Funding for the Future of Fishing & BoatingThe Fish & Boat Commission is faced with critically important funding issues.

We NEED YOUR help!

Fishing and Boating Economic Impacts and Quality of Life. . .Anglers and boaters spend more than 40 million days fishing & boating in Pennsylvania each year.

Fishing and Boating Economic Impacts and Quality of Life. . .Fishing and boating provide wholesome outdoor recreationFishing and boating have big positive economic impacts

Fishing and Boating Economic Impacts and Quality of Life. . .Fishing & boating have an annual economic impact in Pennsylvania of more than $2 billion. More than $53 million annually goes into the state's General Fund from sales & income taxes related to fishing and boating activities.

Funding for day-to-day programs & services Funding for fishing and boating depends on YOU!License and registration fees are the PRIMARY source of revenue to fund programs & services.

Funding for day-to-day programs & services The PFBC does not receive General Fund (tax) money to support fishing and boating programs.

Funding for day-to-day programs & servicesThe money provided by anglers and boaters: Stocks fish in Pennsylvania watersFuels our patrol boats Pays for education programsSupports habitat improvementProtects, conserves and enhances aquatic resources, andMuch more

Funding for day-to-day programs & services

Funding comes first! Enactment of legislation to sustain operating revenue is our Top Priority.

Funding for day-to-day programs & servicesThe last time fees for fishing licenses were increased was in 1996.The last increase for trout/salmon stamps and boat registrations was 1991.

House Bill 2155:The fee package in HB 2155 is a consensus proposal developed by leaders of angling, boating, and sportsmen's groups working with key legislators and their staffs.

House Bill 2155:IMPACTS IF ADDITIONAL FUNDING IS NOT OBTAINED: Cuts in trout stocking, fish management, boat launch construction and maintenance, and law enforcement will occur if the increase is not in place for the 2005 license year.

House Bill 2155:

Other States

Chart1

9.5

15

28.5

15.5

30.45

20.25

15

12.7

7

13.5

14

5

16.5

19.5

21

22

26.5

20

9.5

19

15

27.5

14

26.5

9

18

17

17

26

31

33

18.5

14

25

11

15

20.25

36.25

22.5

15

10

21

33

26

24

20

24.5

22

18.5

21.25

15

Total Resident Fees

U.S.Specialty Lic's & Lic Stats

STATEJr. LicenseFamily LicenseDaily LicenseLicense YearAdult License Starting AgeAdult License Ending AgeConservation LicenseWarm Water Stamp

Alabama1663

Alaska$10.00 - nr

Arizona$12.50 - r & nr

Arkansas

California

Colorado$5.25 - r;

