FWS Announces Nearly $65 Million to Pacific Region States for Fish and Wildlife Conservation Projects
USFWS News Release No. 10-031, March 5, 2010 [here]
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Region will distribute nearly $65 million to four states, one commonwealth and two territories to support hunting, sport-fishing, wildlife research and fish and wildlife conservation and education programs.
The funding, through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, is derived from excise taxes and import duties on sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, sport-fishing equipment, electric outboard motors, and fuel taxes attributable to motorboats and small engines.
The total Wildlife Restoration apportionment for 2010 totals nearly $473 million, with more than $86 million going to hunter education and firearm and archery range programs. The total Sport Fish Restoration apportionment for 2010 totals more than $389 million. The federal government pays [Note: hunters and fishermen pay] up to 75 percent of the cost of each eligible project in the 50 states and up to 100 percent in the commonwealths and territories.
“These reliable, dedicated funds are even more critical given today’s economic climate,” said Pacific Regional Director Robyn Thorson. …
States utilize these funds for managing, enhancing and protecting wildlife habitat through operation and maintenance of state owned wildlife areas and by working with private landowners to improve wildlife habitat on their lands. …
Note that many state-owned wildlife areas do not allow hunting or fishing. The money is taken from hunters and fisherman and spent on non-game activities. See [here].
Thanks for the news tip goes to Julie Kay Smithson, Property Rights Research [here, here]