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1 March 1999 The mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The overall mission of the Federal Aid Program is to: “Strengthen the ability of State and Territorial fish and wildlife agencies to restore and manage fish and wildlife resources to meet effectively the consumptive and nonconsumptive needs of the public for fish and wildlife resources.” March 1999 2 Division of Federal Aid—Washington Office Staff Directory 4 Federal Aid Division Chief Activity Report and Comment 5 Sport Fish Restoration Program Boating Infrastructure Grant Program 7 Aquatic Resource Education 8 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act 9 FY 1998 Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Awards 10 Clean Vessel Act Pumpout Grant Program 11 Wildlife Restoration Program Hunter Education—Shooting Range Program 13 Hunter Education Apportionment for Fiscal Year 1999 15 Hunter Education Standards 16 Humane Trapping 17 Teaming With Wildlife 18 Partnership for Wildlife Program 19 1998 Partnerships for Wildlife Projects 20 Combined Sport Fish and Wildlife Program National Administrative Grants FY 99 Project Funding 23 Report of Accomplishments—Federal Aid Administrative Grants 25 USFWS-Federal Aid Summary/Status of Administrative Grants 26 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation 34 Management Assistance Team 36 Training and Education Committee 38 National Federal Aid Outreach Team 39 Automated Sportsman Data System 40 Federal Aid Information Management System 41 Fish and Wildlife Reference Service 43 Financial Review-Part A Program Receipts 1939-1998 45 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration 46 Funds for Fiscal Year 1999 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration 47 Funds for Fiscal Year 1999 Number of Paid Hunting License Holders, License Sales, 48 and Cost to Hunters—Fiscal Year 1997 Number of Paid Fishing License Holders, License Sales, 49 and Cost to Anglers—Fiscal Year 1997 Table of Contents 3 March 1999 Deductions for Administration 50 Federal Aid Audit Schedule 51 Status of DCAA Audits 52 Summary of On-going and Planned Audits 53 Trends and Weaknesses Noted in Completed and On-going Audits 53 Financial Review-Part B Wildlife Restoration—Receipts 55 Sport Fish Restoration—Receipts 55 Gross Receipts—Revised Forecast for FY 99 56 Federal Aid Cash Management—Analysis of FY 98 Transactions 57 Federal Aid Cash Management—Analysis of Accounts 58 and Cost Recovery Initiatives Federal Aid Cash Management—Status of Investments— 59 Interest Earned FY 98 Federal Aid Cash Management—Investments—Interest Earned— 60 Cash Transfers to States Program History Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program 63 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program 65 Table of Contents March 1999 4 Functional Staff Directory In Washington the Division of Federal Aid operates under the office of Assistant Director for External Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Division of Federal Aid 4401 N. Fairfax Drive Arlington VA 22203 703/358 2156 Fax: 703/358 1837 or 358 1705 http://fa.r9.fws.gov Chief, Division of Federal Aid *Bob Lange, 703/358 2206 Fax: 703/358 1837 Resource Management Group *Tom Taylor, 703/358-1852 Fax: 703/358 1837 Deputy Chief Lands Development Partnership for Wildlife Boating Administrative Grants Jack Hicks, 703/358 1851 Policy Development Policy Clarification Gary Reinitz, 703/358 2159 Fisheries Management, Trends, & Research Steve Farrell, 703/358 2420 National Outreach Manager Jim Beers, 703/358 1841 Wildlife Mgt. Trend-Research Fish & Wildlife Reference Service Technical Representative on Trapping to U.S. Trade Delegation Bob Pacific, 703/358 1845 Small Grants Administration: Clean Vessel Act Coastal Wetlands Boating Infrastructure Iesha Fields, 703/358 2435 Small Grants Assistant Jimmye Kane, 703/358 1846 Secretary Time & Attendance Travel Claudette Austin Johnson, 703/358 1847 Secretary Time & Attendance Travel Information Technology Group *Bill Conlin, 703/358 1843 Fax: 703/358 1837 Information Resources & ADP Mgmnt. ADP Support FAIRS FAIMS Dara Esfandiary, 703/358 2033 ADP Systems Support FAIMS David Washington, 703/358 1844 ADP Systems Support LAN Support Internet Support ADP Support Web Page Changes Survey Group *Sylvia Cabrera, 703/358 1842 Fax: 703/358 1705 Hunting & Fishing Survey Richard Aiken, 703/358 1839 Economics Survey Information Genevieve Pullis, 703/358 1854 Economics Survey Information Management Assistance Team (MAT) *Spencer Amend, 970/282 2000 Team Leader Fax: 970/282 0095 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80525-5596 * Denotes managers Claude Stephens, 703/358 1849 Writer Editor Outreach Specialist Coordinator for National Wetlands Conservation Award to Private Sector Vacant (Contact: Tom Taylor) Aquatic Resource Education Hunter Education Shooting Range Program Steve Leggans, 304/876-7463 Fax: 304/876 7751 Training Coordinator Audits & Cash Management Group *Lanny Moore, 703/358-1848 Fax: 703/358 2850 Audits & Cash Management SMARTLINK Payments Receipts-Excise Taxes & Import Duties Fund Investments, Cash Transfer, Forecasts Grants Administration & Special Projects Liaison: HHS, OMB, GAO, OIG, DCAA, Treasury, IRS, BATF, Industry Bill Gruber, 703/358 1702 Audits Audit Resolution Internal Controls Licensing Issues Financial Reviews-Special Audits Liaison: DCAA, OIG, GAO, OMB, & State Auditors Budget & Administrative Services Group *Tom Jeffrey, 703/358 1840 Fax: 703/358 1837 Budget Development & Execution Program Management Special Projects Apportionments Mary Jones, 703/358 1807 Administrative Officer Personnel (Alt.) Property FFS Budget Pete Peterson, 703/358 1853 Office Manager Personnel & Payroll Purchasing Telecommunications Space & Facilities Mgmnt. Training Officer 5 March 1999 Division Chief Activity Report and Comment The Federal Aid program is vitally important to conservation in general, and to States and territories in particular. Funds in the program provide anywhere from 20% to 80% of some natural resource management agencies’ annual budgets. It is amazing that this program is known in its pieces by a large and diverse stakeholder base, and in its entirety by very few individuals. There is approximately $1.5 billion in the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration accounts at any one time. Annual new money entering the accounts is about $500 M. Over $50 M is generated annually just in interest. There are over 3500 existing grants at any one time. Sixty-five auditable entities receive core grant apportioned funds directly. Many other entities receive administrative funds. These sparse facts provide a glimpse of the Federal Aid program. The pages of this Program Update provide a bit more information. We believe it is in the conservation community’s best interest that we provide as much information as you are willing to absorb; and to answer any additional questions you may have. As this Program Update went to press there were a host of events bringing change to the Federal Aid program: We presently administer the Sport Fish Restoration grants, Clean Vessel dump station and pumpouts grants, the Coastal Wetlands grants, boating infrastructure grants and funds for a new type of relationship with industry to implement the National Outreach and Communications plan. We also administer the Wildlife Restoration grants and Partnerships for Wildlife grants. The audit program has moved to audits resolution in many states. Start-up of a second five year audit cycle is only two years away. The audit program is being delivered through the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) under centralized audit leadership and a distributed field auditor network. Consistency among audits has improved. Consistency of audit resolution and quick resolution from state to state are current program weaknesses. National policies in Federal Aid are being updated in an effort to have better consistency throughout the country from grant to grant. State and IAFWA (International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) representatives are working on about a dozen drafts at executive and staff levels. The 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation was completed and secondary publications are being printed from the rich data base such as “1996 Net Economic Values for Bass, Trout and Walleye Fishing, Deer, Elk and Moose Hunting, and Wildlife Watching.” Additionally, by cooperating with groups such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, publications like “Federal Aid Grants for Shooting Ranges” are being produced. The review of excise tax receipts collections at Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Highway Trust Fund has moved to a more mature stage. Millions of dollars were found and transferred into the program. Additionally, working with the IAFWA, industry and others, progress is being made to clarify ambiguous tax interpretations. More details are included in these pages. Of special interest is the TEA21 addition to the Sport Fish Restoration Program discussion in the “Program History” section. Sport Fish Restoration Program 7 March 1999 The Sportfishing and Boat Safety Act of 1998 authorized 1) a competitive grant program for States to develop and maintain facilities for transient nontrailerable (over 26 feet) recreational boats; and, 2) a national framework for a public boat access needs assessment which may be used by States to conduct surveys to determine the adequacy of facilities providing access for all recreational boats. n The Act authorizes a competitive grant program to States for the cost of constructing, renovating, and maintaining facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational boats. n The $32 million grant program will start in the year 2000 and end in 2003, at $8 million per year. The Federal government will pay up to 75 percent of the cost with States or other partners matching the remaining 25 percent. n Priorities for funding grants include those proposals submitted in accordance with a State plan, those proposals providing for public/ private partnership efforts, and those proposals providing for innovative ways to increase the availability of facilities for transient nontrailerable boats. n The national framework will be completed by January, 1999. The framework is to be used for States to conduct surveys of the adequacy of current facilities to provide access for all recreational boats, and to determine the future needs for boaters. n State surveys are to be completed within 18 months of passage of the Act, or by December 10, 1999. The surveys are to determine the adequacy, number, location, and quality of facilities providing access to recreational waters for all sizes of recreational boats. States may fund the cost of the surveys out of amounts allocated to it as the 15 percent funding dedicated to motorboat access to recreational waters. n States would not have to complete a survey if the Secretary of the Interior certifies that they are implementing a plan that ensures there are and will be public boat access adequate to meet the needs of recreational boaters on its waters. n Within 6 months after submitting a survey to the Secretary, or by June, 2000, a State may develop and submit to the Secretary a plan for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational boats, and access to those facilities, to meet the needs of nontrailerable recreational boats operating on navigable waters in the State. n An organizational meeting was held August 10, 11, 1998, and a second meeting was held October 29, 30, 1998 to draft the proposed rules. Final Rules for the grant program will be published in the Federal Register by September, 1999. Grant funds will be available to States on October 1, 1999. Boating Infrastructure Grant Program March 1999 8 The program has grown slowly but steadily since its beginning in 1985 in the number of States participating and the amount of funds used. A few States, such as Virginia and South Carolina, use State monies to fund the program instead of Federal Aid funds. Current Information January 1, 1999 n A total of $31,864,371 from the current apportionment is available to States for aquatic resource education and outreach communications programs in 1999. n More and more States are beginning to use Federal Aid monies to finance the Project Wild–Aquatic Segment. For a long time States elected to use their own monies for this purpose. n The newly formed Aquatic Resource Education Association (AREA) conducted a business meeting at the Corpus Christi Conference. They honored several individuals for their assistance and support to AREA in helping the organization through their formative years. Dave Jensen, North Dakota, was selected as the new President, replacing Mike O’Malley, Washington. The Sport Fish Restoration Program was created in 1950 with the passage of the Dingell-Johnson, or D-J Act, and named after the Congressmen who sponsored it. A 10 percent excise tax was placed on some fishing tackle and the monies were apportioned to the States for use in sport fish restoration projects. There were no provisions in the Act for aquatic resource education. The Dingell-Johnson Act was changed with the Wallop-Breaux Amendment in 1984, which added additional tackle and other fishing equipment under the excise tax and included motor boat fuel taxes. The amendment also provided for States to be reimbursed for an aquatic resource education program not to exceed 10 percent of the State’s total Sport Fish Restoration apportionment. With the passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA21), the 10 percent cap has been raised to 15 percent and now applies to outreach and communication projects dedicated toward increasing public understanding of the Nation’s water resources and associated aquatic life forms in addition to aquatic education projects. The Division of Federal Aid encouraged States entering into an aquatic education program to conduct a needs assessment for determining those activities and elements of an education program that would provide the most benefits to the State. A large number of activities are eligible for States to use in aquatic resource education. Aquatic Resource Education 9 March 1999 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act n Around $9 million is available annually. Results of the first six years follow: FY # of Proposals Cost Acres 1992 13 $5.7 M 4,793 1993 10 $5.9 M 3,918 1994 19 $7.6 M 19,000 1995 22 $7.0 M 9,723 1996 14 $8.0 M 3,009 1997 18 $9.1 M 10,741 1998 20 $9.8 M 12,680 1999 18 $9.4 M 24,600 n A total of 25 different coastal States received funding under this program between 1992 and 1999, for a total of 134 projects. Project participants in this program have included all levels of government: State, county, and municipal, and non-government partners as well. For the $62.5 million expended, 88,464 acres have been protected—over 77,500 through acquisition and nearly 9,900 through restoration. n Authorization for the small engine fuel has been renewed through 2005. Funds deposited through FY 1998 become available in FY 1999. The Act itself is authorized through FY 1999. Funds are made available by allocating 18 percent of the Sport Fish Restoration Account or 100 percent of the excise tax on small engine fuels—whichever is greater. Of the 18 percent allocated, 15 percent (not to exceed $15 million) is provided for the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program. n LEGISLATION: Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (enacted as Title III of HR 5390). n The Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is administered by the Director of the Fish & Wildlife Service. Project review and selection are conducted by the Federal Aid Office and other Divisions in each Region and by a cross-program review in the Washington Office, led by the Division of Habitat Conservation. All Coastal States (except Louisiana) and the Trust Territories are eligible to submit project proposals to the appropriate Service Regional Office annually. March 1999 10 Coastal Wetlands Awards/Fiscal Year 1999 Project Name Federal Share State Share Region 1 California South Morro Bay $ 550,000 $ 425,000 California Goleta Slough Estuary 938,000 442,000 California Tijuana Estuary 800,000 2.360,000 Washington South Sequin Bay 350,000 1,000,000 Washington Gray’s Harbor 150,000 150,000 Washington Middle Fork Meander 370.000 406,000 Washington Woodward Creek Estuary 295,000 324,500 Washington Nemah Estuary 350,000 1,000,000 Total $3,803,000 $6,107,500 Region 2 Texas Jumbilee Cove $ 258,000 $ 86,000 Total $ 258,000 $ 86,000 Region 4 Alabama Mobile-Tensaw $ 940,000 $ 1,359,000 Florida Queen’s Island 940,000 1,178,750 Florida Ten Thousand Islands 285,455 231,750 Florida Tarpon Bay 940,000 429,571 North Carolina Buckridge Swamp 860,500 1,000,000 Total $3,965,955 $4,199.071 Region 5 Maine Mill Pond $ 175,000 $ 103,500 Massachusetts Lower Neponset River 425,500 719,000 New Jersey Stouts/Oyster Creek 740,750 740,750 Pennsylvania Sara’s Cove 31,795 45,000 Total $1,373,045 $ 1,608,250 Grand Total $9,400,000 $12,000,821 11 March 1999 Clean Vessel Act Pumpout Grant Program n A National Education Action Plan was finalized December 20, 1994. Generic motivational products, such as public service announcements, have been produced. A clearinghouse for storing and disseminating education