NH F&G Press Release: Commission to study funding issue

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News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: [email protected]
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com

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CONTACT:
Executive Director Glenn Normandeau: 603-271-3511

December 20, 2013


EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM FISH AND GAME; LET'S WORK TOGETHER ON A FUNDING SOLUTION

By Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department

It seems like everyone is talking about canoe and kayak decals these days. I am writing in response to the volume of public comment the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has received recently following news reports about the recommendations of the Commission on Fish and Game Department Sustainability. One of several possible revenue sources it recommended considering was a non-motorized watercraft decal. In fact, no laws have been passed or decisions made yet on that or other ideas for generating future funding.

The Commission is a Legislative body established last year to look at the funding gap between what the Department takes in and the revenue we need to fulfill all of our obligations to the residents and guests of New Hampshire. In spite of significant reductions in personnel over the last three biennial budgets, rising costs are still outpacing revenue. This gap is a serious problem, and time is short. Unless something changes, the Fish and Game Fund will be depleted by the end of this biennium (June 30, 2015). Given our mission of conserving the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats, it would be irresponsible for us to sit back and do nothing.

What's at stake are the services people across the state count on the Fish and Game Department to provide, from managing wildlife populations to rescuing hikers, stocking fish and building boat ramps. It takes financial resources for the Fish and Game Department to do its job properly.

The citizens of New Hampshire care deeply about the state's fish and wildlife, land conservation, and access to public waters. Fish and Game is the agency that protects and maintains these valued resources, which not only have significant intrinsic value in their own right, but are a powerful economic engine for New Hampshire. Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching alone contribute approximately $550 million annually to the economy of the state.

As the budget was hammered out for the current biennium, the Legislature recognized the importance of finding new revenue for Fish and Game, and had the foresight to set up the Sustainability Commission. This body is proceeding to look for a solution in a reasonable, responsible manner. Along the way, they will be listening to public concerns.

The commission cares about impacts of various revenue-raising ideas on particular publics. That said, they also recognize that all citizens, as well as the guests that fund our second largest state industry, tourism, benefit from the services provided by Fish and Game, while the majority of the financial burden of operating the Department has been squarely on the shoulders of the state’s sportsmen and women who hunt and fish.

We look forward to the discussion in the coming months, as the Sustainability Commission works with the Fish and Game Department and the public to find new revenues to fill the gap. I intend to strive for an outcome where a means can be found by which the broader public that benefits from Fish and Game’s services contributes to its operation. I honestly believe that most people who enjoy New Hampshire's outdoors and value our quality of life are willing to do their part. Let's focus our energies on finding a solution together. Thank you for your interest and engagement as we go forward. Read the Sustainability Commission's initial report and learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/funding.

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Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.
For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm.
Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to [email protected]
 
To paraphase

1. all citizens and guests benefit from the services provided by Fish and Game

2. the majority of the financial burden of operating the Department has been squarely on the shoulders of the state’s sportsmen and women who hunt and fish

3. I intend to strive for an outcome where a means can be found by which the broader public...contributes to its operation


I love his use of the word "guest" to describe non-residents. I hope I get invited back next year.

I also noticed that hiking was not incldued in the following sentence.

Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching alone contribute approximately $550 million annually to the economy of the state.
 
I also noticed that hiking was not incldued in the following sentence.

Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching alone contribute approximately $550 million annually to the economy of the state.
F&G receives $50k/yr from the legislature for non-game wildlife, presumably this line is to justify that appropriation. Many hikers do enjoy watching wildlife, as do human-powered boaters. Note that the latter are proposed for a $10/yr boat decal in the report, which does not mention a SAR fee for hikers.
 
Aye, Roy. No SAR fee yet, but we should all keep a weather eye open for that. It is certain to show up in the 2014 session, along with some kind of SAR card.
 
Aye, Roy. No SAR fee yet, but we should all keep a weather eye open for that. It is certain to show up in the 2014 session, along with some kind of SAR card.

I am not sure why there is an assumption that F&G needs to take in more revenue. Why can't their budget be offset by the general fund, since it benefits so many other aspects of the state indirectly? They appear to be begging the question.
 
Next year I plan to add to the fund. Plan on small game hunting with my new Ruger Mark 3 Hunter handgun. I would also consider a SAR card if its done right. Whats right? No more then 25 bucks and any rescue covered regardless of how and why the rescue is needed.
 
I am not sure why there is an assumption that F&G needs to take in more revenue. Why can't their budget be offset by the general fund, since it benefits so many other aspects of the state indirectly? They appear to be begging the question.

The NH Legislature has repeatedly refused to contribute more from the general fund. There's little indication that has changed or will any time soon.
 
Next year I plan to add to the fund. Plan on small game hunting with my new Ruger Mark 3 Hunter handgun. I would also consider a SAR card if its done right. Whats right? No more then 25 bucks and any rescue covered regardless of how and why the rescue is needed.

