Date: 08/26/09
Contact: Aaron Meier
Phone: (775) 688-1998

SPORTSMEN’S GROUPS HELP BRING BACK WILDLIFE COLORING BOOK

Color Nevada Wild, a popular A-Z coloring book about wildlife published by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and out of circulation since the mid 1990s, is back in the hands of Nevada’s children after several of the state’s sportsmen’s groups stepped up to fund a reprint.

The project to update and reprint the coloring book was made possible through donations from Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, Mule Deer Foundation, Nevada Wildlife Federation, Wildlife and Habitat Improvement of Nevada and the Nevada Wildlife Record Book.

“We really appreciate the support of the sportsmen’s community in funding a reprint of the coloring book,” said Kelly Clark, Conservation Education Chief for NDOW. “Now more children in Nevada will have the chance to learn about their state’s wildlife and have fun coloring at the same time.”

Clark credits Jim Nelson, of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, and Bill Vasconi, former president for the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, as the sportsmen who spearheaded the drive to bring the popular coloring book back. Vasconi passed away in February 2008.

“Bill was a wonderful advocate for wildlife in the state. He cared passionately about wildlife and he wanted to share that with Nevada school children,” Clark said. “Sadly, he passed away before we were able to get it completed, but Jelindo Tiberti took the torch and continued to support the effort for the Fraternity there in Las Vegas.”

The alphabet style coloring book is meant to help teach elementary school students about the wildlife living in the Silver State. The publication is aimed at children from kindergarten to third grade. Master copies, which can be used for duplication, will be sent to elementary schools around the state and will also be available at all NDOW offices. Any elementary teacher interested in using the coloring book may request one copy from the NDOW headquarters by calling (775) 688-1915.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.