Send Water To Wildlife

Editor's Note: This issue addresses the subject of survival, of keeping cool during our long, hot summer. Although we concentrate on the elderly and the little people, wildlife, as well as humans, need "cooling stations" and thanks to Arizona Game and Fish, there is help for our animal friends. You can help them too.

Arizona is in a cycle of long-term drought. For our wildlife, this means less drinking water and a bigger fight for survival, especially during the dangerously hot and dry summer months.

As part of our mission to conserve and protect wildlife, Arizona Game And Fish Department maintains 3,000 wildlife waters, including manmade catchments, built in locations all around the state. These stations provide life-saving hydration for all manner of wildlife all year long, from scurrying chipmunks to thirsty eagles to bugling elk.

It's not an easy task. It costs more than $1 million annually for AZGFD and our partners to deliver water to these sites every year, with some of the most remote areas requiring helicopters to reach them. Since AZGFD does not receive any general fund tax dollars, we rely on conservation heroes like you to help fund costs such as vehicle maintenance, new trailers, and catchment repairs and upkeep.

No matter the challenges, it's worth it to give our wildlife a fighting chance at survival.

The Costs

• Waters filled for wildlife: 3,000

• Minimum cost to deliver water via helicopter: $10,000

• Average annual cost to haul water: $10,000.

Here's How You Can Help

Your donations help support our water hauling and maintenance efforts all year long. From hauling lifesaving hydration to every corner of the state to redeveloping wildlife waters to be more efficient (and everything in between) 100% of donations go directly to our on-the-ground efforts. Here's how you can contribute:

While we expect the disruption in service as we prepare a new donations platform to be minimal, if you would like to donate in the meantime, you can mail a check to -

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Attn: Send Water

5000 W Carefree Hwy

Phoenix, AZ 85086