Connecticut1664

Delaware

District of Columbia1/1/01 -12/31/021664

Florida63

Georgia$3.50 - r & nr64

Hawaii(9 to15yrs)-$3.001564

Idaho64

Illinois$5.50 - r & nr1664

Indiana$4.75 - r & nr1/1/00 - 2/28/0118

Iowar16 - nr1464

Kansas$3.50 - r & nr16

Kentucky3/1/01 - 3/1/0216

LouisanaCane pole- $2.50-r7/1/00 -6/30/011660

Maine(12 to15yrs)-$7.00$9.00 - r & nr1/1/01 -12/31/02r16 - nr12

Maryland1/1/01 -12/31/021664

Massachusetts(15 to17yrs)-$11.50$7.00 - r & nr1/1/01 -12/31/021864/69 free

Michigan(12 to16yrs)-$2.003/1/01 - 3/31/021764

Minnesotar. h. & w. -$26.00$9.50 - r & nr1664

nr h&w + c$47.00

nr. h. & w. 14d -$26.00

Mississippi64

Missouri$5.00 - r & nr

Montana(12 to14yrs)-$4.003/1/01 - 2/28/021561$4.00$5.00

Nebraska1669$5.00 Aquatic Rreq'desource Permit

Nevada(12 to15yrs)-$5.00$9.50 - r; &12.00 nr1664

New Hampshire1d r f - $26.00

New Jersey69

New Mexico(12 to14yrs)-r-$4;nr $18.50$8.00 - r & nr4/1/01 - 3/31/021564/69 free

New York$11.00 - r & nr1664

North Carolina$10.00 - r & nr12mos. From date purchased69

North Dakotar. h. & w. -$14.004/1/01 - 3/31/021664

nr. h. & w. -$35.00

Ohio1665

Oklahoma1/1/01 -12/31/0264

Oregon(14 to17yrs)-$6.75$8.00 - nr1869

Pennsylvania1/1/01 -12/31/021664

Rhode Island3/1/01 - 2/28/021564

South Carolina7/1/00 -6/30/0164

South Dakotaa nr f - $59.00$7.00 - r; &12.00 nr18

Tennessee(13 to15yrs)-r-$8;nr $18.50r - $2.503/1/01 - 2/28/021374

Texas1764

Utah$7.00 - r; nr - $81/1/01 -12/31/021464

Vermont(15 to17yrs)-r-$8;nr $15$11.00 - nr1564

Virginia1/1/01 -12/31/021664

Washington(15yrs)-$5.00 (combo)4/1/01 - 3/31/0216

West Virginia(State parks only)1564$3.00/$10.00

West VirginiaHead of household - $10.00 +$2.00/other-each

Wisconsin(16 to17yrs)-$7.00r- h & w -$244/1/01 - 3/31/021664

Wisconsinnr- f $52.00

WyomingYouth -r $3.00 ; nr $15.00r- $3.00; nr-$101/1/01 -12/31/021764$10.00Required since 2001

&C"Specialty" Licenses by State

&L&F&C&P&R&D&T

Resident Fees

Resident License and Trout Stamps 2002

STATE2002 Resident (Includes Issuing Fee)Trout/Salmon PermitIssuing FeeTotal Resident Fee

Alabama (Freshwater)$9.50$1.00$9.50

Alaska$15.00$15.00

Arizona$18.00$10.50$28.50

Arkansas$10.50$5.00$15.50

California$30.45*5%$30.45

Colorado$20.25$20.25

Connecticut$15.00$15.00

Delaware$8.50$4.20$12.70

District of Columbia$7.00$7.00

Florida$13.50$13.50

Georgia$9.00$5.00$14.00

Hawaii$5.00$5.00

Idaho$16.50$16.50

Illinois$13.00$6.50$19.50

Indiana$14.25$6.75$21.00

Iowa$11.00$11.00$22.00

Kansas$18.50$8.00$26.50

Kentucky$15.00$5.00$20.00

Louisana$9.50$9.50

Maine$19.00$19.00

Maryland$10.00$5.00$15.00

Massachusetts$27.50$1.50$27.50

Michigan$14.00$14.00

Minnesota$18.00$8.50$1.00$26.50

Mississippi$9.00$2.00$9.00

Missouri$11.00$7.00$18.00

Montana$17.00$17.00

Nebraska$17.00$17.00

Nevada$21.00$5.00$26.00

New Hampshire$31.00$31.00

New Jersey$22.50$10.50$33.00

New Mexico$18.50$18.50

New York$14.00$14.00

North Carolina$15.00$10.00$25.00

North Dakota$11.00$11.00

Ohio$15.00$1.00$15.00

Oklahoma$12.50$7.75$20.25

Oregon$19.75$16.50$36.25

Pennsylvania$17.00$5.50$0.75$22.50

Rhode Island$9.50$5.50$15.00

South Carolina$10.00$10.00

South Dakota$21.00$21.00

Tennessee$21.00$12.00$33.00

Texas$19.00$7.00$26.00

Utah$24.00$24.00

Vermont$20.00$1.00$20.00

Virginia$12.50$12.00$0.50$24.50

Washington$22.00$2.00$22.00

West Virginia$11.00$7.50$18.50

Wisconsin$14.00$7.25$21.25

Wyoming$15.00$15.00

Average$15.65$7.87$23.52

Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, Wyoming issue mandatory conservation stamps

Some states have other fees for fishing licenses.

Resident Fees

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total Resident Fees

BasicFishing Lic Cost in U.S.