information has been established. A pumpout symbol and slogan has been developed. A 1-800-ASK-FISH telephone number has been established for boaters to determine pumpout locations. n The grant program, between 1993 and 1997, has resulted in 49 States receiving $37.6 million for 157 grants. The projects selected involve surveys and plans in 33 coastal States, construction of 2,200 pumpout and 1,400 dump stations in 45 States, and education programs in 40 States. n All coastal States have taken advantage of program funds by initiating pumpout programs in their States. n The Pumpout Grant Program has been re-authorized for $10 million a year from 1999 through 2003 by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century. A request to states for grant proposals was made October 6, 1998. The Clean Vessel Act of 1992 authorized a competitive grant program for States to construct pumpout and dump stations to dispose of vessel sewage from recreational boaters. n Funds were available for five years: $5 million for FY 1993; $7.5 million for both FY 1994 and 1995; and $10 million each year for FY 1996 and 1997. Federal share is 75 percent. n Eligible projects include: for coastal States, surveys and plans; and for all States, education and construction/ renovation of pumpout and dump stations. n Priorities for grants were for funding coastal States with an approved plan, States providing for public/private partnerships, providing for innovative ways to increase availability and use of pumpout stations, States that include an education component, proposals benefitting waters most likely affected by sewage discharge, and proposals in areas with high vessel/pumpout station ratios. n Technical guidelines (information on appropriate types of facilities, surveys, plans, and education), and grant guidelines (information on how to apply for grants) were published in final form in the Federal Register on March 10, 1994. n Guidelines on requirements for a uniform pumpout symbol, slogan and program crediting were published in the Federal Register August 27, 1997. Wildlife Restoration Program 13 March 1999 Hunter Education— Shooting Range Program train students to be safe and responsible hunters and should be so designed to assist the agency in accomplishing it’s mission and goals. Advanced hunter education training may be approved if it offers hunters an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of safe and legal hunting practices and improve their behavior afield. The primary objective of all advanced courses will address specific individual State hunter training needs. For example, the State may want to provide special training for elk hunters in order to decrease both depredation and populations of elk in certain areas, or training for the introduction of new hunting regulations or hunting areas. Public relations and law enforcement activities are prohibited under the Act. The backbone of the hunter education program is the cadre of more than 45,000 volunteer instructors. Each has his or her personal reasons for devoting countless hours to this unpaid work and together contribute approximately $30 million worth of volunteer services annually. States are encouraged to develop or enter into third-party agreements in order to gain a suitable number of safe shooting and archery facilities nationwide. To accomplish this hands-on experience, the States may lease or rent or enter into third party agreements to provide archery and shooting range facilities or services from local clubs. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, was approved by Congress on September 2, 1937, and began functioning July 1, 1938. The Act was amended on October 23, 1970, to include hunter training programs and the development, operation, and maintenance of public shooting ranges. Funding for hunter education and shooting ranges is derived from one-half of the 11 percent excise tax on archery equipment and 10 percent excise tax on handguns, pistols, and revolvers. The other one-half of the tax money is used by the State for wildlife restoration purposes. The money is distributed on the basis of population of a State compared to other States with a maximum apportionment of 3 percent and a minimum of one percent. The most recent amendment to the P-R Act provides one-sixth of one percent of the funds for hunter education and shooting ranges to Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. State hunter education programs include the development and implementation of a programmed course of instruction leading toward the achievement of the State’s hunter training goals and objectives. In general, the course is designed to March 1999 14 Current Information n In Fiscal Year 1999, The Fish & Wildlife Service, through the Division of Federal Aid, will provide an apportionment totaling $26,920,402 to all States and Insular Possessions (except Puerto Rico) for use with hunter education activities. This is a reduction of only $1,192,504 from last year’s apportionment. n The International Hunter Education Association held a week-long training academy for State Hunter Education Coordinators last year to enable State personnel to better perform their responsibilities in hunter education. The Washington FA Office actively participated and provided participation by other State personnel for a half-day program. n The Wildlife Management Institute recently completed a study of the hunter education program to update a study done in 1981. In that study there were 33 recommendations that remain valid today. The latest study indicates that there are new issues and concerns not existing in 1981 that need attention. n A delegation of Washington and Regional office Federal Aid personnel met with the President, President Elect, and Executive Vice President of the International Hunter Education Association to discuss more streamlined ways of working together and enhancing communication. The meeting appears to be the beginning of a much-improved working relationship. n No additional information has been provided for this edition. 15 March 1999 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Funds for Fiscal Year 1998 Wildlife Restoration Hunder Education Tofal ALABAMA 2,101,918 649,571 2,751,489 ALASKA 6,358,014 276,481 6,634,495 ARIZONA 3,023,218 589,228 3,612,446 ARKANSAS 2,347,373 276,481 2,623,854 CALIFORNIA 4,536,173 829,443 5,365,616 COLORADO 3,497,801 529,612 4,027,413 CONNECTICUT 635,801 528,442 1,164,243 DELAWARE 635,801 276,481 912,282 FLORIDA 1,827,066 829,443 2,656,509 GEORGIA 2,527,459 829,443 3,356,902 HAWAII 635,801 276,481 912,282 IDAHO 2,615,607 276,481 2,892,088 ILLINOIS 2,435,883 829,443 3,265,326 INDIANA 1,912,167 829,443 2,741,610 IOWA 2,197,061 446,395 2,643,456 KANSAS 2,347,855 276,481 2,624,336 KENTUCKY 1,928,544 592,454 2,520,998 LOUISIANA 1,949,070 678,409 2,627,479 MAINE 1,431,925 276,481 1,708,406 MARYLAND 770,840 768,676 1,539,516 MASSACHUSETTS 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 MICHIGAN 4,993,737 829,443 5,823,180 MINNESOTA 3,897,632 703,347 4,600,979 MISSISSIPPI 1,913,723 413,674 2,327,397 MISSOURI 3,215,092 822,628 4,037,720 MONTANA 4,113,379 276,481 4,389,860 NEBRASKA 2,321,570 276,481 2,598,051 NEVADA 2,452,035 276,481 2,728,516 NEW HAMPSHIRE 635,801 276,481 912,282 NEW JERSEY 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 NEW MEXICO 2,853,690 276,481 3,130,171 NEW YORK 3,841,533 829,443 4,670,976 NORTH CAROLINA 2,453,319 829,443 3,282,762 NORTH DAKOTA 1,850,195 276,481 2,126,676 OHIO 2,976,061 829,443 3,805,504 OKLAHOMA 2,481,372 505,689 2,987,061 OREGON 3,214,382 456,936 3,671,318 PENNSYLVANIA 5,341,253 829,443 6,170,696 RHODE ISLAND 635,801 276,481 912,282 SOUTH CAROLINA 1,483,557 560,528 2,044,085 SOUTH DAKOTA 2,406,689 276,481 2,683,170 TENNESSEE 3,167,318 784,064 3,951,382 TEXAS 6,358,014 829,443 7,187,457 UTAH 2,515,875 276,481 2,792,356 VERMONT 635,801 276,481 912,282 VIRGINIA 2,159,335 829,443 2,988,778 WASHINGTON 2,359,031 782,377 3,141,408 WEST VIRGINIA 1,595,850 276,481 1,872,331 WISCONSIN 4,340,213 786,408 5,126,621 WYOMING 2,477,500 276,481 2,753,981 PUERTO RICO 635,801 0 635,801 GUAM 211,934 46,080 258,014 VIRGIN ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 AMERICAN SAMOA 211,934 46,080 258,014 N. MARIANA ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 TOTAL 127,160,274 27,648,099 154,808,373 March 1999 16 Hunter Education Standards The International Hunter Education Association will have the lead on implementation of the standards when they are developed. Many State Coordinators/Administrators are supportive of the standards, which are not a Federal Aid requirement but which have the potential of raising the status of hunter education across America and providing an opportunity for widespread acceptance of hunting. The standards will apply only to the basic hunter education course and will be minimum standards. Letters have been sent to all members of the Task Force requesting dates when they will be available to meet. After the information has been tabulated, a meeting date will be established. One of the recommendations in the Wildlife Management Institute’s Hunter Education Study is the establishment of standards for the hunter education program. Gene Stephenson has named approximately 20 individuals consisting of State, Federal, Industry, and other cooperators to a Task Force for developing the standards. Dr. William Christy of Christy Enterprises in Blacksburg, Virginia will be the moderator when the Task Force convenes. This project is being conducted through the Hunter Education and Shooting Sports Committee of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Steve Williams (Kansas) and Keith Trego (North Dakota), Co-Chairmen. 17 March 1999 n In December, 1997, after years of tough negotiation, an international fur trade agreement was signed in Europe by the United States Trade Representative and delegates from Canada, Russia, and the European Community. This agreement protects the varied interests of our nation, the States, and the commercial fur industry while also advancing new humane trapping standards. n Recent years have seen extensive activity between USFWS Division of Federal Aid and International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) on the subject of the threatened European Fur Ban and international efforts to agree to international humane animal treatment standards of measurement and qualification. These efforts involve multilateral meetings with Europe, Canada, and Russia. They also involve international meetings under the auspices of the International Standards Organization. n To date, the situation is as follows: The States have obtained full-partner status within the Federal establishment. As the “competent authorities” within the U.S. for traps, trapping, and furbearer management, they have become fully integrated into Federal policies and negotiations. Humane Trapping The Fur Resources Technical Subcommittee and Federal Aid recently published a 60- page booklet entitled Improving Animal Welfare in U.S. Trapping Programs: Process Recommendations and Summaries of Existing Data. Copies have gone to all State agencies and may also be obtained from the IAFWA or the Division of Federal Aid in Washington. FY 98 Federal Aid Administrative Grant for Improving Public Knowledge of and Gaining Informed Consent for Furbearer Trapping, Hunting, and Related Animal Use Programs in the United States was funded. The booklet, trap testing, and Federal Aid Administrative Grant request make up the beginning of the national effort to develop and establish a process of continuing animal welfare improvement. This process is called Best Management Practices or BMP’s. The next three years should see an evolution of the Federal Aid/IAFWA partnership to establish the BMP process as a working process for State decision-makers, trap manufacturers, trappers, and others to measure animal welfare and systematically replace less-animal-welfare-friendly devices, systems, and sets with better items and items not even conceived of at this time. March 1999 18 Teaming With Wildlife n On January 19, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) introduced the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999, S-25, which proposes to fund the state grant program promoted by Teaming with Wildlife, using outer Continental Oil revenues. It would provide about $321 million per year. n Congressman Don Young introduced a similar bill last session that provided for more money to state grants. It is likely to be reintroduced this session. Check with the IAFWA web site for the latest information at www.teaming.com. n Teaming With Wildlife is a legislative initiative that proposes to create a national trust fund for State-level wildlife conservation, wildlife-related recreation, and conservation education. n Teaming With Wildlife has received broad support from a national coalition of more than 2,600 conservation and recreation organizations and businesses. n Based on the proven mechanism of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Acts, Teaming With Wildlife would provide a dedicated funding source for those species not already covered under the above acts or the Endangered Species Act. n Teaming With Wildlife offers a proactive funding solution for wildlife conservation that would help to prevent species from reaching the Endangered Species List. This initiative would support this need by extending the user-pay benefit fee to equipment used by other wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, paddlers, nature photographers, and birders. 19 March 1999 Partnerships for Wildlife Program The Partnerships For Wildlife Act (P.L. 102-587, Title VII) was signed November 4, 1992. It was reauthorized on October 30, 1998, by P.L.105-312 and extended through 2003. The purpose of the Partnerships for Wildlife Act is to establish partnerships among the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (Service), State fish and wildlife agencies, and private organizations and individuals to preserve and manage all nongame fish and wildlife species. That Act authorized the grants to States to benefit a broad array of nongame fish and wildlife species and to provide nonconsumptive fish and wildlife recreation opportunities. Funding is normally provided by 1/3 Federal, 1/3 State, and 1/3 private party conributions. Game species, Endangered or Threatened Species, and Marine Mammals do not qualify for funding. The FY 99 Service budget made available $868,000 from appropriated Federal funds to be matched by an equal amount from State and an additional equal amount from private parties. A panel consisting of State, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Service representatives will review projects received in FY 1999 and recommend those for funding by March. The review was delayed this year because of delays in legislative and funding reauthorization. Private parties are not directly eligible to apply for funding, but are encouraged to form partnerships with their State’s fish and wildlife agency. March 1999 20 1998 Partnerships for Wildlife Projects Funded Project Project Title Funded WI-P98-7 Prairie Insect Distribution, Status, and Response to Management. $68,000 OR-P98-1 Habitat Restoration for Western Pond Turtles in the Williamette Valley. $20,000 ND-P98-2 OWLS: Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites for North Dakota. $14,500 WA-P98-1 Western Pond Turtle Head Starting, Captive Breeding, and Reintroduction. $12,000 CA-P98-1 Demographic Characteristics of Burrowing Owl Populations in California: the Carrizo Plain and South San Frisco Bay. $18,000 AZ-P98-1 Ranid Frog Surveys $30,000 WI-P98-1 What’s Responsible for the Decline in Osprey Productivity in Northern Wisconsin? $12,500 WI-P98-12 Landscape Management for Prairie Chickens in Wisconsin. $25,000 WI-P98-3 Impacts of Intensive Rotational Grazing on Stream Ecology and Water Quality. $25,000 FL-P98-1 Habitat Induced Reproductive Failure of Queen Conch. $59,149 AZ-P98-2 Sonoran Desert Tortoise Surveys. $30,000 KY-P98-1 Model Cooperative Neotropical Migrant Bird Project for an Interstate Physiographic Province Interior Lowland Plateau Region. $70,000 OR-P98-5 Williamette Floodplain Restoration Truax Island. $50,000 TN-P98-1 Model Cooperative Neotropical Migrant Bird Project for an Interstate Physiographic Province, Interior Lowland Plateau. $107,486 WI-P98-9 Native Plant Seed Program. $10,000 I-P98-5 Token Creek Restoration Phase I. $50,000 AZ-P98-3 Bird Atlas $40,000 WI-P98-2 Development of Guidelines to Prevent Excessive Mortality to Bats using Largest Known Bat Hibernaculum in Midwest Neda Mine Natural Area. $10,000 Continued on next page 21 March 1999 1998 Partnerships for Wildlife Projects Funded (continued) Project Project Title Funded OR-P98-4 Management Strategies for Private Landowners with Grassland Habitat in the Williamette Valley Province, Oregon. $20,000 SD-P98-2 Inventory of Lower Big Sioux River and its Tributaries in South Dakota or Mussels. $5,000 WI-P98-10 Prairie, Savanna, and Oak Woodland Restoration on Mississippi River Bluff State Natural Areas. $18,000 OH-P98-2 Special Interest, Threatened, and Endangered Species of Grand River and Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Areas, Ohio. $17,325 WI-P98-11 Restore Native Communities on Brooklyn WA. $5,000 CT-P98-2 Least Tern Project $7,292 OH-P98-1 The Aquatic Insects of Ohio. $20,000 OR-P98-2 White-Headed Woodpecker Density Estimates and Reproductive Success. $10,000 HI-P98-3 Wildlife Watching at Oahu. $3,330 WV-P98-1 Herpetological Atlas $16,000 Total $773,582 Combined Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program 23 March 1999 1999 Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Administrative Grants Approved for Funding Proposal # Applicant Title Wildlife Sport Fish Rank Score Approved Funding Cost Cost Wildlife Sport Fish AP99-077 615,000 1 2.66 615,000 0 AP99-079 160,142 2 2.38 0 160,142 AP99-020 125,637 3 2.27 125,637 0 AP99-052 249,360 3 2.27 249,360 0 AP99-064 220,534 3 2.27 0 220,534 AP99-025 75,000 6 2.23 0 75,000 AP99-027 44,500 7 2.16 44,500 0 AP99-076 274,040 7 2.16 274,040 0 AP99-024 81,995 9 2.11 81,995 0 Partners in Flight: Neo tropical Migratory Bird Conservation Plan for the nation Phase 2-Transition from Planning to Implementation Expanding and Improving “Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs���(HOFNOD) Training and technical Assistance The Predation Avian Recruitment Task Force (PART): a Proactive Strategy to Assist Managers in Achieving Informed Consent STEP OUTSIDE Expanding the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program Challenge Match Program To Enhance Sport Fisheries and their Habitats Assessment of Hunter Education Graduate Participation in Hunting and Shooting, with Recommendations for Increasing Participation and Directing Future Research Targeting Wetland Restoration and Enhancements with GIS Planning models Development of a News and Information Network about Anti-Management Activities (NINAM): A Vital Communication Tool for Wildlife Conservation IAFWA-Partners in Flight State Agency American Sportfishing Association IAFWA/Wildlife Damage Policy Committee Natural Shooting Sports Foundation American Sportfishing Association Fish America Foundation National Shooting Sports Foundation Ducks Unlimited IAFWA/Animal Welfare Committee March 1999 24 Proposal # Applicant Title Wildlife Sport Fish Rank Score Approved Funding Cost Cost Wildlife Sport Fish AP99-032 313,106 10 2.05 313,106 0 AP99-080 143,200 10 2.05 0 143,200 AP99-002 83,000 12 2.00 0 83,000 AP99-001 58,592 58,593 13 1.94 58,592 58,593 AP99-011 114,751 13 1.94 0 114,751 AP99-023 178,450 13 1.94 178,450 0 AP99-033 266,020 13 1.94 0 266,020 AP99-022 158,125 158,125 18 1.88 (*) 158,125 AP99-017 188,000 188,000 20 1.83 (*) 188,000 AP99-050 57,500 115,000 25 1.72 (*) 115,000 AP99-063 241,958 26 1.66 241,958 Total $1,940,680 1,824,323 (*) The Sport Fish side of these projects will be funded if the Wildlife side can be funded from other sources. Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources American Sportfishing Association Instream Flow Council Missouri Department of Conservation American Fisheries Society IAFWA/Wildlife Management Institute Interactive Outdoors, Inc. IAFWA/Auto. Sportsmen’s Data Systems Comm. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point USGS-Biological Resources Division American Sportfishing Association Proposed use of Federal Aid Administrative Funds to Expand Nationwide Biological Control Program for Purple Loosestrife Evaluation and Continued Support of the National 4- H Sportfishing Program Development of regional and national Instream Flow Policies, procedures and Methodological Standards How to Develop a Program to Teach Families Outdoor Skills, Outdoor Ethics, and Conservation Communication Essentials for Natural Resource Professionals Fourth National Shooting Range Symposium: Technical Aspects in the Development and Maintenance of Shooting Facilities Gone Fishin’ Automated Sportsman’s Data Systems Project Coordination Assisting States in Determining and Addressing the Barriers to Participation of Women of Color and low-Income Women in the Becoming and Outdoors-Woman Program Fish & Wildlife Economic Analysis for CRP The New 1-800-ASK-FISH Program (Now operated by Bass Pro Shops) 25 March 1999 Report of Accomplishments Federal Aid Administrative Grants Introduction The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service— Federal Aid is notified annually by the Department of the Treasury of the amount of tax collections available that are obtained from the sale of items taxed under authority of the Wildlife Restoration program and the Sport Fish Restoration program. These programs are also known as the Pittman-Robertson program and the Dingel-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux program. The amount collected each year will depend upon the demand by the public for the items taxed. The Service is allowed to take eight percent from the total collected under authority of the Wildlife Restoration program and six percent of the total collections under the Sport Fish Restoration program to operate and manage the programs. After program funding needs have been determined, providing there are available funds, the remaining monies are made available in the form of administrative grants. The amount of funds and the purpose for their use are made public through a Federal Register notice along with application instructions and dates. The primary eligibility criteria require that proposals must show a direct concern or provide direct benefits to half or more of the States. Additionally, the proposal must be consistent with the intent and mission of the Federal Aid program and authorizing Acts. Following a proposal-ranking process with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, a committee makes recommendations to the Fish & Wildlife Service Director related to which proposals should be funded. Upon approval by the Director, the proposals become projects and funds are made available for work to begin. March 1999 26 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration SF $300,000 Outreach: A National Approach 1998 2001 WL $300,000 IAFWA, #AP98-062/98-G037 Fish Hatchery Management 2nd Edition 1998 1999 SF $153,960 AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-011/98-G026 “Hooked On Fishing Not on Drugs” 1998 1999 SF $161,634 Training and Technical Assistance FUTURE FISHERMAN FOUNDATION #AP98-004/98-G025 The Future of Fishing in the U.S.: 1998 1999 SF $255,250 Assessment of Needs to Increase Sportfishing Participation IAFWA, #AP98-065/98-G048 Expansion of the 4-H Wildlife Habitat SF $92,950 Evaluation Youth Program 1998 1999 WL $92,950 AUBURN UNIVERSITY #AP98-034/98-G042 FishAmerica Challenge Match Program 1998 1999 SF $75,000 to Enhance Sport Fisheries and Their Habitats THE FISHAMERICA FOUNDATION #AP98-036/98-G030 To develop, implement and evaluate a national outreach marketing plan that will increase awareness of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs by year 2000. To create and publish a modern edition, expanded in scope. To complete and publish a modern edition, expanded in scope. Most chapters have been completed in draft and work is proceeding on schedule. Help agencies establish the “Hooked on Fishing–Not Drugs” Program. Several presentations were made with all 50 States requesting workshop support before March, 1999. Collect, analyze and publish information on angler satisfactions, needs and future participation in sportfishing. Focus groups have met. Preparations for a survey have begun. Awarded. To educate 100,000 urban and rural youth and adults in 40 states about proper fish and wildlife management. Conduct small scale fishery improvement projects by volunteer-based organizations. The program has now funded projects in all 50 States, matcbing all federal funds at least dollar for dollar. 27 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Rotenone Stewardship Program 1998 1999 SF $95,064 AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-012/98-G031 Interjurisdictional Rivers Fisheries 1998 1999 SF $50,000 Management for the Mississippi River Basin MICRA, #AP98-009/98-G029 Expanding the Reach of the Fishing 1998 1999 SF $157,894 Tackle Loaner Program AMERICAN SPORTFISHING ASSN. #AP98-002/98-G069 1-800-ASK-FISH Public Communication 1998 1999 SF $254,670 Program AMERICAN SPORTFISHING ASSN. #AP98-001/98-G032 Catfish 2000: First International Ictalurid 1998 1999 SF $90,929 Symposium AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-010/98-G028 Effects of Electrofishing Configuration on 1998 1999 SF $220,899 Catch Efficiency and Injury Rates of Warmwater Fish FISH MANAGEMENT SECTION AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-013/98-G027 Practical Applications of Newly Developed 1998 1999 $91,750 DNA-based Detection Assays for Myxobolus cerebralis, to Assess Infections in Wild Trout Populations UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA #AP98-015/96-901 Provide technical and administrative guidelines for safe use of rotenone where use of fish toxicants is a necessary management tool. The AFS Committee has surveyed all States and Canadian Provinces with a +70% response rate on rotenone use. Develop and coordinate management of interjurisdictional fisheries and habitats in the Mississippi River basin. No further report available. Publicity was produced for all loaner sites to maintain the interest and support of site managers. The Rotary Club continues to expand support of this program. Increase states ability to instantly provide information, educate anglers and non-anglers about regulations, etc. BASS PRO SHOPS have assumed operation of the program. 9 States presently participate wit 8-15,000 anglers calling the 800 number monthly. Conduct symposium relative to management of catfish fisheries and provide a forum for exchange of information. The symposium was a great success and proceedings have been distributed. Document extent of electro fishing injuries to warmwater fish and identify procedures that minimize injury to the fish. Experimental equipment has been purchased and data is presently being collected. Project is being administered by USGS March 1999 28 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Development of the National Hunter 1998 1999 WL $104,000 Retention Outreach Program NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FDN. #AP98-025/98-G038 Wildlife Law News Quarterly 1998 1999 WL $108,850 UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO #AP98-042/98-G039 Contributions of Hunting and Trapping to 1998 1999 WL $96,677 Reducing Wildlife Damage IAFWA/ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE #AP98-064/98-G041 The Wild Life! A Proposal for the 1998 1999 WL $448,643 Enhancement and Implementation of a Web Site and Computer Games for Children to Increase Interest in Hunting IAFWA, #AP98-068 Bowhunter Recruitment, Retention and 1998 1999 WL $180,810 State-by-State Economics ARCHERY MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS ORGANIZATION #AP98-007/98-G049 Improving Public Knowledge of, and 1998 1999 WL $668,070 Gaining Consent for, Furbearer Trapping, Hunting and Related Animal Use Programs in the United States IAFWA, #AP98-067/98-G084 Target formerly active hunters to bring back into active participation. To end May 30, 1999. Fund and publish Wildlife News Quarterly. Through September 5, 1999. Awarded 1/27/98. Determine impact of hunting and trapping on wildlife behavior and danger and economic loss estimates. To develop and improve web site and computer interaction program to help children make informed choices about hunting. Research and develop handbook on bowhunters attitudes, satisfactions and barriers to participation. Research and develop a handbook on bow hunter attitudes, satisfactions and barriers to participation. Survey instrument has been developed to survey bow hunters in 25 States. Awarded 4/27/98. Report contracted for on public opinion and attitudes about trapping. National fur bearer workshop held in May. Video and slide presentation prepared. 29 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Developing a National Shorebird 1997 1999 $437,412 Conservation Plan MANOMET OBSERVATORY #97-G065 Point of Sale Systems Coordination 1997 1999 $176,525 IAFWA, # 97-G062 Farm Bill Wetlands Conservation Initiative 199712999 $146,510 DUCKS UNLIMITED #97-G163 This grant will develop a National Shorebird Conservation Plan that will be a key component of a hemispheric conservation and management plan for shorebirds. The goal is to maintain, restore, and enhance migratory shorebird populations through managing and protecting key areas. The plan will also meet the operational and planning needs of government agencies responsible for migratory bird management while providing ongoing information to support management goals. The grantee will employ a Point-of-Sale (POS) coordinator to do the following: 1) conduct a comprehensive survey of State agencies to establish the current status of licensing matters their POS needs with list of involved parties; 2) establish a POS clearinghouse of technology nd positive and negative experience within State agencies; 3) conduct a national POS conference with all States and vendors in attendance; and 4) prepare a POS report which addresses current affairs and makes recommendations for future action. Extended until March 6, 2000. THIS PROPOSAL IS CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED BY THE SOLICITOR TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY. If accepted, Ducks Unlimited will: 1) develop and initiate a “Farming in the Flyways” strategic plan for achieving State/joint venture habitat objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan utilizing conservation provisions of the 1996 Farm Bill; 2) establish an outreach program to recognize landowner who restore wetlands contributing toward NAWMP objectives under a Farm Bill conservation program; and 3) conduct an administrative review of USDA implementation of Farm Bill Wetlands conservation programs nationally in select NAWMP joint venture areas. Extended until July 31, 1999. March 1999 30 Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Assisting States in the Administration of 1997 1999 $208,666 the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” Program UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN– STEVENS POINT # 97-GO56 1-800-HUNTING Interactive Voice 1997 1998 $184,650 response Information system for State Agencies NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION #97-G058 Wildlife Forever Interactive CD-ROM 1997 1999 $149,750 Curriculum on Wildlife Research for Elementary School Students WILDLIFE FOREVER #97-G057 Regional training sessions have been conducted in New Jersey, Louisiana, Utah, and Missouri for the purpose of sensitizing BOW instructors to the needs of women audiences. These workshops reached 120 people from 13 states. A script has been drafted for video to be produced to summarize instructor training. The fourth annual International BOW Coordinators Conference was held in Kentucky. Thirty-five people from 30 states were involved in the training. A workshop was also held in CA to introduce BOW to states interested in providing BOW workshops. The quarterly “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” newsletter reaches about 1500 people in addition to all workshop participants across North America. To be completed by June 30, 1999. The completion date for this grant has been extended for a period of 12 months. State agencies have been surveyed to assess their interest in and experience with a interactive voice system. 30 states responded, with 11 indicating strong interest. The other 6 were interested, but needed to budget for the future. NSSF are starting to develop a Request For Proposal (RFP) and will soon meet with companieswho are capable of provding this type of service. Extended to February 17, 1999. The Wildlife Forever education consultant continues to research, write, and create lesson plans for the curriculum. In addition, ongoing revisions are taking place to compliment existing lessons. Wildlife Forever negotiated a contract with Tessa Hill, an educatior, to review all curriculum materials. Also, Bernie Doll was hired to illustrate the curriculum as well as an illustrator, Theresa Marrone, for layout and design. Publisher R.R. Donnelley & Sons Compny was the successful bidder to print 5,000 units. A distributor has been secured who will package and drop ship the materials directly to the schools. A direct mail component has been developed for the grant and solicitation started for the names of educators throughout the United States for placement of 5,000 curriculums. Targeted will be the 40 state game & Fish departments who have expressed prior interest in securing copies of the curriculum for their schools.. 31 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Program of Hunter Ethics Education 1997 2000 $150,000 Seminars for State Hunter Education Programs. ORION-THE HUNTERS INSTITUTE #97-G055 Harvest Information Program 1996 1998 $1,750,000 FWS-MBMO (No grant agreement #, in-house transfer of funds) Youth Sportfishing Outreach Initiative. 