Contributions to the 2007 annual fund campaign for the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program are accepted through June 30.

The annual fund campaign focuses on bringing in $50,000 in donations to match a challenge grant from the state legislature. Funds received also help meet the required state share of a federal matching grant for the nongame program, run by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

“It’s much easier and cheaper to keep common species common than it is to try to restore species that are in trouble,” said John Kanter, coordinator of the nongame program. “New Hampshire currently has two new species being considered for the federal threatened or endangered status – the New England cottontail and Blanding’s turtle. Early intervention leads to more likely success for saving species and, in the long run, saving money.”

To contribute to the 2007 Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program annual fund, send donations by June 30 to: Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, N.H. Fish and Game, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

For details, call 271-2461 or visit www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/nongame_and_endangered_wildlife.htm. With a contribution of $35 or more, you’ll receive both a “Snakes of N.H.” and a “Wetland Birds of N.H.” field identification card, only available to nongame donors.

Donations received after June 30 are gratefully accepted and credited toward the 2008 campaign.