STATEPhone NumberEmail AddressWEBSITE2002 CHANGE2002Current1991 ResidentSr. ResidentLifetime Sr. ResidentNon-Resident7 Day Tourist3 Day TouristTrout/Salmon PermitIssuing Fee

noyesCOMMENTResidentSince

Alabama (Freshwater)334-242-3467chenson@dcnr.state.al.ushttp://www.dcnr.state.al.us/agfd/xSending info by mail$9.501991$9.50$9.50$9.50$31.00$11.00$1.00

Alaska907-465-4100coleen_olsen@state.ak.ushttp://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/FISH.GAME/adfghome.htmxExpecting 2002$15.00?$10.00$100.00$30.00$20.00

Arizona602-942-3000*sending fax*http://www.gf.state.az.us/welcome.htmlx$18.002001free$51.50$10.50/49.50

Arkansas501-223-6300agfc.comhttp://www.agfc.state.ar.us/x$10.501995$10.50$1000- Hunting/Fishing$32.00$17.00$11.00$5.00

California916-653-7664scount1@dfg.ca.govhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/x$30.452002$23.40$81.80$31.45*$11.15**5%

Colorado303-297-1192askdow@state.co.ushttp://wildlife.state.co.us/x$20.251989$15.25$10.25

Connecticut860-424-3011donna.kinney@po.state.ct.ushttp://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fdhome.htmx$15.001992$9.00free$25.00$8.00

Delaware302-739-5295http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw/fwwel.htmx$8.501985$8.50$15.00$5.20$4.20/$6.20

District of Columbia202-535-2260http://www.dchealth.com/dcfishandwildlife/$7.001987$10.00$5.00*

Florida850-488-3641weavers@gfc.state.fl.ushttp://www.floridaconservation.org//x$13.501986$13.50$31.50$16.50

Georgia770-918-6418ann_brown@mail.state.ga.ushttp://www.georgianet.org/dnr/wild/x$9.001992$7.50*N/A$5.00/$13.00

Hawaii808-587-0405(webmaster see website)http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/index.htmlx$5.001999$3.75free$25.00$10.00

Idaho208-334-3791bhorton@idfg.state.id.ushttp://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.htmlx$16.502000$16.00$441.50 to $771.50 *$74.50$34.50$22.50

Illinois217-782-2965ckaburick@dnrmail.state.il.ushttp://dnr.state.il.us/x$13.001995$7.50$6.75$375.00*$24.50$13.00*$6.50

Indiana317-232-4080sgamble@dnr.state.in.ushttp://www.state.in.us/dnr/fishwild/index2.htmx$14.252002$8.751999>$24.75$12.75$9.25

Iowa515-281-3474(webmaster see website)http://www.state.ia.us/government/dnr/fwdiv.htmx$11.002000$10.50$51.00$23.00$9.00$11.00

Kansas316-672-5911karenb@wp.state.ks.ushttp://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/xWebpage$18.502002$10.50$240.00*$40.50$20.50*$10.00

Kentucky800-858-1549billy.mitchell@mail.state.ky.ushttp://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/x$15.002001$8.50$30.00$20.00$12.50$5.00

Louisana225-765-2800newchurch_jp@wlf.state.la.ushttp://www.wlf.state.la.us/apps/netgear/page1.aspx$9.502000$5.50$5.00$200.00/$300.00*$60.00$15.00

Maine207-287-8000http://janus.state.me.us/ifw/index.htmx$19.001996$15.00$50.00$34.00$21.00yes

Maryland410-260-8001smcfaden@dnr.state.md.ushttp://www.outdoorsite.com/states/maryland_index.cfmxExpecting 2002$10.001993$8.00$14.00*$5.00

Massachusetts617-626-1590http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dpt_toc.htmx$27.501996$17.00$16.25$37.50$23.50$1.00-$1.50

Michigan517-373-1263thomal@state.mi.ushttp://www.dnr.state.mi.us/x$14.002001$9.85$5.60$30.00Different fee rates

Minnesota651-296-3325(webmaster see website)http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/x$18.002001$13.00$6.50$35.00$25.00$21.00$8.50$1.00

Minnesotax

Minnesotax

Mississippi601-432-2400shirleyj@mdwfp.state.ms.ushttp://www.mdwfp.com/x$9.001993$4.00$100 to $500*$60.00$30.00$1, $2, or $3

Missouri573-751-4115busses@mail.conservation.state.ushttp://www.dnr.state.mo.us/homednr.htmx$11.001998$8.00$400*$35.00$7.00