1996 1999 $580,569 SPORT FISHING PROMOTION COUNCIL/ FUTURE FISHERMAN FOUNDATION #96-1212 The Hunters Institute is expanding hunter ethics in the form of seminars conducted with state hunter education coordinators and volunteer instructors to better prepare them for training hunter education students. Between July and the end of September, the Institute conducted 15 seminars involving 689 participants. In September, Orion received the special edition of “Beyond Fair Chase” and the BFC Teaching Guide. These materials, along with the BFC video are presented to each volunteer instructor participating in the seminars. Funding provided by this grant helped ten States implement the Harvest Information Program (HIP) for the 1996-97 hunting season. Although some of these States experienced difficulties, all except Idaho provided the Service with names and addresses of migratory bird hunters that were delivered during this reporting period and used for the 96-97 HIP surveys. Idaho’s license system contractor failed to collect all necessary data from migratory bird hunters, but will do so for the 97-98 hunting season and thereafter. Grant agreements were completed with the following States to implement HIP in 1997: AZ ($60,000), FL ($80,000), NC ($90,000), a HIP grant agreement is currently being developed with TX for ($405,000). With TX, the HIP grant has provided 18 States with a total $1,710,000 to date. Support State agency outreach efforts by providing the public, especially children, with fishing equipment at “loaner” sites. This gives people a chance to experience the joys of fishing without making the initial investment. Fishing basics and angler ethics can be taught in conjunction with this program. As of 1998, there were 400 loaner sites operating across the U.S. March 1999 32 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Habitat Inventory 1998 1999 $143,149 AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY. #98-G057 Field Guides to Wildlife Disease 1995 1998 $600,000 NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY (No grant agreement #) Lead Poisoning 1995 1998 $314,006 NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY (No grant agreement #) Project aimed at standardizing the terminology and methodology used to define aquatic habitat. Drafts of a “Glossary of Aquatic Habitat Inventory Terminology” and a manual entitled “Techniques for the Analysis of Freshwater Habitats” have been completed. The first two sections of volume 1 have been finalized and minor adjustments made to the pre-printed copy of the mock-up for section 1. Editorial work and adjustments to the other chapters in volume 1 continue. The good progress made prior to this quarter was disrupted by the extended absence of the project leader. Protracted illness followed by death of a family member brought center work to a halt for several weeks. However, activities by the contract publishing group continued. The personal difficulties have recently been overcome and progress is again being made towards completion of the project. For January-March, 1997, 690 samples were taken for the lead sinker study. These samples consist of either a blood or liver sample for lead analysis. The total of 690 samples includes 195 samples from archived Common Loon blood. Whenever possible, birds sampled in the field were x-rayed and scanned with a metal detector for possible lead or other metal ingestion. Gizzards or stomachs were removed from carcasses sent in to the lab and were then x-rayed and examined. Lead analysis yielded no blood or liver samples with elevated lead levels for this collection period.. The metal detector showed positive results for shot pellets and the radiographs showed positive results for shot pellets and various fishing tackle including the ingestion of a lead egg sinker. 33 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost 4-H Wetlands Educational Pilot Project 1995 1997 $115,248 TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY # 95 1253 Neotropical Bird Plan 1995 1998 $617,925 IAFWA #95-1247 Instream Flow 1994 1998 $173,090 FWS SP-94-066 (There is no grant agreement # since this work is being accomplished within the Service. This project is a youth conservation education program where youth (ages 9-19) and adult volunteers learn about wildlife that live in marshes and other wet areas. This 4-H project requires the youth to build a relationship with the landowner who has a wet area and is willing to allow the area to be used to manage wildlife. The project is called marshMALLOW. An advisory board has been established to provide guidance on development of future volunteer leader manuals. The third volunteer leader manual is currently being developed. In October, informational brochures were distributed to Agriculture Extension Service offices to announce the December due date for club management plans. Eight 4-H Clubs submitted manatement plans on December 1st and those plansare currently being evaluated for funding by the judging panel. To end December 31, 1999. This grant will create Bird Conservation Plans for Landbirds (exclusive of game species)for every State and/or physiographic area in the U.S. as well as a National Bird Conservation Plan for the same species. Most of this work is done by four regional coordinators. Drafts of eight plans are now being completed and six more are almost complete. The national plan is in early draft processing. A great deal of publicity and positive outreach is resulting from this grant activity. To end April 30, 1999. This project conducted national workshops to enable State and formal instream flow coordinators to evaluate existing statutes, regulations, policies and programs to establish national and regional coordination projects. Two national workshops were held and summary reports are being prepared. Video tapes on public trust doctrine have been finalized. A peer review of instream flow programs of the 50 States and seven FWS regions is progressing. A directory of instream flow coordinators is being completed. Reports are due by late 1998. March 1999 34 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife- Associated Recreation n From September 1994 to January 1995, FWS carried out extensive consultations with users to determine survey content. FWS consulted with technical committee members of the 50 States and with representatives of nongovernmental organizations such as the Wildlife Management Institute and American Sportfishing Association. Comments and suggestions also were obtained from other Federal agencies and survey users. n Interviewing began in April 1996 for the screen and first detailed interview wave. The second detailed interview wave was conducted in September 1996 and the third in January 1997. Data collection was completed March 15, 1997. n The National Report was issued November 1997. The State reports were published on a flow basis beginning March 1998. Background The Survey, financed from the administrative portion of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration grant programs, has been conducted about every five years since 1955. The 1996 Survey is the ninth to measure fishing and hunting activities and the fourth to provide reliable State level data and detailed information about nonconsumptive activities (wildlife observation, bird feeding, etc.). The next Survey is planned for 2001. The Survey is one of the Nation’s most important wildlife-related recreational data bases. It is the only source of comprehensive information on participation and expenditures that is comparable on a state-by-state basis. It is used for estimating the value of wildlife resources lost because of contaminations such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill; for use in critical habitat analyses of threatened species; and for preparing environmental impact statements, budgets, and legislative proposals. 1996 Survey n The Survey was conducted at the request of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) on behalf of the States. In September 1994, the IAFWA recommended that the 1996 National Survey be similar to the one conducted in 1991 but at considerably less cost. Cost saving was achieved primarily by reducing sample sizes and combining the screen with the first detailed interview wave. 35 March 1999 Survey Content n 1996 Survey content was determined after extensive consultations with users. The following are types of data presented in National and State reports. Number of anglers, hunters, and nonconsumptive participants, by type of activity. Trips and days spent on different types of activities. Expenditures (trip, equipment, etc.), by type of fishing and hunting and nonconsumptive activity. Number of persons and days of participation by animal sought. Socio-demographic characteristics of participants (including age, income, sex, race, education). Number of participants owning or leasing land. Reports and Products n Preliminary information, May, July and August 1997. n National Report, November 1997. n 50 State Reports, March-July 1998. n 1996 National and State Economic Impacts of Wildlife Watching, April 1999. n 1996 Net Economic Values for Bass, Trout, and Walley Fishing, Deer, Elk and Moose Hunting, andWildlife Watching, August 1998. n CD-ROM disk with complete data base for personal computers. n Quick facts brochure. n Information is also available on the Internet. Improvements Several improvements have been made in the 1996 Survey. Three important ones are: n It is the first National Survey to use computer-assisted interviews, which increased interviewing efficiency and effectiveness; n Reporting information is more timely—preliminary information was released two months after it was collected; n Sample selection was more efficient by combining the screening interview with the first detailed interview. Planning 2001 Survey n An IAFWA subcommittee for planning the 2001 Survey will make its recommendation to the IAFWA Grants-in-Aid Committee in March 1999. March 1999 36 Management Assistance Team U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Division of Federal Aid MAT’s mission: to advance improved management of fish and wildlife agencies. n Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks: A 3-day workshop on principles developed by the Covey Leadership Center was recently presented by MAT to department personnel. Presenters coached participants on the personal and interpersonal levels of leadership development in a Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Workshop. n Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: MAT is assisting agency personnel in reaching agreement on a management fisheries plan for a major Tennessee reservoir. In a facilitated meeting, MAT helped introduce intensive public involvement strategies and assisted in agenda building and planning. n Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Working in cooperation with the Federal Aid Region One Office, MAT is helping these organizations explore the possibility of implementing Comprehensive Management System practices within their agencies. MAT recently conducted a CMS Workshop and planning session for these groups. Other States and territories utilizing MAT expertise in fiscal year 1999 include: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The team also continues work with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, regional associations of the IAFWA, National Conservation Training Center, Organization of Wildlife Planners, and Federal Aid Regional Offices. Technical Assistance Update Management Assistance Team personnel work as consultants to assist fish and wildlife professionals with a wide-range of management-related challenges. Because the team is funded by the Division of Federal Aid, there is no charge for MAT assistance for state fish and wildlife agencies or Federal Aid-affiliated offices. MAT personnel have worked with 21 State fish and wildlife agencies and two territories to date in fiscal year 1999. Highlights of the team’s recent technical assistance work include: n Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Nevada Department of Wildlife: Since July, MAT has conducted Leadership Development Workshops with these agencies. The goal of the program is to assist participating agencies in the development of their own leadership programs. Later this year, MAT personnel will conduct workshops for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Wyoming Game and Fish Department. A paper on the outcomes of MAT’s leadership development work will be presented at the upcoming North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. n Pennsylvania Game Commission: MAT continues work with the Commission to scope out targeted management concerns. The team is now undertaking a complete review process of the agency that includes a quantitative survey of Commission employees and on-site interviews. A final report on MAT’s findings is expected by this summer. 37 March 1999 MAT Rechartering Formal MAT rechartering activities are coming to a close. A cross-section of MAT stakeholders met at the team’s Fort Collins, Colorado offices in October and January to prepare formal rechartering recommendations. At their October meeting, the group adopted the name Partnership for Charting MAT’s Future. Partnership members include representatives from State Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Federal Aid Regional Offices; USFWS; International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; and the Organization of Wildlife Planners. The Partnership recently forwarded its recommendations to USFWS Director Jamie Rappaport Clark, USFWS Assistant Director for External Affairs Tom Melius, and Division of Federal Aid Chief Bob Lange for their consideration. Recommendations focused on the team’s existence, function, clientele, funding, and location. For a full report on the Partnership’s recommendations, contact MAT at 970/282 2000. Begun more than a year ago, rechartering efforts are aimed at examining how the team could improve services and, if indicated, refocus efforts to assist state agencies and other clients. State Communications Project MAT is conducting a project aimed at developing a framework for outreach/communication plan development within state fish and wildlife agencies. A publication is currently under development that includes examples of successful outreach activities within State fish and wildlife agencies and other affiliated groups. A planning model is included to assist outreach practitioners in formulating strategies for conducting effective communication programs. The publication is slated for distribution this summer. Broadening Constituencies and Funding Support One-on-one interviews with state fish and wildlife agency personnel from six states was recently concluded by MAT as part of a project aimed at identifying successful practices implemented by states to increase funding and broaden constituencies. More than 100 people affiliated with State fish and wildlife agencies in Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, Arkansas and Virginia provided feedback on what made their efforts successful. Factors that helped the agencies mount successful funding campaigns include: use of organized community groups as agency ambassadors and the focusing of campaign communications to one understandable message. MAT will present a paper discussing the project findings at the upcoming North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. March 1999 38 Training and Education Committee The goal of the National Federal Aid Training Program is to increase the knowledge, skills and abilities of state and federal personnel working in the Sport Fish Restoration and Wildlife Restoration programs. Established in 1995, the training program quickly demonstrated its ability to successfully address the mutual training needs of State and Federal grant partners. The demand and need for courses offered by our training program continues to grow as more participants complete the courses currently offered. The training program was further formalized in 1997 by funding a full time coordinator, located at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Current activities and offerings of the Training Program include the following: n Three Basic Grants Administration courses are planned and delivered per fiscal year. A distance learning version is being developed and is to be tested in July, 1999. n Coordination among NCTC and other Federal Aid and State training programs is occuring. (Region-3, Region-4 and Washington Office FAIMS group, for example.) n Recruiting and coordinating basic instructor training for Federal Aid instructors. n Two courses for Hunter Education project leaders have been developed and will be delivered at the Hunter Education Association’s annual meeting, June, 1999. n Conducted Group Systems facilitator training. n Providing on-line discussion/work site for course instructors and training partners. There are pressing needs to be filled: n A course for Federal Aid project leaders has been requested; n a basic Federal Aid Fiscal Management course has been identified as a priority but has yet to be developed; n other recognized National and Regional training needs need to be evaluated and coordinated so we can make the best use of staff and other resources, and n multiple groups such as Aquatic and Hunter Education staff, project leaders, fiscal staff, and others need to be given more attention and assistance in fulfilling those training needs that are compatible with ours. Other future needs demand and deserve our attention as well. Teaming With Wildlife will require a new cadre of Service and State staff who will need to be oriented and trained on policies and processes. This potentially very large program will require additional training resources. The FAIMS program for training may be coordinated through this training program after the initial FAIMS training is completed. Such other needs that continue to be identified and presented to us, such as NEPA, Hunter Education, Aquatic Education, Advanced Grants Management Procedures and Practices, OMB Circular Training and many others will need the attention of this group. The Training Coordinator, with the support and approval of the Committee, has developed budget recommendations, improvement suggestions and recommendations to be presented to the Federal Aid leadership for their approval. These will be available in the next Program Update. 