
III. Use of Funds and Procedures Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-24-905(e) authorizes AGFC to use Conservation License Plate funds for three purposes: sponsoring college scholarships for students studying in conservation-related fields, funding public land purchases, and providing conservation education programs.
For purposes of this policy and procedures, the term wildlife conservation education means projects, including public outreach, that are intended to foster responsible natural resource stewardship, and includes, but is not limited to, programs that build outdoor skills, knowledge, and encourage responsible behavior in the outdoors.
Conservation License Plate revenue may only be used for manpower, equipment, materials, printing, supplies and any other expenses associated with one or more of the above authorized purposes. Purchases and expenditures must be made in accordance with this and all other Commission policies.
Applications for CLP funding must be submitted and approved by the Chief of Education and the Director.
IV. Authorized CLP Funding Opportunities
The Conservation Scholarship Program uses funds from license plate sales to assist students in reaching their potential as tomorrow's conservation professionals. The CLP Program provides scholarships for Arkansas residents to attend institutions of higher education. To be eligible, students must declare and maintain a major in a field of study that could potentially lead to a career related to conservation.
Many fields of study can lead to careers in conservation. Students must be a full-time student in a degree program directly related to one of the following subject areas: agriculture, anthropology, aquaculture, biology (except medical field), botany, civil engineering with an emphasis in resource management, criminal justice, environmental interpretation or education, environmental management, environmental science, fisheries, forestry, history, hydraulic engineering, natural resources management, park and recreation administration, public administration, science education, structural engineering, wildlife or conservation biology, or zoology.
For all scholarship programs, selections are based on merit, without discrimination as to race/color, sex, religion, age, disability, or national origin.
Applicants must be accepted to attend an accredited college or university.
[BULLET] Currently a graduating high school senior, college undergraduate, or graduate student.
[BULLET] Pursuing a major that can lead to a career in the field of conservation.
[BULLET] Demonstrate a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale).
[BULLET] Verify Arkansas residency.
[BULLET] Comply with application and timeline requirements.
[BULLET] Continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
[BULLET] Submit a renewal application.
[BULLET] Provide an official transcript and verification of declared major.
[BULLET] Renewal is only eligible for consecutive years. If a student does not renew, they must re-apply on return to eligible status as a first time applicant.
Scholarships awarded are $1,000 per semester for freshman and sophomore students; $1,500 per semester for junior and senior students; $2,000 per semester for graduate students. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters based on submission of a renewal application, official transcript, and verification of major documenting continued qualifications based on those of a first-time applicant. Scholarships will be paid directly to the college or university.
[BULLET] All applicant names, classification for upcoming school year, county and referral source will be entered into a database.
[BULLET] Applications will be screened for eligibility criteria. Those missing any supporting paperwork or failing to meet eligibility criteria will not pass the screening phase of selection and will be sent a letter detailing the issues with their applications.
[BULLET] All complete and eligible applicants will be compiled into a database with address, phone numbers, email, university, area of study, gender, and race.
[BULLET] A committee of three or more non-AGFC conservation professionals will score each application meeting minimum qualifications.
[BULLET] Scoring will be based on a pre-determined rubric evaluating the essay; letters of recommendation and the planned program of study.
[BULLET] Preferential choice will be given to students attending in-state colleges and universities.
[BULLET] Scholarships will be awarded based on ranking or until budgeted funds are exhausted
[BULLET] Applications will be screened to verify ranking. Applications missing supporting documentation will not pass the screening phase of selection and a letter will be sent to the applicant documenting the issues with their application.
[BULLET] If applicant does not receive a continuing scholarship for any reason, a first time application must be submitted to enter the selection process again (i.e., student receives scholarship as a freshman for the fall semester but fails to maintain an adequate grade point average. If he raises the GPA the following semester, the student must reapply using the first time applicant application and criteria.) First-time applications are only accepted for fall semesters. No student will be eligible for more than eight semesters of funding in total.
