For Immediate Release
March 23, 2005
Legislative budget includes new funding for Inland
Fisheries and
Wildlife
Proposed budget broadens funding support, enhances non-game
programs
and
bolsters fish hatcheries.
AUGUSTA, Maine -- The Legislature's Appropriation Committee
approved a
two-year budget early Saturday Morning, and the document
awaits debate
on
the floor of the House and the Senate.
The $5.7 billion budget bill encompasses over 400 pages and
includes 16
pages concerning funding for the Department of Inland
Fisheries and
Wildlife.
"Not only will this budget allow us to continue our mission
as we know
it,
it also allows us to expand services concerning non-game
issues,
utilize our
hatchery improvements and broaden our financial base of
support," said
Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Department of Inland
Fisheries and
Wildlife.
"We emphatically endorse this budget compromise which is
good news for
all
who enjoy Maine's natural resources."
The budget proposal rescinds the temporary $3.00 license
increase
instituted
two years ago, and replaces it with a $2.00 increase. For
most people,
sporting licenses will be a dollar cheaper this year. The
budget
proposal
also establishes a $10.00 Conservation Sticker that must be
placed on
all
canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats that are used on all
inland or
territorial waters of Maine. Any person who holds a valid
Maine fishing
license or combination license issued by the department of
Inland
Fisheries
and Wildlife will receive one conservation sticker without a
fee.
The budget proposal also increases the fee for motorized
watercrafts;
increases fees for nonresident licenses; repeals the turkey
lottery
systems
and sets turkey permit fee at $20 for residents and $47 for
nonresidents;
sets ATV registrations at $33 for residents and $68 for
nonresidents;
sets
Snowmobile Registrations at $33 for residents and $68 for
nonresidents;
establishes a super pack license that includes six chances
in the moose
lottery; an any deer permit if over 5,000 are available in a
wildlife
management district; and establishes a sportsman's license
plate with
proceeds going to the lifetime license fund.
The funds will enhance the Department's Beginning With
Habitat Program,
which assists towns in planning responsible development that
preserves
greenspace as well as wildlife, fisheries and plant habitat.
It will
bolster
the hatchery division, which stocks over one million fish
each year. It
also
increases funding for Endangered Species and as well as
wetlands,
amphibian
and reptile conservation.
The budget bill also directs the commissioners of the Inland
Fisheries
and
Wildlife and Conservation Departments to develop a
non-consumptive user
card
or permit, and report to the legislature concerning the
outdoor
recreational
activities that would be covered, the fee, estimate of
revenue and the
administration, implementation and enforcement of the card
or permit.
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