39 March 1999 FY99 Outreach Plan The Team established several goals for the 1999 Fiscal Year including increasing industry use of Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration logos, enabling State agencies to implement Federal Aid outreach programs, and working with others on outreach campaigns. Increased program recognition and cooperation from industry and others are among the intended results. Projects The Team will reach these goals through celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program as well as the 50th anniversary of hunter education. Team presence at three major industry trade shows and increased communication with possible partners, State outreach, information and education personnel, and current partners will allow the Team to conduct a wide range of activities. Specific projects include a July, 1999, seminar at the Association for Conservation Information annual meeting, creation of a sourcebook of Federal Aid materials, as well as an extensive celebration of the anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program. National Federal Aid Outreach Team The Federal Aid Outreach program consists of several coordinated efforts to convey the benefits and accomplishments of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs. Recent passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century expanded outreach by creating a $36 million outreach and communications program targeting anglers and boaters. The National Federal Aid Outreach Team (Team), made up of Regional representatives and Washington Office staff, completes and implements annual outreach plans national in scope. Additionally, the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) is implementing several grants directed at increasing the knowledge of the Federal Aid Programs as well as determining future communications needs. The Team is also working closely with the project managers at the IAFWA. TEA-21 Outreach During the past 18 months, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council produced a Strategic National Outreach and Communications Plan. The program seeks to improve communications with the public about opportunities for fishing and boating, reduce barriers to participating in these activities, advance sound fishing and boating practices, promote the conservation of aquatic resources and advocate safety. The final strategic plan was delivered to the Secretary of the Interior in November and is currently under review by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a non-profit organization likely to implement the strategic plan, drafted operational policies as well as a proposal for implementing the plan, both of which are currently under review. March 1999 40 Automated Sportsman Data System (ASDS) The goal of this project is to help states automate their license systems with a point-of-sale (POS) type system, or any new system or procedure, that will improve the way they sell and account for licenses. This project is providing an information clearing house on what is happening in North America to assist them in making the best decisions about what they do. These new systems are not just selling licenses— they are creating a whole new accounts management system that will simplify the way local license agents do business with the states offices, will help the state agency better deal with other agencies and the Federal Aid Division. Most important of all, however, it will help state agencies better mange fish and wildlife, their primary function. The objectives of this project are to: n Survey all the states at to their ASDS interest and needs (completed); n Hold a national ASDS conference (completed); n Establish an ASDS information clearing house (on going); n Prepare an ASDS Handbook (work in progress). The most recent analysis indicates that 10 states and one province have automated their license systems: ID, KY, MD, MI, MO, NC, OH, OR, TX, WI AND ALBERTA, CANADA. Seven states have issued requests for proposals (RFPs); three states are about to do so. Six states have formed a consortium to develop a joint RFP in the hope of reducing costs, and other states have been invited to join. Based upon present actions and intentions, it is expected that by the end of 1999 half of the States will be automating their license systems! 41 March 1999 Federal Aid Information Management System (FAIMS) As we go to press, the FAIMS Team is meeting away from the Washington Office. The latest information is not readily available. Full details and projections for future activities will be available in the next Program Update. Background The need for an information management system has become apparent over the past few years due to a number of factors: n Existing fiscal and accomplishment reporting systems were suffering from aging technology and/or inherent system design problems. These systems and other Regional-specific systems fostered redundant and inefficient data entry processes, redundant, and sometimes erroneous data sets and inadequate coordination; n New grant programs came on-line and existing systems could not easily accommodate them, if at all; and, n Finally, the continuously evolving and changing business environment created such an enormous gap from Federal Aid’s existing systems that an effort had to be made to improve the ADP infrastructure, modernize our business practices, and take advantage of new and emerging technologies. Action In March of 1996, a team was formally established to head up the development of the Federal Aid Information Management System. The team is charged with leading and coordinating efforts to develop an information management system within the Division that modernizes our ADP systems, improves our business practices and procedures, and improves coordination and information sharing—internally and externally. The expected duration of this charge is two years with the realization that adjustments can be made as further details of this project emerge. The team held a number of scoping meetings to gather information to help define the structure of this new system. The team has: n Completed Project Charters (internal Service requirement for the development of any ADP system) for FAIMS and adjunct components; n Developed a project time-line; n Documented Federal Aid data flow processes, business rules, and data storage requirements; n Conducted systems analysis and design, modeling, software development and prototyping; n Created a FAIMS prototype and demonstrated this prototype to end-users and the ARDs; March 1999 42 n Developed a finalized systems requirements document that all User Acceptance Teams and ARDs accepted and signed-off on; n Created a FAIMS Web site and Internet-based project collaboration sites to facilitate national communication, coordination, and resolution of complex issues among all the members of the five component teams; n Procured, installed and configured various hardware and software platforms and tools to support systems development, team communication and coordination, and to benchmark performance; n Attended a number of Regional, State Coordinators, IRM, NGO, and other project-related meetings to gather and share FAIMS-related information; and n Procured contract support services to assist with the software development activities. Results The team invested considerable time and effort to update the existing fiscal and accomplishment reporting systems in order to meet ongoing Federal Aid minimal data storage, processing, and reporting requirements while FAIMS is being developed. User teams—having been established to help identify and shape specialized Federal Aid needs viz. Grants Management and Accomplishment Reporting, Fiscal, Lands Acquisition, Contact, and Log Management activities— met, identified, prioritized, and finalized system requirements which were subsequently officially approved by the ARDs. The FAIMS Team completed systems analysis and design tasks and the development of software code for Version 1.1 of FAIMS. The system was initially deployed on January 11th for training purposes and all Regional Federal Aid staff were to be trained by January 22nd. The FAIMS data was reconverted from the legacy systems after training to resolve data discrepancies noted during training and Regions signed-off on data conversion. Development of Phase 2 is currently underway. This Phase will complete tasks not completed in Phase 1 and develop the capabilities for Electronic Grant transfer. FAIMS Team William Conlin 703-358 1843 Washington Office Dara Esfandiary 703/358 2156 Washington Office Randy Flowers 404/679 4159, Region-4 Pete Hitchcock 612/725 3596 Region-3 Robert Vega 404/679 4159 (WO)/Region-4 Luther Zachary 404/679 4159 (WO)/Region-4 43 March 1999 Fish and Wildlife Reference Service The Fish and Wildlife Reference Service (FWRS) provides timely and direct access to unique information not available from other sources. Upon request, FWRS even provides full text copis of documents rather than summaries or citations. FWRS provides access to the information that biologists and users in related areas need to answer their technical and biological questions. FWRS serves two main user groups: Cooperators are employees of State, Federal or Native American agencies with an interest in natural resources. Clients are all other persons who have a need for or interest in Fish and Wildlife Reference Service material. All services are available to both types of users. The FWRS processed over 6,800 document orders and over 110 literature searches during 1998. Photocopy and microfiche orders from Cooperator agencies resulted in 562,286 pages of photo-copies, (5,606 orders) and 2,913pages of microfiche (341 orders). An additional 123,843 pages of photocopies and 380 pages of microfiche were produced for 670 document orders from Clients. Turnaround time for document orders averaged one to five days in comparison to the contract-required 10-day turnaround time. Approximately 1,400 new documents were added to the Reference Service databases during 1999. The Reference Service can be contacted at: 5430 Grosvenor Lane Suite 110 Bethesda, MD 20814 800/582 3421 The reference service web site contains all five of the FWRS databases at: http://fa.r9.fws.gov/ textbase/testmenu.htm/ Information on FWRS services can be found at: http://fa.r9.fws.gov/ r9fwrs. Financial Review Part A 45 March 1999 Wildlife Restoration Receipts Funding sources that supports Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and Hunter Education Programs Revenue 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total Source Sport Arms and Ammo $2,359,520,734 $121,790,516 $112,973,773 $125,891,226 $2,720,176,249 Pistols & Revolvers $ 672,975,747 $ 39,402,257 $ 35,542,697 $ 38,505,014 $ 786,425,715 Archery Equipment $ 224,403,205 $ 18,278,953 $ 19,753,501 $ 15,335,791 $ 282,189,160 Total $3,256,899,686 $179,471,726 $168,269,971 $179,732,031 $3,784,373,414 n The FY 97 collections include $599,892 in adjusted FY 96 receipts for arms, ammunition and archery equipment. Sport Fish Resortation Receipts Funding source that supports the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration, Coastal Wetlands, and Clean Vessel Act programs. Revenue 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total Source Fishing Tackle & Equipment $1,340,345,870 $ 98,253,000 $ 90,374,511 $ 94,543,000 $1,623,516,381 Trolling Motors & Fish Finders $ 24,077,028 $ 2,573,000 $ 2,954,000 $ 1,774,000 $ 31,388,028 Motorboat Fuels $ 717,406,451 $ 127,199,085 $142,060,409 $ 114,358,218 $1,101,024,163 Small Engine Fuels $ 240,678,000 $ 53,330,000 $ 56,851,952 $ 48,269,000 $ 399,128,952 Import Duties: Pleasure Boat & Fishing Equip. $ 284,139,885 $ 28,103,356 $ 32,943574 $ 59,767,233 $ 404,954,048 Interest on Investments $ 261,285,318 $ 40,813,652 $ 47,581,392 $ 53,225,683 $ 402,906,045 Total $2,867,942,552 $ 350,272,093 $ 372,765,838 $ 371,937,134 $3,962,917,617 March 1999 46 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Funds for Fiscal Year 1998 Wildlife Restoration Hunter Education Total ALABAMA 2,101,918 649,571 2,751,489 ALASKA 6,358,014 276,481 6,634,495 ARIZONA 3,023,218 589,228 3,612,446 ARKANSAS 2,347,373 276,481 2,623,854 CALIFORNIA 4,536,173 829,443 5,365,616 COLORADO 3,497,801 529,612 4,027,413 CONNECTICUT 635,801 528,442 1,164,243 DELAWARE 635,801 276,481 912,282 FLORIDA 1,827,066 829,443 2,656,509 GEORGIA 2,527,459 829,443 3,356,902 HAWAII 635,801 276,481 912,282 IDAHO 2,615,607 276,481 2,892,088 ILLINOIS 2,435,883 829,443 3,265,326 INDIANA 1,912,167 829,443 2,741,610 IOWA 2,197,061 446,395 2,643,456 KANSAS 2,347,855 276,481 2,624,336 KENTUCKY 1,928,544 592,454 2,520,998 LOUISIANA 1,949,070 678,409 2,627,479 MAINE 1,431,925 276,481 1,708,406 MARYLAND 770,840 768,676 1,539,516 MASSACHUSETTS 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 MICHIGAN 4,993,737 829,443 5,823,180 MINNESOTA 3,897,632 703,347 4,600,979 MISSISSIPPI 1,913,723 413,674 2,327,397 MISSOURI 3,215,092 822,628 4,037,720 MONTANA 4,113,379 276,481 4,389,860 NEBRASKA 2,321,570 276,481 2,598,051 NEVADA 2,452,035 276,481 2,728,516 NEW HAMPSHIRE 635,801 276,481 12,282 NEW JERSEY 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 NEW MEXICO 2,853,690 276,481 3,130,171 NEW YORK 3,841,533 829,443 4,670,976 NORTH CAROLINA 2,453,319 829,443 3,282,762 NORTH DAKOTA 1,850,195 276,481 2,126,676 OHIO 2,976,061 829,443 3,805,504 OKLAHOMA 2,481,372 505,689 2,987,061 OREGON 3,214,382 456,936 3,671,318 PENNSYLVANIA 5,341,253 829,443 6,170,696 RHODE ISLAND 635,801 276,481 912,282 SOUTH CAROLINA 1,483,557 560,528 2,044,085 SOUTH DAKOTA 2,406,689 276,481 2,683,170 TENNESSEE 3,167,318 784,064 3,951,382 TEXAS 6,358,014 829,443 7,187,457 UTAH 2,515,875 276,481 2,792,356 VERMONT 635,801 276,481 912,282 VIRGINIA 2,159,335 829,443 2,988,778 WASHINGTON 2,359,031 782,377 3,141,408 WEST VIRGINIA 1,595,850 276,481 1,872,331 WISCONSIN 4,340,213 786,408 5,126,621 WYOMING 2,477,500 276,481 2,753,981 PUERTO RICO 635,801 0 635,801 GUAM 211,934 46,080 258,014 VIRGIN ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 AMERICAN SAMOA 211,934 46,080 258,014 N. MARIANA ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 TOTAL 127,160,274 27,648,099 154,808,373 47 March 1999 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds for Fiscal Year 1998 ALABAMA 3,958,695 ALASKA 13,601,422 ARIZONA 5,718,356 ARKANSAS 4,478,514 CALIFORNIA 13,601,422 COLORADO 6,951,514 CONNECTICUT 2,720,284 DELAWARE 2,720,284 FLORIDA 6,814,742 GEORGIA 5,047,096 HAWAII 2,720,284 IDAHO 4,617,060 ILLINOIS 5,658,102 INDIANA 4,083,833 IOWA 3,681,530 KANSAS 4,004,336 KENTUCKY 4,072,388 LOUISIANA 4,781,270 MAINE 2,720,284 MARYLAND 2,925,085 MASSACHUSETTS 2,720,284 MICHIGAN 9,590,104 MINNESOTA 10,199,644 MISSISSIPPI 3,464,214 MISSOURI 7,024,808 MONTANA 6,443,747 NEBRASKA 3,651,577 NEVADA 4,216,079 NEW HAMPSHIRE 2,720,284 NEW JERSEY 2,720,284 NEW MEXICO 5,078,055 NEW YORK 6,814,704 NORTH CAROLINA 4,362,967 NORTH DAKOTA 2,720,284 OHIO 6,480,378 OKLAHOMA 5,204,223 OREGON 6,333,898 PENNSYLVANIA 7,210,860 RHODE ISLAND 2,720,284 SOUTH CAROLINA 3,422,663 SOUTH DAKOTA 3,434,336 TENNESSEE 5,748,267 TEXAS 13,601,422 UTAH 5,038,107 VERMONT 2,720,284 VIRGINIA 4,270,210 WASHINGTON 6,071,831 WEST VIRGINIA 2,720,284 WISCONSIN 8,749,943 WYOMING 4,443,821 PUERTO RICO 2,720,284 GUAM 906,762 VIRGIN ISLANDS 906,762 AMERICAN SAMOA 906,762 N. MARIANA ISLANDS 906,762 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 906,762 TOTAL 272,028,441 March 1999 48 Number of Paid Hunting License Holders, License Sales, and Cost to Hunters—Fiscal Year 1997 Resident Hunting Nonresident Hunting Total Hunting Paid Hunting Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Gross Cost State License Holders* Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps** To Hunters ALABAMA 266,386 262,678 38,360 301,038 $6,965,350 ALASKA 101,306 189,921 32,248 222,169 9,053,782 ARIZONA 180,733 319,719 29,765 349,484 7,697,659 ARKANSAS 319,402 494,314 60,363 554,677 10,898,010 CALIFORNIA 328,824 859,306 8,925 868,231 13,844,148 COLORADO 352,823 CONNECTICUT 63,883 138,685 7,665 146,350 1,749,778 DELAWARE 21,988 32,963 2,277 35,240 500,919 FLORIDA, 205,939 377,861 4,342 382,203 5,793,813 GEORGIA 342,110 869,494 55,913 925,407 12,329,396 HAWAII 10,074 10,311 166 10,477 114,922 IDAHO 234,401 857,820 71,168 928,988 17,525,199 ILLINOIS 320,657 1,194,577 48,626 1,243,203 12,311,251 INDIANA 287,443 706,075 19,505 725,580 9,045,569 IOWA 271,695 700,845 115,735 816,580 12,703,103 KANSAS 178,203 138,973 39,230 178,203 8,677,459 KENTUCKY 271,364 561,321 16,608 577,929 9,231,891 LOUISIANA 266,746 569,268 21,946 591,214 6,598,784 MAINE 196,822 170,011 39,009 209,020 7,594,471 MARYLAND 140,859 189,430 19,491 208,921 3,971,621 MASSACHUSETTS 83,443 254,417 5,074 259,491 2,655,599 MICHIGAN 952,584 2,557,828 42,306 2,600,134 26,371,911 MINNESOTA 555,630 1,029,704 15,437 1,045,141 18,764,488 MISSISSIPPI 242,854 246,770 38,445 285,215 7,618,121 MISSOURI 515,379 1,097,935 46,429 1,144,364 13,805,221 MONTANA 284,697 658,895 121,895 780,790 21,867,563 NEBRASKA 189,364 343,765 58,330 402,095 6,867,951 NEVADA 55,380 82,646 8,871 91,517 2,531,627 NEW HAMPSHIRE 81,477 135,027 26,861 161,888 2,736,861 NEW JERSEY 105,931 301,630 15,128 316,758 6,315,756 NEW MEXICO 106,909 122,779 20,527 143,306 10,000,000 NEW YORK 709,054 1,509,701 57,617 1,567,318 17,977,644 NORTH CAROLINA 353,606 443,481 23,241 466,722 7,940,586 NORTH DAKOTA 116,914 374,957 79,192 454,149 5,137,239 OHIO 528,703 1,180,387 11,751 1,192,138 22,543,970 OKLAHOMA 275,424 293,058 7,964 301,022 6,069,839 OREGON 317,072 1,282,307 43,898 1,326,205 15,905,880 PENNSYLVANIA 1,091,568 2,472,535 129,559 2,602,094 26,214,612 RHODE ISLAND 13,196 29,740 3,928 33,668 268,000 SOUTH CAROLINA 223,123 215,498 55,921 271,419 6,748,302 SOUTH DAKOTA 214,133 348,490 86,063 434,553 8,760,340 TENNESSEE 600,117 875,515 35,265 910,780 13,017,768 TEXAS 942,359 1,199,169 47,251 1,246,420 23,570,980 UTAH 191,745 454,375 16,344 470,719 9,650,330 VERMONT 94,247 148,567 22,402 170,969 2,616,589 VIRGINIA 331,559 831,786 45,383 877,169 11,560,476 WASHINGTON 235,477 594,089 7,452 601,541 11,512,596 WEST VIRGINIA 279,245 236,331 42,914 279,245 8,719,070 WISCONSIN 739,345 1,880,495 46,719 1,927,214 30,110,889 WYOMING 114,633 158,848 60,571 219,419 14,544,504 TOTALS*** 14,906,826 30,004,297 1,854,080 31,858,377 $519,011,836 * A paid license holder is one individual regardless of the number of licenses purchased. (Data certified by State Fish and Game Departments.) ** Period covered not identified to period covered by certification for all States. ***Persons who hunted in more than one State are counted in each State where they hunted. 