Montana406-444-2535debanderson@state.mt.ushttp://www.fwp.state.mt.us/x$17.001993$9.50$60.00$15.00$7.00 / $5.00Conservation fee& warmwater

Nebraska402-471-0641dgabel@ngpc.state.ne.ushttp://ngp.ngpc.state.ne.us/gp.htmlx$17.002002$11.50free$257.50*$45.00$14.00$5.00Aquatic Habitat

Nevada775-688-1500(webmaster see website)http://www.state.nv.us/cnr/nvwildlife/xExpects 2002$21.001996$15.50$5.00$51.00$36.00$20.00$5.00

New Hampshire603-271-3421http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/x$31.002002$23.25$47.00$32.00$25.00$10.00Salmon only

New Jersey609-292-2965vgengler@dep.state.nj.ushttp://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/x$22.502000$15.00$12.50$34.00$19.50$9.00*$10.50-r; $20.00-nr

New Mexico505-827-7905jlromero@state.nm.ushttp://www.gmfsh.state.nm.us/x$18.501996$8.50$5.00/free$39.00$16.00*

New York518-457-3521dxstang@gw.dec.state.ny.ushttp://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/x$14.001991$14.00$35.00$20.00*

North Carolina888-248-6834ricemb@mail.wildlife.state.nc.ushttp://216.27.49.98/x$15.001998$15.00$10.00 - $200 to $500*$30.00$10.00

North Dakota701-328-6300emcenr@state.nd.ushttp://www.state.nd.us/gnf/x$11.001995$9.00$4.00$27.00$15.00$10.00

North Dakotax

Ohio800-945-3543http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/wildlife/index.htmlx$15.001994$12.00$24.00$15.00$1.00

Oklahoma405-521-3721lhoward@odwc.state.ok.ushttp://www.state.ok.us/%7Eodwc/x$12.501995$10.25free$28.50$20.00*$10.00*$7.75

Oregon503-872-5275(webmaster see website)http://www.dfw.state.or.us/x$19.752000$14.50freefree$48.50$34.75$21.00$16.50

Pennsylvaniahttp://www.fish.state.pa.us/x$17.001996$12.50$4.00$16.00$35.00$30.00$15.00$5.50$0.75

Rhode Island401-222-6607ilennox@dem.stste.ri.ushttp://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bnatres/fishwild/index.htmx$9.501986$9.50free$31.00$16.00$5.50

South Carolina803-734-3888juliet@scdnr.state.sc.ushttp://water.dnr.state.sc.us/x$10.001986$10.00free$300*$35.00$11.00

South Dakota605-773-3485dennis.unkenholz@state.sd.ushttp://www.state.sd.us/gfp/x$21.001999$14.00$5.00$59.00

Tennessee615-781-6585cfreeman2@mail.state.tn.ushttp://www.state.tn.us/twra/x$21.001996$15.50$11--($200 to 1200*)$51.00$30.50*$20.50$12.00

Texas512-389-4995donnagodfrey@tpwd.state.tx.ushttp://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/x$19.001995$13.00$6.00/free$600*$30.00$7.00

Utah801-476-2740(webmaster see website)http://www.nr.state.ut.us/dwr/dwr.htmx$24.002001$18.00$14.00$46.00$21.00

Vermont802-241-3701lwright@fwd.anr.state.vt.ushttp://www.anr.state.vt.us/fw/fwhome/index.htmx$20.002002$13.00$41.00$30.00$20.00$1.50

Virginia804-367-1000http://www.dgif.state.va.us/xExpecting March 2002$12.501988$12.50$1.50$10.50--($50 to $250)$30.00$6.00*$6.00*$12 r-$30 nr$0.50

Washington360-902-2434jonesauj@dfw.wa.govhttp://www.wa.gov/wdfw/x$22.001998$17.00$7.00$42.00$2.00

West Virginia304-558-3380http://www.dnr.state.wv.us/x$11.001989$11.00free$30.00$5.00$7.50/$10.00Conservation R/NR

West Virginiax

Wisconsin608-267-7503http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/x$14.00$7.00$34.00$20.00*$15.00$7.25 (great lakes only)

Wisconsinx

Wyoming307-777-4507jcole@missc.state.wy.ushttp://gf.state.wy.us/x$15.001996$9.00free$250*$65.00$70.00$30.00$10.00Conservation

RESIDENT* A number of states offer 'life time* Some states have slightly shorter or

High - California$29.40

Average United States$14.39$11.24

Low -Hawaii$5.00fishing licenses" at any ageslightly longer "packages.

