BUDGET CUTS IN FISH AND WILDLIFE

People tend to forget that this country was discovered and populated because of its immense natural resources.  These resources are vital to not only the United States of America, but to the future of our planet.

Just recently the NH legislature has begun talking about absorbing their Division of fish and Wildlife into other departments to overcome a budget shortfall within the agency.  This shortfall is related to a drop in Hunting and fishing licenses here in the state.  I believe this trend is happening across many states here in our country, and this is disturbing.

Why am I talking about this?  Fishermen and outdoorsmen need to be aware of what’s happening in their states legislature.  I’m concerned with this shortfall, because budget cuts typically mean less Wildlife officers patrolling our streams, rivers, and oceans (if you have them).  The ability to enforce catch and release only stretches of water, maintaining legal length limits on striped bass will all too soon be left to the wayside, and a self enforcement rule will be put into effect.  I believe in people tending toward the good, about 90% in fact.  The other 10% are what worry me. 

As outdoors people we need to be involved in our country’s natural resources.  If not we will be taking them from our children, and grandchildren.  I for one don’t want to be 80 and be reliving stories to my grandchildren and great grandchildren about the way things were.

Organizations like Trout Unlimited www.tu.org have done a noble job of restoring streams and lakes to pristine conditions, but their goals are more geared toward stream restoration.  Fish and Wildlife agencies across the  country are needed for sampling studies, and protection of resources from poaching and angling pressure.

What can we do to help?  Speak up!  My company helps support organizations like TU, and more importantly we regularly contact our local congress people and governor to educate them on the potential pitfalls related to budget cuts