AUGUSTA, Maine -- After weeks of debate, Governor John Baldacci yesterdaysigned into law a budget that significantly enhances the Department ofInland Fisheries and Wildlife.
The Governor's $5.7 billion budget includes $3.8 million of general fundmoney for the department. This money will roll back license fees, enhancedepartment non-game and endangered species programs, and boost hatcheryproduction of trout and salmon. The budget also creates a Sportsman'slicense plate, a super pack license, and creates an open season for turkeysin 2006. Gone from the budget are proposals for Sunday hunting and a canoeand kayak registration fee.
"I am extremely pleased with the Governor's support and leadership, andpleased with the support given this Department by the Legislature," saidRoland D. Martin, Commissioner, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "The canoeand kayak initiative was removed from the budget, but funding to offset thisinitiative remains in the budget."
Under this budget, the temporary $3.00 license increase passed two years agois replaced with a $2.00 increase, rolling back most resident andnonresident license prices by $1.00. The budget also allows for anadditional $1 million for the state's hatchery systems, which will allowIF&W to implement hatchery enhancements that will allow IF&W to eventuallydouble the pounds of fish produced.
The funds will enhance the Department's Beginning With Habitat Program,which assists towns in planning responsible development that preserves openspace as well as wildlife, fisheries and plant habitat. It also increasesfunding for Endangered Species research and conservation, as well aswetlands, amphibian and reptile conservation.
Sportsman and women will also have the opportunity to purchase a new licenseplate benefiting the department. The cost will be similar to other platessuch as the loon or lobster plate, and the proceeds from this plate will goto the lifetime license fund, an endowment fund, from which interest fromthis fund will be used to help fund the department starting in 2010.
"It is my understanding that this new two year budget contains $3.8 millionof general fund money, which not only allows us to continue performing ourmission, but also creates new positions that will allow us to work onnongame and endangered species operations, and enhance our hatcheryoperations," Martin said.
The new superpack license will include all hunting authorities and somepermits, as well as six chances in the moose lottery, and an any deer permitif over 5,000 are available in a wildlife management district. The budgetalso directs ATV registration money to trails, programs and enforcement.Boat registrations also increase under this budget.