49 March 1999 Number of Paid Fishing License Holders, License Sales, and Cost to Anglers—Fiscal Year 1997 Resident Fishing Nonresident Fishing Total Fishing Paid Fishing Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Gross Cost State License Holders* Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps** To Anglers ALABAMA 465,877 400,537 102,784 503,321 $6,199,523 ALASKA 408,999 266,393 362,423 628,816 10,974,077 ARIZONA 452,331 442,110 192,417 634,527 6,808,116 ARKANSAS 579,949 485,194 194,439 679,633 6,697,500 CALIFORNIA 2,216,894 2,813,763 47,568 2,861,331 44,849,678 COLORADO 756,355 CONNECTICUT 174,602 164,213 10,389 174,602 2,292,169 DELAWARE 26,328 29,271 4,857 34,128 269,735 FLORIDA, 1,021,856 1,034,358 457,946 1,492,304 19,557,518 GEORGIA 631,436 722,831 75,132 797,963 7,440,398 HAWAII 6,304 6,202 291 6,493 20,347 IDAHO 406,506 329,936 175,862 505,798 5,647,322 ILLINOIS 762,994 802,390 36,571 838,961 9,388,527 INDIANA 600,626 571,861 90,671 662,532 6,609,511 IOWA 395,509 387,710 40,382 428,092 4,685,360 KANSAS 322,350 248,779 73,571 322,350 4,558,234 KENTUCKY 565,801 509,408 117,280 626,688 7,767,361 LOUISIANA 588,595 1,099,590 362,175 1,461,765 8,304,434 MAINE 246,070 173,325 85,015 258,340 6,977,643 MARYLAND 353,887 421,006 82,852 503,858 4,761,719 MASSACHUSETTS 180,581 344,621 18,196 362,817 4,639,786 MICHIGAN 1,306,588 1,313,695 132,230 1,445,925 22,102,669 MINNESOTA 1,499,317 1,119,717 237,409 1,357,126 20,319,410 MISSISSIPPI 398,032 375,249 79,972 455,221 4,877,434 MISSOURI 966,007 1,267,849 299,693 1,567,542 10,628,110 MONTANA 372,096 244,660 318,050 562,710 7,678,314 NEBRASKA 222,635 235,774 28,519 264,293 3,156,253 NEVADA 160,130 212,154 45,130 257,284 2,975,239 NEW HAMPSHIRE 166,985 114,329 56,704 171,033 3,571,449 NEW JERSEY 227,689 327,679 13,104 340,783 4,705,397 NEW MEXICO 247,608 170,769 84,438 255,207 39,000,000 NEW YORK 1,040,132 882,721 158,332 1,041,053 13,568,950 NORTH CAROLINA 547,727 585,340 53,859 639,199 10,988,756 NORTH DAKOTA 133,589 118,331 18,184 136,515 1,175,887 OHIO 1,090,031 978,648 113,132 1,091,780 16,603,615 OKLAHOMA 646,337 467,663 94,556 562,219 7,760,266 OREGON 678,377 810,949 188,179 999,128 12,369,052 PENNSYLVANIA 1,093,208 1,652,527 136,290 1,788,817 19,513,747 RHODE ISLAND 34,920 50,349 3,807 54,156 421,979 SOUTH CAROLINA 510,324 504,469 84,438 588,907 5,455,158 SOUTH DAKOTA 233,225 259,478 81,124 340,602 2,937,308 TENNESSEE 962,760 1,000,101 194,487 1,194,588 11,548,480 TEXAS 1,434,447 1,992,367 105,286 2,097,653 32,817,539 UTAH 462,530 540,096 214,497 754,593 7,454,608 VERMONT 96,793 81,395 50,978 132,373 2,080,281 VIRGINIA 645,057 742,840 86,153 828,993 9,177,892 WASHINGTON 867,831 811,172 57,788 868,960 13,083,766 WEST VIRGINIA 311,830 273,046 38,784 311,830 4,696,015 WISCONSIN 1,401,050 1,130,982 321,235 1,452,217 21,517,051 WYOMING 267,432 119,856 328,681 448,537 5,999,522 TOTALS*** 29,88,537 29,637,703 6,155,860 35,793,563 $486,633,104 * A paid license holder is one individual regardless of the number of licenses purchased. (Data certified by State Fish and Game Departments.) ** Period covered not identified to period covered by certification for all States. ***Persons who fished in more than one State are counted in each State where they fished. March 1999 50 Deductions for Administration Wildlife Restoration Program Sport Fish Restoration Program Fiscal Year Amount Percent Amount Percent 1939-77 $40,471,278 - $14,561,237 - 1978 4,889,316 7.2 2,031,887 7.7 1979 3,818,633 4.1 1,369,505 4.8 1980 4,974,102 5.3 2,417,772 7.9 1981 7,250,651 7.9 2,690,051 8.0 1982 4,927,999 4.0 1,973,626 6.2 1983 4,394,029 3.9 2,201,798 6.3 1984 5,256,702 5.6 2,325,466 5.9 1985 6,772,254 7.9 3,025,995 7.9 1986 8,528,516 7.1 7,267,378 5.9 1987 6,487,540 5.9 5,855,884 4.2 1988 5,189,251 5.9 5,373,398 4.2 1989 7,534,070 6.0 7,162,802 3.8 1990 9,994,000 7.9 10,391,000 5.4 1991 13,683,734 8.0 12,541,280 5.9 1992 9,958,217 6.2 12,514,431 5.8 1993 11,888,000 7.5 11,714,000 5.2 1994 11,297,000 6.2 10,573,000 5.7 1995 14,012,598 6.3 12,750,084 6.0 1996 14,326,972 6.6 12,583,206 6.0 1997 13,681,466 7.6 13,994,166 5.0 1998 13,461,598 8.0 17,363,517 6.0 1999 14,378,562 8.0 13,559,307 6.0 Total $210,033,424 $154,883,107 51 March 1999 Federal Aid Audit Schedule REGION FY 96 FY 97 FY 98 FY 99 FY 2000 1 CA WA ID NV HI OR AS NMI Guam 2 TX OK AZ NM 3 IN IL* IL MN OH IA MI MO WI 4 NC MAR FL MS SC GA TN FL-MAR MS-MAR SC-MAR GA-MAR PR AR KY AL LA VI AL-MAR NC 5 CT NY MA DC DE RI NH ME MD VT NJ ME-MAR VA WV PA-WL VA-MAR PA-SF 6 WY UT NE ND KS CO** MT SD 7 0 AK TOTAL 7 16 14 16 13 Grand Total 66 Comments The above schedule was based upon input from the States & Regional Ofcs. Each State should receive a Federal Aid Grant Audit once every five years. Partial audits may be conducted in the interim. This is a planning document only. *Partial Audit **OIG Audit all others are DCAA March 1999 52 Status of DCAA Audits Nineteen audits have been completed, nine are completed in draft and ten are in progress as of December 31, 1998. The status of audits is presented below with the anticipated completion dates for the audits currently in draft status. Summary State I. Completed Audits: AK, CA, CO, CT, FL, FL-Mar, IN, LA, MO(1), MS-Mar, NC-Mar, NY, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY II. Draft Audit Reports: AmSam, AR, ID, IL(2), IA, MT, NE, OR, PR III. On-going Fieldwork: IL, MA, MI, MS, NH, NJ, NC, TX, VT, WV IV. Planned Audits: See Federal Aid Audit Schedule (FY 1999) 1. Special Purpose Audit limited to License Certification. 2. Audit related to Special Issues in Illinois. DOI/OIG has not accepted this report. Contents of this report will be included in the overall Illinois audit which began January 1998. 53 March 1999 V. Summary of On-going and Planned Audits AM SAM Report to be issued during May 1999. AR Report to be issued during Feb. 1999. ID Report to be issued during Apr. 1999. IA Report to be issued during Jan. 1999. MT Report to be issued during Mar. 1999. NE Report to be issued during Feb. 1999. OR Report to be issued during Mar. 1999. PR Report to be issued during Mar. 1999. IL Audit in progress. MA Audit in progress. MI Audit in progress. MS Audit in progress. NH Audit in progress. NJ Audit in progress. NC Audit in progress. TX Audit in progress. VT Audit in progress. WV Audit in progress. VI. Trends and Weaknesses Noted in Completed and On-going Audits. license issues eliminating duplicate licenses, problems in collecting license revenue. accounting systems reconciliations between systems, inadequate systems, poor audit trails. internal controls weaknesses in time and activity reporting. program income tracking/accounting for program income. in-kind match inconsistencies in utilizing in-kind match. new legislation that places State in diversion and does not return income to grant. leases/MOU’s that allow loss of control over assets and funding of ineligible activities. out-of-period costs overbilling for out-of-period costs. 3 percent limit administrative costs that exceed the 3 percent limit for administration. subrecipients weaknesses in monitoring subrecipients compliance— cost overruns. expenditure grant versus project level accounting accounting motor pools excessive amounts for vehicle use charges potential potential Hatch Act violations, irregularities investigations ineligible costs law enforcement costs ineligible activities incompatible land uses similar grant awards transfer of costs from a grant funded by another agency is a FA grant Financial Review Part B 55 March 1999 FY 98 Actual Gross Receipts (in millions $) Wildlife Restoration Category FY 94 FY 95 FY 96 FY 97 FY 98 Pistols/Revolvers 68 54 40 35 39 Firearms 75 74 74 64 72 Ammo 69 58 48 49 54 Bows/Arrows 17 30 18 20 15 Total 229 216 180 168 180 Sport Fish Restoration Category FY 94 FY 95 FY 96 FY 97 FY 98 Motorboat Fuels 93 95 127 142 114 Gas-Small 50 51 53 57 48 Engines Fishing Equipment 93 96 98 90 95 Sonar 2 2 3 3 2 Import Duties 25 27 28 33 60 Interest 22 33 41 48 53 Total 285 304 350 373 372 Gross Receipts/Revised Forecast for FY 98 (in millions $) Wildlife Restoration Category FY 99 FY 2000 Pistols/Revolvers 41 43 Firearms 74 76 Ammo 56 58 Bows/Arrows 23 24 Total 194 201 Sport Fish Restoration Category FY 99 FY 2000 Gas-Motorboat 141 115 Fishing Equipment 98 100 Electric Sonar 2 2 Import Duties 38 38 Gas-Small Engines 71 60 Interest 45 46 Total 395 361 March 1999 56 Comments These revised estimates are based upon the FY98 actual receipts, are subject to change, and SHOULD NOT be used to predict the total collections for the fiscal year. Reporting problems with IRS on Bows and Arrows still continue. This matter should be resolved soon. Comments These revised estimates are subject to change and SHOULD NOT be used to predict the final collections for the fiscal year. 57 March 1999 Federal Aid Cash Management Analysis of FY 98 Transactions Investment and Account Analysis (in millions $) Transaction Wildlife Restoration Sport Fish Restoration Balance Sept. 30, 98 $ 397 $ 865 Receipts Sept. 30, 98 180 372 Total $ 577 $1,237 Disbursements Oct 97-Sept. 98 Federal Aid/States (160) (239) Corps of Engineers 0 ( 23) Coast Guard 0 ( 20) North American 0 ( 10) — — Total Disbursements $ (160) $ (292) Balance Sept. 30, 98 $ 417 $ 945 March 1999 58 Summary FY 96–98 Federal Aid Cash Management Analysis of Accounts, Cost Recovery Initiatives and Investments (in millions $) Fiscal Year Program Amount Initiative/Analysis Status 96 WL & SF $ .7M Account analysis-recoveries in WO. completed (administrative accounts) 97 SF $ 4.5M Analysis of apportionments FY 93–95; completed (understated in FY 95-$7.4M) (overstated in FY 93-$1.9M & FY94-$.9M.) 97 WL & SF $ 1.5M Recoveries- Bureau of Census. completed (National Survey—reduced costs.) 97 WL & SF $ .6M Account analysis—IRS errors. completed (Bows & Arrows excise taxes.) 97 WL & SF $ 2.8M Account analysis—prior years. completed (Grant accounts—deobligations/ recoveries) 98 WL & SF $ 105.0M* Account analysis—prior years. on-going (Grant accounts—deobligations/recoveries). An error correction has been made 98 WL & SF $ .2M Account analysis—recoveries in WO. completed (adminsitrative accounts) 98 WL & SF $ .2M Recoveries—HHS audits. completed 98 SF $ 21.5M** Account Analysis—Customs Study. completed (determining final number (under or unreported import duties) 98 SF $ 1.0M Additional reverse (???) on-going 98 SF $ 7.0M Projection of additional interest from completed consolidation of investments. Total $ 85.4M*** *This $105.0 is derived from reconciliation of the three accounting systems in use by FA (FFS, FAPALS, HHS PMS). The correction effort spans two fiscal years and includes approximately $15-20M of returned funds through deobligation of old grants and reobligation of new grants to States. ** This $21.5 is the result of a Customs Study and generates approximately an additional $200,000 monthly from tariff items not previously reported. ***This total does not include $23.2M recovered from the Service Migratory Bird Program because of a special study by FA staff involving arms and ammunition for a nine-year period. 59 March 1999 Federal Cash Management Status of Investments—Interest Earned FY 98 Wildlife Restoration Dates Investments Interest Earned* Balance 9-30-97 $ 396,820,000.00 $ 24,352,229.51 Balance 9-30-98 $ 416,761,000.00 $ 24,506,654.56 * The investments are made to generally mature at fiscal year end; therefore the majority of the interest will be recognized at that time. Sport Fish Restoration Dates Investments Interest Earned* Balance 9-30-97 $ 865,262,149.32 $ 47,581,391.68 Balance 9-30-98 $ 945,399,283.61 $ 53,225,682.96 * The investments are made to generally mature at fiscal year end; therefore the majority of the interest will be recognized at that time. Summary—Total Balances as of 9-30-98 Program Investments Interest Earned* Wildlife Restoration $ 416,761,000.00 $ 24,506,654.56 Sport Fish Restoration $ 945,399,283.61 $ 53,225,682.96 Total $1,362,160,283.61 $ 77,732,337.52 March 1999 60 Federal Aid—Cash Management Fiscal Year Investments Interest Earned* Cash Transfers to States Wildlife Sport Fish Total Wildlife Sport Fish Total Banks Transfers Amount* 1986 0 285 285 0 14 14 52 753 174 1987 0 314 314 0 15 15 54 771 209 1988 0 384 384 0 24 24 54 911 247 1989 0 428 428 0 32 32 56 1,115 291 1990 245 441 686 7 35 42 79 538 73 1991 282 511 793 12 36 48 87 1,735 283 1992 201 535 736 14 35 49 93 2,181 360 1993 217 533 750 7 19 26 97 2,236 359 1994 278 588 866 8 22 30 98 2,241 364 1995 483 643 1,126 24 39 63 98 2,464 397 1996 456 745 1,201 24 41 65 98 2,411 410 1997 397 865 1,262 24 47 71 99 2,484 417 1998 417 945 1,362 25 53 78 99 2,498 441 General Comments All figures are as of fiscal year end. Investments do not include Exxon Valdez $ ($50M in fines) initially developed and managed by Federal Aid. Many times during the fiscal year the total Federal Aid Investments exceed a billion $. SMARTLINK Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) was implemented in late 1989. *millions $ Program History 63 March 1999 The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) Program serves as a model user-pays, user-benefits program. As enacted into law in 1950, the SFR Act (referred to at the time as the Dingell-Johnson Act for its congressional sponsors) applied a 10 percent manufacturer’s excise tax on fishing rods, reels, creels, and artificial baits, lures, and flies. These taxes were collected by the U.S. Treasury and then transferred to the Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Aid (prior to the creation of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund in 1984) as a permanent, indefinite appropriation for distribution among the States and insular territories. SFR funds were to be used solely for projects that would enhance sport fish restoration efforts. Each State’s share of these two-year funds is based 60 percent on its number of licensed fishermen and 40 percent on its land and water area. No State may receive more than five percent or less than one percent of each year’s total apportionment. Puerto Rico receives one percent, and the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia each receive one-third of one percent. Except in the insular territories, States may use Federal funds for up to 75 percent of the cost of every SFR project with remaining funds coming from State match. Prior to apportioning SFR funds to the States, the Service is allowed to deduct up to six percent to administer the program. With these administrative funds, the Service assures State’s adherence to the SFR Act, provides technical assistance, and sets performance standards for and monitors progress of State projects. Up to $2.5 million of these funds are also available annually for outreach and communications projects as specified in TEA21. Each State independently selects, plans, and performs the necessary project work. In 1984, the excise tax was extended due to efforts lead by then Representative John Breaux of Louisiana and Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming to include tackle boxes and other types of recreational fishing equipment. A three percent tax was applied to electric trolling motors and flasher-type sonar fish finders and import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats. Use of a minimum of 10 percent (now 15% due to TEA21) of SFR funds apportioned to the States for motorboat access was mandated. The use of up to 10 percent (also changed to 15% by TEA21) of SFR State-apportioned funds for aquatic education was allowed. Coastal States were required to distribute “new monies” from the 1984 amendments equitably among fresh and saltwater projects. This wording was changed to include all appropriations going to coastal States in 1988. In addition, a