NON-RESIDENTAverage United StatesSee individual State Pages attachedSee individual State Pages attached

High - Alaska$100.00

Low - Alabama$9.50

$38.81$11.26for Detailsfor Details

Twenty States, or 20%, have resident license costs equal

or greater than Pennsylvania

Average Northeastern States (14 states - Ohio,)$15.54

West Virginia, Virginia, D.C., Delaware, north,

not including PA) range Delaware $8.50 to Mass.$27.50

average high and low:$18.00

Average (Highest Ten (boxed))$24.07

Average Increase over last Ten Years28%

Pennsylvania with 28% increase$16.00

&F

&L&F&CPage &P&R&D&T

Price ComparisonsResident Fishing License/Trout Stamp:$22.50 (1 Year)Day at Amusement Park:$60 (snack/soda)Pro football game:$48 (admission)Rock Concert:$65 (admission)

Night of Bowling:$27 (includes food/drink)Night at the movies:$35 (for four includes food/drink)Dinner for two at Olive Garden:$45Visit to Steamtown:$20

House Bill 2155:Fishing License Agent Fees Increase from 75 to $1Trout Stamp Agent Fees Increase from 50 to $1Other Stamp Agent Fees Set @ $1Total Cost for Resident Fishing License and Trout Stamp (with agent fees) goes from $22.50 to $30

House Bill 2155:

House Bill 2155:CALL TO ACTION:Take action to express support for HB 2155 and much-needed funding for fishing and boating programs. Call or write to urge legislators to support this bill. The future of fishing and boating depends on YOU!

Adequate funding for fish& wildlife agencies is an issue of national importance:

The March and April 2002 issues of Field & Stream highlight this issue.

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsState facilities that support fishing and boating need improvements because of changing environmental quality and safety standards, NOT because of overall deterioration.

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsA long-term investment of more than $100 million is NEEDED to clear the backlog of projects for state facilities operated by the PFBC

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsGovernor Rendell has proposed Growing Greener II conservation bond fund initiative.

The Governors proposal for the Growing Greener II conservation bond initiative includes allocation of $50 million to the PFBC and the Game Commission to devote to state infrastructure under their control over the next four or five years.

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsThe Governors proposal recognizes that Commonwealth funds other than just angler and boater dollars should be invested in state fish hatcheries, state dams and access areas.

$50 MILLION for Fish & Wildlife!

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsSportsmen also will benefit from the proposed $750 million investments in:open space and habitat conservation, abandoned mine lands reclamation,remediation of acid mine drainage,and non-point source pollution abatement.

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsWhen you add up the outdoor benefits: Over half of the funds raised through the Growing Greener II bond initiative are going to be directed to investments that will help promote fish and wildlife conservation for decades to come.

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat Ramps IMPACTS IF ADDITIONAL FUNDING IS NOT OBTAINED:State fish hatcheries, dams, access areas & other properties that require upgrades may have to close or reduce operations. The lack of funding threatens to affect not only fishing & boating but also the state's economy.

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsNOW is the time for the state to renew its investment in hatcheries, dams and boat ramps that: Provide positive economic impactsAnd contribute to quality of life

Funding for State Hatcheries, Dams and Boat RampsCALL TO ACTION:We need YOUR help. Sportsmen should:Be vocal in support of fish and wildlife funding as part of the Growing Greener II bond initiative. Make sure that, as the new proposal moves ahead, money for state hatcheries, state dams and other fish and wildlife infrastructure continues to be included with no strings attached.

MERGER is not the answer to funding needsIn early 2003, the LBFC was tasked with a study whose core charge was to explore a broad range of options with regard to how to structure our wildlife agencies to best manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.The final report focuses on only one model for restructuring our fish, wildlife & boating agencies; namely, the combining of the PFBC & PGC.

MERGER is not the answer to funding needsThe LBFC Report shows that merger WILL NOT eliminate the Commission's funding needs.Increased funds for operation/infrastructure will still be required.

