Last week in this column I explained how through new language in the state’s 2011 budget, dollars earmarked for outdoor sports programs, could be pulled into the general fund to help reduce the deficit. Call it what you like, "a raid" is my terminology.
Ceding to an angry Conservation Fund Advisory Board (which oversees the use of this money), the language was changed in the 2012 governor’s budget. However, as of this writing, this has not been officially accepted by the US Fish and Wildlife Agency. They are the ones that collect the excise tax money on hunting and fishing gear, then distribute it to the NYS Conservation Fund for use in fish and wildlife programs. For the current year it amounts to about $21 million. No small change!
While nothing in Albany is without maneuvering, so holds true for the Conservation Fund. The latest "shell game" involves several moves. First, in December, the governor’s office moved 20 environmental conservation officers from the general fund into the conservation fund. Thus, their pay would come from sportsmen's monies, not from the general public. Secondly, in January, the governor’s budget proposal contained an additional shift of 65 ECOs. This, in effect, would free up millions of dollars from the general fund to be used to close the deficit, while depleting the conservation fund of money that is supposed to be used for outdoor programs, That includes the stocking of fish, paying for fish and wildlife staff, and a host of other activities paid for by, you guessed it...hunters, fishermen and trappers.
How much will they gut from the conservation fund? Well, initial figures from the governor’s office say $2.3 million in the shuffle. Add to this more than $2 million in annual lost revenue from the repeal of the Salt Water Fishing License, and anyone can see that programs will need to be cut.
Another burning issue is that current staffing levels in the DFWMR are at 349, down from 412 in August 2009 (last license increase year). Again, the salary for these staff members comes from the conservation fund. In early 2009, the state made a deal with sportsmen. If they would accept the license increase, the state would maintain programs and staffing at current (2009 levels). I know, and I was the legislative representative for Safari Club International A-C chapter during these negotiations. However, as figures show, we were taken and present staff is down by 63, many of whom were biologists and scientists.
Jason Kemper, President of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board stated, "It is evident from the information CFAB has received that the money collected from the sporting community is not being used in the manner it was intended to when the license fee increase was initiated. The CFAB will continue discussions on recommending a significant license fee decrease to spur participation in hunting, fishing, and trapping and foster the economic benefits derived from increased recreation activity."
While the CFAB and NYS Conservation Council are representing the sportsmen of the state, clubs and individuals should let their feelings be known to their state representatives and the governor’s office. Contact the governor's office at (518) 474-8390 and let your feelings be known about how license monies are being diverted and misused.
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Let me offer this simple disclaimer so as not to offend anyone. When I speak of "sportsmen" or "outdoorsmen" I include men, women, boys and gals among this generic heading. I think the term "sports people," while politically correct, is a bit ludicrous. If at times I need to be gender specific, as in a "women's shooting competition," I will be.
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The NYS DEC announced the release of a proposed five-year bobcat management plan for public review and comment. The draft management plan is available on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9360.html. The comment period runs through Feb. 16, 2012.
The draft plan describes three primary goals for bobcat management: Maintain viable population levels and monitor trends in bobcat distribution and relative abundance. Provide for sustainable use and enjoyment of the bobcat by the public. And, minimize negative bobcat-human interactions.
The plan includes proposals to greatly simplify hunting and trapping season dates by making them consistent throughout much of the state as well as establishing new hunting and trapping opportunities in several wildlife management units in central and western New York.
For those of us in Regions 7M and 7P, there is proposed a “no” open season for the bobcat, as has been in the past. This is in an effort to allow the population to continue on the increase. After reading through the entire plan, I can say I agree with the objectives for our region and think that it's a well-thought out plan for the State.
While hunters and trappers are the most common users of the bobcat resource, wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers, and others also benefit from a healthy bobcat population. As is the case with hunters and trappers, many wildlife photographers also view the elusive bobcat as being a "trophy" species and a rewarding challenge to capture on film.