So when I get tired I can just call for a helicopter. Niiice. Still counts for redlining.
 
I love New Hampshire but think these things should come from the general fund and not nickle and diming the "$550 million per year" hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing tourist. Between tolls and NHSLS alone, I contribute generously already. Personally, I'd be willing to pay more tolls than gimickry decals and hikers' insurance that would probably cost disproprotionately to administer.
 
I agree with Stan on this. Alternatively if you really need to call for a rescue then tell them you are a hunting party. :) The newspaper ranting lunatics will give you a break. :)
 
* * * * * * *

CONTACT:
Executive Director Glenn Normandeau: 603-271-3511

December 20, 2013


EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM FISH AND GAME; LET'S WORK TOGETHER ON A FUNDING SOLUTION

By Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department

It seems like everyone is talking about canoe and kayak decals these days...

Is "decal" the new term for permit?

My waterways will remain free and my kayaks unblemished by bureaucracy thank you.

I will continue to donate money of my own free will to help fund search and rescue for the time being; I will not however pay for a permit, license, or any other form of 'permission' from the state.

Speaking of which, that donation will happen before the first of the year. There are other places as well but I have donated here:

http://http://www.nhoutdoorcouncil.org/search_rescue.php

These guys take a lead role in the WMNF as well and take donations:

http://www.nhmrs.org/donations/

With the massive amount of money in the NH state budget and that fact that we are talking about F&G needing what amounts to pocket change to cover these overages, I'm of the opinion that this is not my cost to cover, however, it needs to be funded somehow, and the cause is certainly just. However, my patience will run thin on this quickly if those who like to pretend to be in charge don't figure it out. Does anyone consider opportunity cost anymore? Much ado has been spent on this topic...too much IMO.

Using the numbers from Breeze's post about the 72 million surplus in this year's state budget, the overage is approximately 0.3% of that. Is saving lives not important enough? (That's a rhetorical question BTW)
 
To paraphase

1. all citizens and guests benefit from the services provided by Fish and Game

2. the majority of the financial burden of operating the Department has been squarely on the shoulders of the state’s sportsmen and women who hunt and fish

3. I intend to strive for an outcome where a means can be found by which the broader public...contributes to its operation


I love his use of the word "guest" to describe non-residents. I hope I get invited back next year.

I also noticed that hiking was not incldued in the following sentence.

Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching alone contribute approximately $550 million annually to the economy of the state.

A few years back he governors office directed state agencies to refer to tourists as "guests". I would assume Glenn would quote revenue data for the main constituency his department serves.

Regarding other comments, I don't think NHODC donations can be used to pay staff salaries. Personally think I benefit greatly from numerous aspects of F&G's service and would be glad to pay for a decal on my boats, although $5 might be a better starting place. F&G are the ones maintaining the majority of existing and developing new public boat access. I for one am tired of being part of a perceived group of freeloaders by the rest of outdoor recreation groups and find the prevailing attitude of the hiking and paddling crowd embarrassing.
 
A few years back he governors office directed state agencies to refer to tourists as "guests". I would assume Glenn would quote revenue data for the main constituency his department serves.

Regarding other comments, I don't think NHODC donations can be used to pay staff salaries. Personally think I benefit greatly from numerous aspects of F&G's service and would be glad to pay for a decal on my boats, although $5 might be a better starting place. F&G are the ones maintaining the majority of existing and developing new public boat access. I for one am tired of being part of a perceived group of freeloaders by the rest of outdoor recreation groups and find the prevailing attitude of the hiking and paddling crowd embarrassing.

Donations to NHODC cannot be used for salaries of F & G. And as far as I can tell from researching the group fully 100% of the donations go directly to support S & R as no one working with the group takes a stipend or salary. They purchase needed equipment for example. It's one of the reasons I like this group. I appreciate Sardog pointing it out last year during similar discussions. I also believe we as a collective benefit greatly from F&G and I support them. But to make my point clear I will not be mandated to support them. Of my own free will last year at this time, I donated $100 to NHODC. That's ten permits at $10 a piece without placing a financial shackle on my ankle. It won't be as much this time as I simply have less to give for charities, etc. this year. I don't mind doing more than my share and never have. The reasons I vehemently oppose mandatory permits are deeply rooted in my principles regarding my definition of freedom and would get too political to discuss further. I fully support the individuals who risk their lives in many ways, and I put my money where my mouth is. Since I've got a big mouth with passionate opinions, I try to remember that when I do help out.

Regarding comments on the perception of hikers and boaters as freeloaders, I think freeloaders who can help but do not are dirtbags. That said, I could personally care less about perception. I care deeply about substance.

