Young artists in grades four through 12 are invited to enter the 13th annual State-Fish Art contest. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources teams up with Wildlife Forever to hold a contest for students to draw a state fish. State winners are chosen in grades four to six, grades seven to nine, and grades 10-12 for the national contest. Entries must be postmarked by March 31. Winners will be announced May 1.

Wildlife Forever handles the details of the contest and awards scholarships, art supplies and fishing gear prizes.

Young artists may draw Alabama’s state fish, either a largemouth bass or a “fighting” tarpon, or they may illustrate a state fish from another state. Youth incorporate science into their entry when they write a required composition on the behavior, habitat and conservation of their chosen fish. Wildlife conservation and management are solidly rooted in science and balance the needs of both wildlife and people. Details of the contest are found at www.statefishart.com.

The 2010 Alabama winners were: sixth grader Maya Bian from Auburn, largemouth bass; ninth grader Bonny Chen from Auburn, tarpon; and 12th grader Sabrina Steuber from Huntsville, largemouth bass.

The 2010 Alabama winners were chosen from more than 2,500 entries submitted by students nationwide.

Wildlife Forever is a multi-species nonprofit conservation organization that works to preserve America’s wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat, and scientific management of fish and wildlife species.

Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to conservation efforts. To learn more or to donate, visit www.wildlifeforever.org.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.