On The Hill
California Elk Herd Still in Jeopardy
The Senate Parks Subcommittee considered legislation this week that would repeal a 2006 rider to the defense authorization bill ordering the National Park Service to maintain deer and elk herds at levels suitable for hunting on Santa Rosa Island. The rider to be struck by S.1209, inserted by then-House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), was intended to ensure best management practices for wildlife, including hunting, were considered. The amendment followed a year long effort supported by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation to prohibit the slaughter of the 100-year-old herds on the island. In regards to S.1209, the Foundation has sent a letter to the Committee opposing the bill.
Boaters and Anglers Receive $110 Million in Long Overdue Payout
Efforts in 2005 to recapture 4.8 cents of the 18.3 cents per gallon tax on motorboat fuel and direct it back into the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act's Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (ARTF) have finally started paying dividends for the nation’s boaters and anglers. Previously, only 13.5 cents (or 73%) of the tax paid by sportsmen went into the ARTF to support the fishing and boating programs important to the nation’s anglers and recreational boaters. However, FY2007 is the first year that sportsmen can enjoy the full benefits of their dollars to the tune of $110 million extra in funding thanks to what initially looked like a debate over pennies.
Money from the ARTF is used for state-based boating safety, fisheries conservation and boating access programs as well as for support of coastal wetlands, and marine sanitation device facilities, among others. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation led a multi-year effort with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, including Rep. Don Young (R-AK), Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) and former Rep. Clay Shaw (R-FL), to pass the bill.
“Fish On” is the Word from USDA
Federal officials have amended an order that prohibited the interstate and international transfer of live fish from states and provinces known to be infected with the deadly Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). CSF took the lead and recruited BASS to assist in a lobby effort for the interests of recreational anglers, including those who compete in bass tournaments throughout the region. The amendment was announced earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Antis Try Again to Stop Polar Bear Hunting
The “Polar Bear Protection Act” was introduced in the House of Representatives this week to try to stop polar bear hunts, which occur mostly in Canada. The bill would restore the 1972 moratorium on the importation of marine mammal trophies, repealing an exception from 1994 that allows the Interior Department to issue permits to bring in polar bear carcasses from hunts in Canada. The Humane Society of the United States, Defenders of Wildlife and the International Fund for Animal Welfare released a statement calling on Congress to pass this legislation.
“Like the last time when an anti-bear hunting bill was resoundingly defeated in the House, the CSF and the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus will work to defeat this misguided, anti-hunting legislative effort,” stated Jeff Crane, CSF President.
Farm Bill Conservation Titles Bring State Wildlife Leaders Together
State Wildlife Directors migrated to Capitol Hill this week to stress to lawmakers that the conservation priorities contained in the Farm Bill benefit much more than just fish and wildlife and a strong conservation title needs to be maintained in this reauthorization effort.
Speaking about a new document produced by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, in association with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, CSF President Jeff Crane reminded the state directors that, “While we generally speak about the benefits to wildlife and aquatic species as a result of the conservation titles in the farm bill, the reach is much further. What’s good for wildlife is also good for Americans. Not only does it benefit multiple conservation objectives, but it works to sustain America’s rural economy and improves our quality of life through clean water, clean air and healthy places to live. This is the message we need to convey to federal lawmakers.”
The document “Fish, Wildlife, and the Farm Bill” is aimed at communicating to federal legislators how the conservation programs in the Farm Bill reach far beyond the benefits of fish and wildlife, but also have a positive impact on many of the larger environmental issues that impact the country. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies organized the Fly-In of the state directors.
CSF Seeks Communications Manager, Bids Christie Caywood Farwell
CSF is looking for a Communications Manager to assist with the implementation and management of a multi-faceted communications program. This position requires someone who is results-driven, creative thinker, excellent writer and understands the legislative process. This person must be able to effectively simplify, synthesize and communicate state and federal legislative issues to the hunting and fishing community. Read more…
Christie Caywood, who has coordinated the communication efforts of both CSF and NASC for the past two years will be moving to Charles G Koch Foundation. CSF wishes Christie great success in her new endeavor.
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