Legislative budget includes new funding for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Proposed budget broadens funding support, enhances non-game programs and bolsters fish hatcheries.

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The Legislature's Appropriation Committee approved a two-year budget early Saturday Morning, and the document awaits debate on the floor of the House and the Senate.

The $5.7 billion budget bill encompasses over 400 pages and includes 16 pages concerning funding for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

"Not only will this budget allow us to continue our mission as we know it, it also allows us to expand services concerning non-game issues, utilize our hatchery improvements and broaden our financial base of support," said Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "We emphatically endorse this budget compromise which is good news for all who enjoy Maine's natural resources."

The budget proposal rescinds the temporary $3.00 license increase instituted two years ago, and replaces it with a $2.00 increase. For most people, sporting licenses will be a dollar cheaper this year. The budget proposal also establishes a $10.00 Conservation Sticker that must be placed on all canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats that are used on all inland or territorial waters of Maine. Any person who holds a valid Maine fishing license or combination license issued by the department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will receive one conservation sticker without a fee.

The budget proposal also increases the fee for motorized watercrafts; increases fees for nonresident licenses; repeals the turkey lottery systems and sets turkey permit fee at $20 for residents and $47 for nonresidents; sets ATV registrations at $33 for residents and $68 for nonresidents; sets Snowmobile Registrations at $33 for residents and $68 for nonresidents; establishes a super pack license that includes six chances in the moose lottery; an any deer permit if over 5,000 are available in a wildlife management district; and establishes a sportsman's license plate with proceeds going to the lifetime license fund.

The funds will enhance the Department's Beginning With Habitat Program, which assists towns in planning responsible development that preserves greenspace as well as wildlife, fisheries and plant habitat. It will bolster the hatchery division, which stocks over one million fish each year. It also increases funding for Endangered Species and as well as wetlands, amphibian and reptile conservation.

The budget bill also directs the commissioners of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Conservation Departments to develop a non-consumptive user card or permit, and report to the legislature concerning the outdoor recreational activities that would be covered, the fee, estimate of revenue and the administration, implementation and enforcement of the card or permit.

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