The Virginia Sportsman Reward Fund, Inc. has joined with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in an effort to fund a new proactive program for citizens. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has recently developed and instituted a new pilot program for communities entitled "Wildlife Crime Watch" with a theme of a partnership for wildlife, the environment, property and people. This program is based on the very successful "Neighborhood Watch Program." It is well recognized that law enforcement agencies do not have the manpower or the finances to provide optimum coverage to the citizens of this country. It is also recognized that stopping crimes before they are committed is by far the best approach to crime fighting. By utilizing citizens through community groups such as "Neighborhood Watch" and "Wildlife Crime Watch" we can make great strides in preventing crimes.

This program is designed to place emphasis on wildlife and environmental issues but in order to be effective there will be a need to "recruit" individuals who may not be interested in wildlife and the environment. This will be accomplished by incorporating traditional crime prevention strategies/training. By providing these additional services, it is believed it will interest them in wildlife and the environment.

The emphasis will be on cooperation and promoting understanding between landowners and sportsmen. Additionally, our efforts will be to get young people involved because they are the future of hunting, fishing and all other aspects dear to this country.

Please find enclosed a Wildlife Crime Watch manual, which has been developed along with the first brochures that have been made available to the public. Included in the manual is a sponsor page, which currently lists the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors. It is our intention to recognize those who provide financial assistance to this program.

At this time any assistance from your firm for this valuable program would be greatly appreciated. To our knowledge it is the first of its kind in the United States. The funds are needed to provide road signs, decals, videotapes, brochures, billboards and other training and promotional items. The promotional items will develop awareness, pride for the communities, and be a deterrent to crime. All funds should be made out to the Virginia Sportsmen Reward Fund, Inc., for Wildlife Crime Watch, and mailed to 4010 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230-1104.

If you are unable to provide funding then perhaps you could contribute with caps, tee shirts, or bumper stickers based upon the designs, which are enclosed with this packet.

Thank you for your consideration and assistance. We look forward to hearing from you and being able to place you on our list of sponsors.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant W. D. Rose
Wildlife Crime Watch Coordinator
Virginia Sportsman Reward Fund, Inc.
Telephone: 540-783-4860 or fax: 540-783-6115