Under the legislation, the Commission is authorized to purchase critical tracts of land that will serve the AGFC mission. All land acquisitions utilizing Conservation License Plate revenue funds will be coordinated with the Commission and negotiated under normal Commission policy.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers many educational programs, several of which receive substantial funding from the Conservation License Plate fund.
Promoting the recruitment and retention of youth in shooting sports activities, AYSSP offers competition shooting for youth throughout Arkansas and scholarships through tournament-style competition. The program emphasizes participation by all youth regardless of shooting experience or ability. By participating in this shooting sports program, students learn about AGFC, participate in Hunter Education classes, are encouraged to pursue hunting, and are encouraged to become life-long supporters of wildlife conservation.
[BULLET] Equipment grants are available. These grants are provided to fund purchase of trap machines, targets, and ammunition until budgeted funds are exhausted.
[BULLET] Fifteen college scholarships are awarded to senior division tournament winners. Each team has five members. Selection is based on performance in the AYSSP state tournament. Each member of the first, second and third place team in the senior division is awarded a scholarship in the amounts listed below.
[BULLET] AGFC will hold all scholarship funds until the awardee submits a request for distribution of the held funds with proof of current enrollment in an institution of higher education. Awardee must submit the request no later than his or her 20th birthday, unless within that time Awardee provides proof of entry into full time active military duty, in which case Awardee must submit the request within one year following discharge from full time active military duty. If Awardee fails to timely make the request, then the scholarship award is void and the held funds are forfeited back to AGFC.
[BULLET] Students who are members of winning teams in multiple years may accumulate scholarship funds.
[BULLET] AYSSP Tournament Team Scholarship Amounts
|
o First Place: |
$1,500 per member |
|
o Second Place: |
$1,000 per member |
|
o Third Place: |
$500 per member |
ANASP promotes archery as a life-long sport for students in elementary through high school. Learning archery in school inspires students to spend more time outdoors and there have been several student surveys that demonstrate that this program increases student interest in shooting sports, hunting, wildlife conservation, and increases awareness of AGFC.
[BULLET] 50/50 matching grants are awarded to schools to purchase equipment for establishing archery programs until budgeted funds are exhausted. These grants are generally awarded to schools to start teaching archery during physical education classes.
[BULLET] College scholarships are awarded to tournament winners in the senior division (male and female). Individual scholarships are awarded to the top five senior high male and female qualifiers in the amounts listed below. Selection is based on top performance in the ANASP state tournament.
[BULLET] AGFC will hold all scholarship funds until the awardee submits a request for distribution of the held funds with proof of current enrollment in an institution of higher education. Awardee must submit the request no later than his or her 20th birthday, unless within that time Awardee provides proof of entry into full time active military duty, in which case Awardee must submit the request within one year following discharge from full time active military duty. If Awardee fails to timely make the request, then the scholarship award is void and the held funds are forfeited back to AGFC.
[BULLET] Students who win in multiple years may accumulate scholarship funds.
ANASP Scholarship Amounts
|
o First Place: |
$2,500 |
|
o Second Place: |
$2,000 |
|
o Third Place: |
$1,500 |
|
o Fourth Place: |
$1,000 |
|
o Fifth Place: |
$500 |
The FINS program provides youth a recreational outlet while encouraging involvement in the lifelong hobby of sport fishing. FINS programs work with schools, churches, and other organized groups to set up fishing clubs that participate in a comprehensive training curriculum that includes stream and pond ecology, fish biology, fishing skills and equipment, and helps students understand the need for conservation of aquatic resources. By training and engaging students in the sport of fishing, students become more interested in conservation and participate in funding conservation by becoming license buyers The Conservation License Plate funds allow for leaders and teachers to be trained and clubs to receive necessary fishing equipment.
[BULLET] Through participation in FINS, grants are provided to schools to purchase equipment and supplies and register students in state and national tournaments until budgeted funds are exhausted.
The Junior Duck Stamp Program combines art and conservation lessons by offering students and their teachers the ability and support necessary to teach about ducks and their habitat. Students are then encouraged to participate in a statewide art contest featuring ducks.