Quite frankly I am embarrassed as well, not for the hiking community, but rather for the state of NH. I chose to move here for reasons very intimately linked to what I have discussed above regarding freedom (and for the Whites). Recent suggestions IMO for solving these S and R issues crash against the fabric of what this state and its people are made. There are ways NH can solve this problem without another limitation on freedoms. Even a measly $5 "decal" is a personal limitation when mandatory. It's death by a thousand cuts and it's a slippery slope than Tux apparently was this week.

I am always happy to help; I simply won't have my hand forced.

NH is sitting on a $72 million budget surplus. 1% of that solves this problem for 3-4 years.
 
You can always buy a fishing or hunting license. I buy one every year... to catch rock bass (an invasive/pest species which out-competes the native species) with my kids for my one-week-per-year vacation to Lake Sunapee. I don't use a state-maintained boat ramp either, so really I don't get much if anything back for my license... except, I believe, free SAR.

https://www.nhfishandgame.com/

Tim
 
You can always buy a fishing or hunting license. I buy one every year... to catch rock bass (an invasive/pest species which out-competes the native species) with my kids for my one-week-per-year vacation to Lake Sunapee. I don't use a state-maintained boat ramp either, so really I don't get much if anything back for my license... except, I believe, free SAR.

https://www.nhfishandgame.com/

Tim

Tim,

Do you mean that having a fishing license will mean a free S&R if you are hiking or do you have to be fishing when the accident happens?

Thanks.
 
Personally think I benefit greatly from numerous aspects of F&G's service and would be glad to pay for a decal on my boats, although $5 might be a better starting place... I for one am tired of being part of a perceived group of freeloaders by the rest of outdoor recreation groups and find the prevailing attitude of the hiking and paddling crowd embarrassing.

Part of the problem is that apparently F&G has agreed to pay some outside vendor $2 per license so nearly half of a $5 fee would go to overhead, I'm not sure why if they can issue a 5-yr drivers license they can't issue a multi-year hiking license to cut the overhead. If they sold a 20-yr hiking license for $20+$2 the hikers would pay the same amount each year as the ATV-ers do now.

And of course many people use small boats for fishing so they already pay in. I think the recreation industry is worried that some out-of-staters would choose to go elsewhere if NH was the only state with such a fee, even if it's only 5% that may be close to the profit margin in some businesses.

I would like to remind our senior members that NH residents over 68 can get a free lifetime fishing license (and a hunting license if you pass a safety course) and be rescued for free no matter how reckless you are. This is something that may go away so get it while you can.
 
Unfortunately Raven perception has already led to substance. Where I live in Coos there is festering animosity that has created an unwillingness to support hiking and developing and supporting new opportunities. One example is in public record where in a meeting of the CT Lakes Headwater Committee, a former local public official stated that he did not want the group spending time on hiking opportunities since they always need to be rescued and pay nothing towards the service. I live here and hear it all the time from the non hiking folks how much we suck and don't give back, and it's a bit disheartening to be put in this corner.

I absolutely appreciate the point of view you share, but the reality that Glenn addresses in his letter is broader than just the S&R issue. The department is in dire straights throughout numerous programs that I personally value to keep intact, more so than the $30 I would pay for my 3 boats in a year. They did get a general fund appropriation for the current biennium, but that is only a band aid that does nothing to solve long term funding issues. NH has always relied on fees directly from user groups for services as opposed to a huge melting pot of funds that is subject to constant political winds.
 
Unfortunately Raven perception has already led to substance. Where I live in Coos there is festering animosity that has created an unwillingness to support hiking and developing and supporting new opportunities. One example is in public record where in a meeting of the CT Lakes Headwater Committee, a former local public official stated that he did not want the group spending time on hiking opportunities since they always need to be rescued and pay nothing towards the service. I live here and hear it all the time from the non hiking folks how much we suck and don't give back, and it's a bit disheartening to be put in this corner.

I absolutely appreciate the point of view you share, but the reality that Glenn addresses in his letter is broader than just the S&R issue. The department is in dire straights throughout numerous programs that I personally value to keep intact, more so than the $30 I would pay for my 3 boats in a year. They did get a general fund appropriation for the current biennium, but that is only a band aid that does nothing to solve long term funding issues. NH has always relied on fees directly from user groups for services as opposed to a huge melting pot of funds that is subject to constant political winds.

I appreciate your perspective as well and agree this is apparently a tough nut to crack.

It is shameful that F&G has been placed in a position where they have had to cut officers (I believe that to be the case) in order to make up for money being funneled into S&R.

What is also a shame IMO is that what seems to be such a relatively easy problem to fix (since it's a relatively small amount of money) is causing such problems, animosity, etc. It's almost unfathomable to me that this is such an issue. Something seems very broken in this process but I am still questioning where that break is.

General question for everyone: Has anyone made an attempt to petition the NH State Legislature to pay for this? Phone calls and written petitions make a difference. I would be on board with helping make that happen if enough people were interested and thought it would work.
 
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