Fines fund education

When wrongdoers are apprehended for hunting, fishing and boating violations in Arkansas, penalties hit their pocketbooks.

Fines levied by courts can be substantial, but the money is not used by the state Game and Fish Commission.

It goes to the state Department of Education for use in the counties where the offenses took place, earmarked for conservation education work.

This includes local projects for young people like hunter education classes, boating education, Project Wild, Hooked on Fishing - Not On Drugs and others.

During fiscal 2007, which ended June 30, AGFC collected $707,203 in fines. Clark County received the most fine money, $33,134. Baxter County was next with $29,357.

Saline County was near the bottom, at $2,969.