Conservation License Plate funds are used to train teachers, purchase materials and supplies, and award college scholarships in the amounts listed below to the most deserving entrants of the annual Junior Duck Stamp contest. Winners are determined by a panel of AGFC staff.
AGFC will hold all scholarship funds until the awardee submits a request for distribution of the held funds with proof of current enrollment in an institution of higher education. Awardee must submit the request no later than his or her 20th birthday, unless within that time Awardee provides proof of entry into full time active military duty, in which case Awardee must submit the request within one year following discharge from full time active military duty. If Awardee fails to timely make the request, then the scholarship award is void and the held funds are forfeited back to AGFC.
Junior Duck Stamp Scholarship Amounts
|
o Best of Show: |
$1,000 |
|
o Overall First Place: |
$500 |
|
o Overall Second Place: |
$250 |
The Aquatic Resources Education (ARE) program educates the public about the state's fisheries, fisheries conservation, and fishing as a lifelong sport. Conservation License Plate funds are utilized to supplement funding for mobile aquariums, fishing derbies, the classroom aquarium program and to provide fishing clinics and seminars.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is an outdoors skills workshop for women intended to provide a non-threatening atmosphere where women can have fun learning skills that will enhance their enjoyment of Arkansas's outdoors. Every BOW workshop allows participants to choose course offerings on a wide variety of conservation topics, outdoor recreation opportunities, and outdoor skill trainings. Conservation License Plate funds are utilized to purchase supplies and materials utilized during the BOW workshops.
Project WILD is a professional development program for teachers that helps prepare them to provide wildlife conservation education programming to students. Workshops and materials are aligned to Arkansas K-12 education standards and offer resources and experiences to support educators. CLP funds are used to support Project WILD trainings as well as provide materials for teachers.
WILD Schoolyard Habitat Grants
Schoolyard Habitat Grants are operated through AGFC's Project WILD program and provide funding for schools to develop wildlife habitat on school property. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded annually and schools are allowed to reapply for additional funding in subsequent years. In addition to providing small areas of habitat for birds, small mammals, and other species, the schoolyard habitat program offers students opportunities to observe wildlife and have hands-on experience in habitat development and management.
The AGFC Internship program is designed to help students gain education and practical experience related to the conservation work AGFC performs and to meet hands-on training requirements necessary for students to earn their degree. This training is critical to students pursuing a conservation career and is often the deciding factor in gaining employment after college.
The AGFC Internship program operates under these guidelines:
[BULLET] Interns are considered Extra Help positions and are subject to all related AGFC policies for Extra Help employment.
[BULLET] Internships are up to 400 hours and paid an established hourly rate of $12.75 per hour. Increases in the hourly rate require Director approval.
[BULLET] The Human Resources Division will allocate the number of Intern positions available to each Division.
[BULLET] Divisions are required to submit an Internship Work Plan along with all applicable hiring paperwork.
To be eligible for an Internship, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
[BULLET] Must have a declared degree in a conservation field.
[BULLET] Must have 60 hours of college credits earned by the time the Internship begins.
[BULLET] At the time of application, must be a college student, graduated within the previous 12 months, or currently enrolled in a post-graduate program.
[BULLET] Must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
[BULLET] Intern supervisors are required to provide a conservation education component to the internship.
[BULLET] Intern supervisors are required to complete an end-of-internship evaluation with the Intern and submit final report to the Human Resources Division.
[BULLET] Selected interns will coordinate directly with their college or university to obtain course credit for the internship.
Conservation License Plate funds are utilized to purchase supplies and materials utilized during conservation education programming at the educational facilities throughout the year. Funds can also be used to improve, enhance, or create interpretive displays at the centers.
Conservation License Plate funds are eligible to be utilized to purchase supplies and materials for conservation education programming by AGFC employees.
On occasion, AGFC will receive a request to fund a conservation education endeavor outside the agency's core programs. These grants are submitted to and approved by the Chief of Education and the Director.
Updated 1/19
