Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 01, 2003
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** EDITORS' NOTE: this is a re-write of a news release sent originally Jan. 30, 2003**
Invest tax refund for your enjoyment
(RICHMOND) - The state income tax filing deadline is a month away, and you're unsure of a solid investment for your refund.
If you are among 82 percent of Virginians concerned about losing the state's natural areas, open space preservation and Chesapeake Bay restoration are sound investments for you. They are investments in your quality of life and those of future generations. And it's as easy as putting a check-mark in a box on a form that accompanies the 760 Virginia income tax return.
Schedule ADJ allows taxpayers to contribute any or all their tax refund to either the Open Space Conservation Fund or the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. Taxpayers can actually contribute more than their refund, or they can still contribute if they owe a payment. Consult the instructions for more detail.
"The Chesapeake Bay is a natural asset close to the hearts of many Virginians, but maintaining its productivity has a price tag," said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources W. Tayloe Murphy Jr. "We are grateful to citizens who use this mechanism to support the bay, and they can realize the benefit of a tax deduction next year."
Taxpayers should designate voluntary contributions on line 24 of Schedule ADJ, which accompanies the individual income tax return Form 760. To choose the "Open Space Conservation and Recreation Fund," write in the code numbers 6-8. To choose the "Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund," write in the code numbers 7-1.
"Contributions to both funds help preserve resources critical to the Commonwealth and to future generations," said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. "The November vote for the State Parks and Natural Areas Bond referendum - which passed by 69 percent - showed Virginians want to protect open space. This is another, easy way to support the importance of Virginia's natural resources."
Money designated for the Open Space Fund is used to acquire land for outdoor recreation within Virginia localities, in addition to the purchase and protection of the state's most significant natural areas. These areas support the greatest number of rare species and significant natural communities in the state, outside of national park and forest properties. The public can access natural areas to hike, study nature and learn about the environment.
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund contributions are spent only on conservation projects to improve bay and Virginia tributary resources. Recent examples include oyster reef and wetlands restoration.
Of course, Virginia taxpayers that don't receive refunds can still
contribute to these funds. Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at (804)
367-8031 or online at www.tax.state.va.us.
For questions about either contribution fund, call the Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation at (804) 786-7961.
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