MERGER is not the answer to funding needsThe PFBC believes the report fails in critical areas: Overestimation of potential savings.Failure to adequately address tangible and intangible costs.Willingness to sacrifice resource management and protection and customer service.Lack of focus on boats and boating programs.

MERGER is not the answer to funding needsCost savings would come at the EXPENSE of resource protection, management and customer service.Fish and wildlife resources will also suffer. Boating programs may suffer, too.The report fails to document how a combined agency will better manage the resource and provide boating opportunities.

FINALLYAlthough Pennsylvania remains the only state charging separate agencies with the protection of wild resources, keep this in mind:Wyoming is the ONLY other state, which has a organizational structure incorporating all the functions proposed under HR 15

REMEMBER:

Nearly all the anglers, boaters and sportsmen's group leaders who testified at the public hearings on the merger proposal OPPOSED the creation of a single fish, wildlife and boating agency for Pennsylvania.

CALL TO ACTION:

In many respects, our programs are the envy of the nation. Anglers & boaters deserve the best not less. Merger is not the answer to funding needs. The PFBC and Pennsylvania sportsmen are on record in opposition.Input from Sportsmen anglers, boaters, hunters, trappers will be critical.

Remember: RESOURCE FIRST!!

CREDITSThis presentation adapted from one prepared by:WCO Mark T. KerrWCO Brook TolbertWCO Thomas EdwardsIn Conjunction with Gannon UniversityDr. Michael J. McSkimmingDr. Bryan Brendley

Consumption Advisories and YouAll Recreationally-Caught Sportfish in Pennsylvania are subject to a one-meal-per-week consumption advisory

Consumption AdvisoriesConsumption Advisories CoverMercuryEPA Nationwide StatementPCBsOther ContaminantsIn addition to the blanket advisory, consumption advisories cover some specific waters and species

What Are Consumption Advisories?Consumption Advisories provide information to help plan consumption of fish. They focus on:Pregnant WomenWomen of Childbearing AgeChildrenConsumers of Large Numbers of Sportfish

Consumption AdvisoriesAt least 11 other states use statewide consumption advisoriesGreat Lakes Consumption Advisory ProtocolsPennsylvania is only state to routinely test state hatchery fish and announce advisories under Great Lakes Protocols

PCBs in PFBC Hatchery FishPFBC hatchery trout are safe to catch, safe to handle and safe to eat in moderation under consumption advisory.ALL hatchery trout stocked by the PFBC have levels of PCBs well under the FDA food safety standards for fish sold as foodstuffs.2 ppm of PCBs

PCBs in State Hatchery TroutFor 2004:Trout stocked from all eight Pennsylvania state trout hatcheries hatcheries are under the statewide blanket one-meal-per-week advisory.Trout from Tellico Trout Farm and Allegheny National Fish Hatchery are under the same advisory.Levels of PCBs in trout stocked in Pennsylvania waters were very low.

PCBs in PFBC Hatchery Trout

1 Meal/month(0.21 1.0 ppm)

1 Meal/week(0.06 0.20 ppm)

PCB Levels (mg/kg) in PFBC Hatchery Trout

1 Meal/Every two months (1.1 to 2.0 ppm)

No advisoryLess than .06 ppm

DO NOT EATMore than 2 ppm

Overestimation of potential savings.

The report recommends significant staff reductions, by 71 positions. Report identifies that $5 million will be saved annually.There is NO indication of when, if ever, these savings will be realized.

Failure to adequately address tangible and intangible costs.

The report shows that cost savings can happen only with major cuts in services provided by conservation officers in the areas of public outreach, trout stocking, and education and information efforts. Anglers & boaters demand these services in return for their license and boat registration dollars.

Failure to adequately address tangible and intangible costs.

A merger will be expensive. Although the report says that merger will be a complex and costly operation, it included no detailed estimates of the costs associated with the proposal.

Lack of focus on boats, boaters and boating programs.

Boating law enforcement and boating safety education are core programs that require expertise and specialized efforts. The report overlooks the importance of public safety and needs of our boating programs.

Lack of adequate analysis of state-by-state comparisons.

The state-by-state summaries oversimplify the structure and management responsibilities of the two agencies.