Arkansas State University-Beebe issued the following announcement on Jan. 26.
Progress toward development of the American Red Wolf Conservation & Research Center (ARWCRC) at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro continues with investments of $575,000 to support the collaborative project led by Arkansas State University.
Financial support toward the $5 million goal includes:
A $300,000 grant from Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission that will be used for city park improvements associated with the project, which will help meet the A&P mission of promoting tourism and producing a positive impact on Jonesboro businesses.
Two grants totaling $158,000 funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and awarded by the Conservation Centers for Species Survival for construction costs associated with new fence enclosures, which will help the agency achieve its goal of doubling the nation’s red wolf population.
Private gifts of $117,000, including a $50,000 contribution by national wildlife conservation leaders Dale Weiler and Loti Woods of Weiler Woods for Wildlife in Tryon, N.C., and a $50,000 gift by A-State Distinguished Alumnus John Bobango and his wife, Lisa, of Germantown, Tenn.
Additionally, Weiler Woods for Wildlife recently donated its original “Just Settling In” sculpture, which has been on loan and on display at Bradbury Art Museum, to A-State for permanent display.
The ARWCRC will escalate A-State’s role in education, preservation and population growth for the American red wolf, which is the most critically endangered wolf in the world. Only about 250 red wolves, which are native to Arkansas and the southeastern United States, remain alive with fewer than 17 known to be in the wild in North Carolina.
“Our vision for this facility is lofty, and we’re grateful for these generous early commitments of support to help us move forward,” said Dr. Tom Risch, vice provost of research and technology transfer at A-State, who is involved in national red wolf conservation efforts. “This is an extraordinary undertaking not only for the benefit of national red wolf conservation, but also for students and faculty who want to embrace this opportunity for wildlife ecology education and research.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: Arkansas State University-Beebe
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