portion of the existing Federal tax on motorboat fuels was identified to be deposited in the newly created ARTF from which the Service’s SFR Program is funded as is the Boating Safety Account. Fiscal Year 1986 was the first year he increased SFR receipts were available to the States with the State apportionment equaling $109,959,300 for that year (equaled $38,085,995 for Fiscal Year 1985). For FY 1999, $372,766,000 is available in the SFR Account with $212,429,143 being apportioned to the States to support sport fish management and restoration, including aquatic education and fishing access. In many States, SFR funds represent more than half of the entire State’s fishery budget. The passage of TEA21 reaffirmed Congressional support for this model user-pay, user-benefits program. TEA21 changes in this program, starting in 1999, include provision of $5 million to be available for a new Outreach and March 1999 64 Communications Program to improve communications with anglers, boaters and the general public regarding angling and boating opportunities, to reduce barriers to participation in these activities, to advance adoption of sound fishing and boating practices, to promote conservation and the responsible use of the Nation’s aquatic resources, and to further safety in fishing and boating. Funding for this program will increase by $1 million annually until 2003 when Program funding will increase to $10 million Starting in 2000 through 2003, $8 million will be available annually for qualified projects under the new Boating Infrastructure Program. This program is designed to provide funds to States for the development and maintenance of public facilities such as slips, mooring buoys, day docks and navigational aids for transient nontrailerable (Over 26 feet in length) recreational vessels. Motorboat fuels taxes transferred to the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (ARTF) prior to October 1, 2005, will increase by a projected $151 million. Currently, the amount of Federal gasoline tax transferred to the ARTF from the Highway Trust Fund, representing fuel used by boaters, is calculated using 11.5 cents per gallon of gas. On October 1, 2001, this figure will increase to 13 cents per gallon of gas, and on October 1, 2003 through October 1, 2005, the figure used will be 13.5 cents. This increase will translate to an additional $151 million being available for purposes of the Sport Fish Restoration Act prior to October 1, 2005, bringing the total motorboat fuel taxes transferred to the ARTF for the seven year period to $1.2 billion. In 1990, the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act was passed to acquire, restore, and enhance coastal wetlands (only coastal States and insular territories are eligible). This Act transferred a percentage of the Federal gasoline tax based on use of gasoline by “small engines” (lawnmowers, snowblowers, string trimmers, etc.) through the ARTF to the SFR Account. An amount equal to these funds or 18 percent of SFR receipts for a given year (whichever is greater) is to be distributed annually as follows: 1) 70 percent to the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Restoration Program; 2) 15 percent to support the North American Wetlands Conservation Act; and 3) 15 percent to the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program. TEA21 extended this program through 2005. TEA21 earmarked the SFR Account to provide additional funds for State boating safety programs ($64 million for FY 1999) and for a competitive grant program for States which requires a 25 percent State match to construct pumpout and dump station facilities for disposal of human waste from recreational boats ($10 million for FY 1999 through 2003). The minimum percentage of State allocations to be invested in boating access and facilities projects was increased from 12.5 percent to 15 percent for each State. Also, the States are provided five years in which to obligate their 12.5 percent boating access monies. The impact the SFR Program has had on sport fishing nationwide is huge. Over the past 45 years, total State apportionments under the SFR Program have been in excess of $2.8 billion. These funds have helped to build or reclaim more than 1,200 fishing or boating access sites; to purchase over 260,000 acres for boating, fishing and fish production; and to fund research and inventory projects resulting in better ways to manage fish populations. A few specific projects funded in full or in part by SFR funds demonstrate the diverse benefits of this program. The Tackle Loaner Program lets children borrow fishing equipment at 400 community centers such as libraries while being exposed to aquatic educational materials, fishing ethics, etc. The 1-800-ASK-FISH program provides toll-free information regarding fishing locations, license information, fishing reports, etc. SFR-funded research has helped develop a rapid DNA-based detection technique for the organism that causes whirling disease in salmonids—a disease which poses a threat to most of our nation’s trout populations. Lake Erie was considered a dead lake but today, partly due to SFR funds, it boasts an outstanding walleye fishery that contributes significantly to the economy of the surrounding area. With the use of SFR funds, a brown trout fishery was created in the Mountain Fork River in Oklahoma, which resulted in the catch of a new State record brown trout weighing seven pounds and 12 ounces. As of 1996, 18 percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older (over 35 million anglers) spent an average of 17.7 days fishing. Surveys conducted in the central and southwestern States revealed that when informed as to how the SFR Program works, nearly 90 percent of licensed anglers supported the SFR Program and use of its funding. With this level of support from the individuals paying the tax combined with its significant positive impact on fisheries resources nationwide, the SFR Program truly is one of the most successful user-pays, user-benefits programs of the Federal government. 65 March 1999 The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program began functioning July 1, 1938, following approval of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act by Congress, and the signing into law by President Roosevelt on September 2, 1937. This Act, popularly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act (P-R Act) after its sponsors, is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), an agency of the Department of the Interior. Funds are derived from a Federal excise tax on the manufacture of arms and ammunition, including handguns, and on archery equipment. These taxes are collected from the manufacturers by the Department of the Treasury and are apportioned each year to the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands by the Department of the Interior on the basis of a formula set forth in the Act. This formula provides for the apportionment, based one-half on the ratio which the area of each State bears to the total area of all the States, and one-half on the ratio which the number of paid hunting license holders of each State bears to the total number of paid hunting license holders of all the States. In the early 1970’s Congress expanded the P-R revenue base to include handguns and archery equipment and authorized States to spend up to one-half of those apportioned funds on hunter education and target ranges. The apportionment of these new revenues is based only on the population of each State. Responsibility for selection, planning, and execution of wildlife restoration projects rests with the States, through their designated wildlife management agency. States may be reimbursed by the Federal Government for up to 75 percent of the total cost of approved projects. Financial aid under this Act is not available to private clubs, local or county governments, or individuals, except from State agencies for such projects as they approve. Project proposals are submitted by the designated State agencies to the Regional Directors of the FWS. They have the authority to approve or disapprove all projects. Projects may include acquisition of areas of land or water for feeding, resting, or as breeding places for wildlife; rehabilitation or improvement, by construction of necessary works or otherwise, of land or water areas for the benefit of wildlife, such as wildlife management areas, public hunting areas and sportsmen’s facilities; regular maintenance of completed projects; management of wildlife resources (exclusive of law enforcement or public relations activities); conduct of research into the problems of wildlife management; conduct of hunter safety courses and construction of target ranges; and coordination of projects necessary to the efficient administration affecting wildlife resources.
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Rating | |
Title | Sport Fish Restoration Program |
Contact | mailto:library@fws.gov |
Description | SpFish(1).pdf |
FWS Resource Links | http://library.fws.gov |
Subject |
Document Fishing Hunting Recreation Economics Statistics Wildlife viewing |
Publisher | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
Date of Original | March 1999 |
Type | Text |
Format | |
Source | NCTC Conservation Library |
Rights | Public domain |
File Size | 594269 Bytes |
Original Format | Document |
Full Resolution File Size | 594269 Bytes |
Transcript | 1 March 1999 The mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The overall mission of the Federal Aid Program is to: “Strengthen the ability of State and Territorial fish and wildlife agencies to restore and manage fish and wildlife resources to meet effectively the consumptive and nonconsumptive needs of the public for fish and wildlife resources.” March 1999 2 Division of Federal Aid—Washington Office Staff Directory 4 Federal Aid Division Chief Activity Report and Comment 5 Sport Fish Restoration Program Boating Infrastructure Grant Program 7 Aquatic Resource Education 8 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act 9 FY 1998 Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Awards 10 Clean Vessel Act Pumpout Grant Program 11 Wildlife Restoration Program Hunter Education—Shooting Range Program 13 Hunter Education Apportionment for Fiscal Year 1999 15 Hunter Education Standards 16 Humane Trapping 17 Teaming With Wildlife 18 Partnership for Wildlife Program 19 1998 Partnerships for Wildlife Projects 20 Combined Sport Fish and Wildlife Program National Administrative Grants FY 99 Project Funding 23 Report of Accomplishments—Federal Aid Administrative Grants 25 USFWS-Federal Aid Summary/Status of Administrative Grants 26 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation 34 Management Assistance Team 36 Training and Education Committee 38 National Federal Aid Outreach Team 39 Automated Sportsman Data System 40 Federal Aid Information Management System 41 Fish and Wildlife Reference Service 43 Financial Review-Part A Program Receipts 1939-1998 45 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration 46 Funds for Fiscal Year 1999 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration 47 Funds for Fiscal Year 1999 Number of Paid Hunting License Holders, License Sales, 48 and Cost to Hunters—Fiscal Year 1997 Number of Paid Fishing License Holders, License Sales, 49 and Cost to Anglers—Fiscal Year 1997 Table of Contents 3 March 1999 Deductions for Administration 50 Federal Aid Audit Schedule 51 Status of DCAA Audits 52 Summary of On-going and Planned Audits 53 Trends and Weaknesses Noted in Completed and On-going Audits 53 Financial Review-Part B Wildlife Restoration—Receipts 55 Sport Fish Restoration—Receipts 55 Gross Receipts—Revised Forecast for FY 99 56 Federal Aid Cash Management—Analysis of FY 98 Transactions 57 Federal Aid Cash Management—Analysis of Accounts 58 and Cost Recovery Initiatives Federal Aid Cash Management—Status of Investments— 59 Interest Earned FY 98 Federal Aid Cash Management—Investments—Interest Earned— 60 Cash Transfers to States Program History Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program 63 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program 65 Table of Contents March 1999 4 Functional Staff Directory In Washington the Division of Federal Aid operates under the office of Assistant Director for External Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Division of Federal Aid 4401 N. Fairfax Drive Arlington VA 22203 703/358 2156 Fax: 703/358 1837 or 358 1705 http://fa.r9.fws.gov Chief, Division of Federal Aid *Bob Lange, 703/358 2206 Fax: 703/358 1837 Resource Management Group *Tom Taylor, 703/358-1852 Fax: 703/358 1837 Deputy Chief Lands Development Partnership for Wildlife Boating Administrative Grants Jack Hicks, 703/358 1851 Policy Development Policy Clarification Gary Reinitz, 703/358 2159 Fisheries Management, Trends, & Research Steve Farrell, 703/358 2420 National Outreach Manager Jim Beers, 703/358 1841 Wildlife Mgt. Trend-Research Fish & Wildlife Reference Service Technical Representative on Trapping to U.S. Trade Delegation Bob Pacific, 703/358 1845 Small Grants Administration: Clean Vessel Act Coastal Wetlands Boating Infrastructure Iesha Fields, 703/358 2435 Small Grants Assistant Jimmye Kane, 703/358 1846 Secretary Time & Attendance Travel Claudette Austin Johnson, 703/358 1847 Secretary Time & Attendance Travel Information Technology Group *Bill Conlin, 703/358 1843 Fax: 703/358 1837 Information Resources & ADP Mgmnt. ADP Support FAIRS FAIMS Dara Esfandiary, 703/358 2033 ADP Systems Support FAIMS David Washington, 703/358 1844 ADP Systems Support LAN Support Internet Support ADP Support Web Page Changes Survey Group *Sylvia Cabrera, 703/358 1842 Fax: 703/358 1705 Hunting & Fishing Survey Richard Aiken, 703/358 1839 Economics Survey Information Genevieve Pullis, 703/358 1854 Economics Survey Information Management Assistance Team (MAT) *Spencer Amend, 970/282 2000 Team Leader Fax: 970/282 0095 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80525-5596 * Denotes managers Claude Stephens, 703/358 1849 Writer Editor Outreach Specialist Coordinator for National Wetlands Conservation Award to Private Sector Vacant (Contact: Tom Taylor) Aquatic Resource Education Hunter Education Shooting Range Program Steve Leggans, 304/876-7463 Fax: 304/876 7751 Training Coordinator Audits & Cash Management Group *Lanny Moore, 703/358-1848 Fax: 703/358 2850 Audits & Cash Management SMARTLINK Payments Receipts-Excise Taxes & Import Duties Fund Investments, Cash Transfer, Forecasts Grants Administration & Special Projects Liaison: HHS, OMB, GAO, OIG, DCAA, Treasury, IRS, BATF, Industry Bill Gruber, 703/358 1702 Audits Audit Resolution Internal Controls Licensing Issues Financial Reviews-Special Audits Liaison: DCAA, OIG, GAO, OMB, & State Auditors Budget & Administrative Services Group *Tom Jeffrey, 703/358 1840 Fax: 703/358 1837 Budget Development & Execution Program Management Special Projects Apportionments Mary Jones, 703/358 1807 Administrative Officer Personnel (Alt.) Property FFS Budget Pete Peterson, 703/358 1853 Office Manager Personnel & Payroll Purchasing Telecommunications Space & Facilities Mgmnt. Training Officer 5 March 1999 Division Chief Activity Report and Comment The Federal Aid program is vitally important to conservation in general, and to States and territories in particular. Funds in the program provide anywhere from 20% to 80% of some natural resource management agencies’ annual budgets. It is amazing that this program is known in its pieces by a large and diverse stakeholder base, and in its entirety by very few individuals. There is approximately $1.5 billion in the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration accounts at any one time. Annual new money entering the accounts is about $500 M. Over $50 M is generated annually just in interest. There are over 3500 existing grants at any one time. Sixty-five auditable entities receive core grant apportioned funds directly. Many other entities receive administrative funds. These sparse facts provide a glimpse of the Federal Aid program. The pages of this Program Update provide a bit more information. We believe it is in the conservation community’s best interest that we provide as much information as you are willing to absorb; and to answer any additional questions you may have. As this Program Update went to press there were a host of events bringing change to the Federal Aid program: We presently administer the Sport Fish Restoration grants, Clean Vessel dump station and pumpouts grants, the Coastal Wetlands grants, boating infrastructure grants and funds for a new type of relationship with industry to implement the National Outreach and Communications plan. We also administer the Wildlife Restoration grants and Partnerships for Wildlife grants. The audit program has moved to audits resolution in many states. Start-up of a second five year audit cycle is only two years away. The audit program is being delivered through the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) under centralized audit leadership and a distributed field auditor network. Consistency among audits has improved. Consistency of audit resolution and quick resolution from state to state are current program weaknesses. National policies in Federal Aid are being updated in an effort to have better consistency throughout the country from grant to grant. State and IAFWA (International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) representatives are working on about a dozen drafts at executive and staff levels. The 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation was completed and secondary publications are being printed from the rich data base such as “1996 Net Economic Values for Bass, Trout and Walleye Fishing, Deer, Elk and Moose Hunting, and Wildlife Watching.” Additionally, by cooperating with groups such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, publications like “Federal Aid Grants for Shooting Ranges” are being produced. The review of excise tax receipts collections at Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Highway Trust Fund has moved to a more mature stage. Millions of dollars were found and transferred into the program. Additionally, working with the IAFWA, industry and others, progress is being made to clarify ambiguous tax interpretations. More details are included in these pages. Of special interest is the TEA21 addition to the Sport Fish Restoration Program discussion in the “Program History” section. Sport Fish Restoration Program 7 March 1999 The Sportfishing and Boat Safety Act of 1998 authorized 1) a competitive grant program for States to develop and maintain facilities for transient nontrailerable (over 26 feet) recreational boats; and, 2) a national framework for a public boat access needs assessment which may be used by States to conduct surveys to determine the adequacy of facilities providing access for all recreational boats. n The Act authorizes a competitive grant program to States for the cost of constructing, renovating, and maintaining facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational boats. n The $32 million grant program will start in the year 2000 and end in 2003, at $8 million per year. The Federal government will pay up to 75 percent of the cost with States or other partners matching the remaining 25 percent. n Priorities for funding grants include those proposals submitted in accordance with a State plan, those proposals providing for public/ private partnership efforts, and those proposals providing for innovative ways to increase the availability of facilities for transient nontrailerable boats. n The national framework will be completed by January, 1999. The framework is to be used for States to conduct surveys of the adequacy of current facilities to provide access for all recreational boats, and to determine the future needs for boaters. n State surveys are to be completed within 18 months of passage of the Act, or by December 10, 1999. The surveys are to determine the adequacy, number, location, and quality of facilities providing access to recreational waters for all sizes of recreational boats. States may fund the cost of the surveys out of amounts allocated to it as the 15 percent funding dedicated to motorboat access to recreational waters. n States would not have to complete a survey if the Secretary of the Interior certifies that they are implementing a plan that ensures there are and will be public boat access adequate to meet the needs of recreational boaters on its waters. n Within 6 months after submitting a survey to the Secretary, or by June, 2000, a State may develop and submit to the Secretary a plan for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational boats, and access to those facilities, to meet the needs of nontrailerable recreational boats operating on navigable waters in the State. n An organizational meeting was held August 10, 11, 1998, and a second meeting was held October 29, 30, 1998 to draft the proposed rules. Final Rules for the grant program will be published in the Federal Register by September, 1999. Grant funds will be available to States on October 1, 1999. Boating Infrastructure Grant Program March 1999 8 The program has grown slowly but steadily since its beginning in 1985 in the number of States participating and the amount of funds used. A few States, such as Virginia and South Carolina, use State monies to fund the program instead of Federal Aid funds. Current Information January 1, 1999 n A total of $31,864,371 from the current apportionment is available to States for aquatic resource education and outreach communications programs in 1999. n More and more States are beginning to use Federal Aid monies to finance the Project Wild–Aquatic Segment. For a long time States elected to use their own monies for this purpose. n The newly formed Aquatic Resource Education Association (AREA) conducted a business meeting at the Corpus Christi Conference. They honored several individuals for their assistance and support to AREA in helping the organization through their formative years. Dave Jensen, North Dakota, was selected as the new President, replacing Mike O’Malley, Washington. The Sport Fish Restoration Program was created in 1950 with the passage of the Dingell-Johnson, or D-J Act, and named after the Congressmen who sponsored it. A 10 percent excise tax was placed on some fishing tackle and the monies were apportioned to the States for use in sport fish restoration projects. There were no provisions in the Act for aquatic resource education. The Dingell-Johnson Act was changed with the Wallop-Breaux Amendment in 1984, which added additional tackle and other fishing equipment under the excise tax and included motor boat fuel taxes. The amendment also provided for States to be reimbursed for an aquatic resource education program not to exceed 10 percent of the State’s total Sport Fish Restoration apportionment. With the passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA21), the 10 percent cap has been raised to 15 percent and now applies to outreach and communication projects dedicated toward increasing public understanding of the Nation’s water resources and associated aquatic life forms in addition to aquatic education projects. The Division of Federal Aid encouraged States entering into an aquatic education program to conduct a needs assessment for determining those activities and elements of an education program that would provide the most benefits to the State. A large number of activities are eligible for States to use in aquatic resource education. Aquatic Resource Education 9 March 1999 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act n Around $9 million is available annually. Results of the first six years follow: FY # of Proposals Cost Acres 1992 13 $5.7 M 4,793 1993 10 $5.9 M 3,918 1994 19 $7.6 M 19,000 1995 22 $7.0 M 9,723 1996 14 $8.0 M 3,009 1997 18 $9.1 M 10,741 1998 20 $9.8 M 12,680 1999 18 $9.4 M 24,600 n A total of 25 different coastal States received funding under this program between 1992 and 1999, for a total of 134 projects. Project participants in this program have included all levels of government: State, county, and municipal, and non-government partners as well. For the $62.5 million expended, 88,464 acres have been protected—over 77,500 through acquisition and nearly 9,900 through restoration. n Authorization for the small engine fuel has been renewed through 2005. Funds deposited through FY 1998 become available in FY 1999. The Act itself is authorized through FY 1999. Funds are made available by allocating 18 percent of the Sport Fish Restoration Account or 100 percent of the excise tax on small engine fuels—whichever is greater. Of the 18 percent allocated, 15 percent (not to exceed $15 million) is provided for the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program. n LEGISLATION: Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (enacted as Title III of HR 5390). n The Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is administered by the Director of the Fish & Wildlife Service. Project review and selection are conducted by the Federal Aid Office and other Divisions in each Region and by a cross-program review in the Washington Office, led by the Division of Habitat Conservation. All Coastal States (except Louisiana) and the Trust Territories are eligible to submit project proposals to the appropriate Service Regional Office annually. March 1999 10 Coastal Wetlands Awards/Fiscal Year 1999 Project Name Federal Share State Share Region 1 California South Morro Bay $ 550,000 $ 425,000 California Goleta Slough Estuary 938,000 442,000 California Tijuana Estuary 800,000 2.360,000 Washington South Sequin Bay 350,000 1,000,000 Washington Gray’s Harbor 150,000 150,000 Washington Middle Fork Meander 370.000 406,000 Washington Woodward Creek Estuary 295,000 324,500 Washington Nemah Estuary 350,000 1,000,000 Total $3,803,000 $6,107,500 Region 2 Texas Jumbilee Cove $ 258,000 $ 86,000 Total $ 258,000 $ 86,000 Region 4 Alabama Mobile-Tensaw $ 940,000 $ 1,359,000 Florida Queen’s Island 940,000 1,178,750 Florida Ten Thousand Islands 285,455 231,750 Florida Tarpon Bay 940,000 429,571 North Carolina Buckridge Swamp 860,500 1,000,000 Total $3,965,955 $4,199.071 Region 5 Maine Mill Pond $ 175,000 $ 103,500 Massachusetts Lower Neponset River 425,500 719,000 New Jersey Stouts/Oyster Creek 740,750 740,750 Pennsylvania Sara’s Cove 31,795 45,000 Total $1,373,045 $ 1,608,250 Grand Total $9,400,000 $12,000,821 11 March 1999 Clean Vessel Act Pumpout Grant Program n A National Education Action Plan was finalized December 20, 1994. Generic motivational products, such as public service announcements, have been produced. A clearinghouse for storing and disseminating education information has been established. A pumpout symbol and slogan has been developed. A 1-800-ASK-FISH telephone number has been established for boaters to determine pumpout locations. n The grant program, between 1993 and 1997, has resulted in 49 States receiving $37.6 million for 157 grants. The projects selected involve surveys and plans in 33 coastal States, construction of 2,200 pumpout and 1,400 dump stations in 45 States, and education programs in 40 States. n All coastal States have taken advantage of program funds by initiating pumpout programs in their States. n The Pumpout Grant Program has been re-authorized for $10 million a year from 1999 through 2003 by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century. A request to states for grant proposals was made October 6, 1998. The Clean Vessel Act of 1992 authorized a competitive grant program for States to construct pumpout and dump stations to dispose of vessel sewage from recreational boaters. n Funds were available for five years: $5 million for FY 1993; $7.5 million for both FY 1994 and 1995; and $10 million each year for FY 1996 and 1997. Federal share is 75 percent. n Eligible projects include: for coastal States, surveys and plans; and for all States, education and construction/ renovation of pumpout and dump stations. n Priorities for grants were for funding coastal States with an approved plan, States providing for public/private partnerships, providing for innovative ways to increase availability and use of pumpout stations, States that include an education component, proposals benefitting waters most likely affected by sewage discharge, and proposals in areas with high vessel/pumpout station ratios. n Technical guidelines (information on appropriate types of facilities, surveys, plans, and education), and grant guidelines (information on how to apply for grants) were published in final form in the Federal Register on March 10, 1994. n Guidelines on requirements for a uniform pumpout symbol, slogan and program crediting were published in the Federal Register August 27, 1997. Wildlife Restoration Program 13 March 1999 Hunter Education— Shooting Range Program train students to be safe and responsible hunters and should be so designed to assist the agency in accomplishing it’s mission and goals. Advanced hunter education training may be approved if it offers hunters an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of safe and legal hunting practices and improve their behavior afield. The primary objective of all advanced courses will address specific individual State hunter training needs. For example, the State may want to provide special training for elk hunters in order to decrease both depredation and populations of elk in certain areas, or training for the introduction of new hunting regulations or hunting areas. Public relations and law enforcement activities are prohibited under the Act. The backbone of the hunter education program is the cadre of more than 45,000 volunteer instructors. Each has his or her personal reasons for devoting countless hours to this unpaid work and together contribute approximately $30 million worth of volunteer services annually. States are encouraged to develop or enter into third-party agreements in order to gain a suitable number of safe shooting and archery facilities nationwide. To accomplish this hands-on experience, the States may lease or rent or enter into third party agreements to provide archery and shooting range facilities or services from local clubs. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, was approved by Congress on September 2, 1937, and began functioning July 1, 1938. The Act was amended on October 23, 1970, to include hunter training programs and the development, operation, and maintenance of public shooting ranges. Funding for hunter education and shooting ranges is derived from one-half of the 11 percent excise tax on archery equipment and 10 percent excise tax on handguns, pistols, and revolvers. The other one-half of the tax money is used by the State for wildlife restoration purposes. The money is distributed on the basis of population of a State compared to other States with a maximum apportionment of 3 percent and a minimum of one percent. The most recent amendment to the P-R Act provides one-sixth of one percent of the funds for hunter education and shooting ranges to Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. State hunter education programs include the development and implementation of a programmed course of instruction leading toward the achievement of the State’s hunter training goals and objectives. In general, the course is designed to March 1999 14 Current Information n In Fiscal Year 1999, The Fish & Wildlife Service, through the Division of Federal Aid, will provide an apportionment totaling $26,920,402 to all States and Insular Possessions (except Puerto Rico) for use with hunter education activities. This is a reduction of only $1,192,504 from last year’s apportionment. n The International Hunter Education Association held a week-long training academy for State Hunter Education Coordinators last year to enable State personnel to better perform their responsibilities in hunter education. The Washington FA Office actively participated and provided participation by other State personnel for a half-day program. n The Wildlife Management Institute recently completed a study of the hunter education program to update a study done in 1981. In that study there were 33 recommendations that remain valid today. The latest study indicates that there are new issues and concerns not existing in 1981 that need attention. n A delegation of Washington and Regional office Federal Aid personnel met with the President, President Elect, and Executive Vice President of the International Hunter Education Association to discuss more streamlined ways of working together and enhancing communication. The meeting appears to be the beginning of a much-improved working relationship. n No additional information has been provided for this edition. 15 March 1999 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Funds for Fiscal Year 1998 Wildlife Restoration Hunder Education Tofal ALABAMA 2,101,918 649,571 2,751,489 ALASKA 6,358,014 276,481 6,634,495 ARIZONA 3,023,218 589,228 3,612,446 ARKANSAS 2,347,373 276,481 2,623,854 CALIFORNIA 4,536,173 829,443 5,365,616 COLORADO 3,497,801 529,612 4,027,413 CONNECTICUT 635,801 528,442 1,164,243 DELAWARE 635,801 276,481 912,282 FLORIDA 1,827,066 829,443 2,656,509 GEORGIA 2,527,459 829,443 3,356,902 HAWAII 635,801 276,481 912,282 IDAHO 2,615,607 276,481 2,892,088 ILLINOIS 2,435,883 829,443 3,265,326 INDIANA 1,912,167 829,443 2,741,610 IOWA 2,197,061 446,395 2,643,456 KANSAS 2,347,855 276,481 2,624,336 KENTUCKY 1,928,544 592,454 2,520,998 LOUISIANA 1,949,070 678,409 2,627,479 MAINE 1,431,925 276,481 1,708,406 MARYLAND 770,840 768,676 1,539,516 MASSACHUSETTS 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 MICHIGAN 4,993,737 829,443 5,823,180 MINNESOTA 3,897,632 703,347 4,600,979 MISSISSIPPI 1,913,723 413,674 2,327,397 MISSOURI 3,215,092 822,628 4,037,720 MONTANA 4,113,379 276,481 4,389,860 NEBRASKA 2,321,570 276,481 2,598,051 NEVADA 2,452,035 276,481 2,728,516 NEW HAMPSHIRE 635,801 276,481 912,282 NEW JERSEY 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 NEW MEXICO 2,853,690 276,481 3,130,171 NEW YORK 3,841,533 829,443 4,670,976 NORTH CAROLINA 2,453,319 829,443 3,282,762 NORTH DAKOTA 1,850,195 276,481 2,126,676 OHIO 2,976,061 829,443 3,805,504 OKLAHOMA 2,481,372 505,689 2,987,061 OREGON 3,214,382 456,936 3,671,318 PENNSYLVANIA 5,341,253 829,443 6,170,696 RHODE ISLAND 635,801 276,481 912,282 SOUTH CAROLINA 1,483,557 560,528 2,044,085 SOUTH DAKOTA 2,406,689 276,481 2,683,170 TENNESSEE 3,167,318 784,064 3,951,382 TEXAS 6,358,014 829,443 7,187,457 UTAH 2,515,875 276,481 2,792,356 VERMONT 635,801 276,481 912,282 VIRGINIA 2,159,335 829,443 2,988,778 WASHINGTON 2,359,031 782,377 3,141,408 WEST VIRGINIA 1,595,850 276,481 1,872,331 WISCONSIN 4,340,213 786,408 5,126,621 WYOMING 2,477,500 276,481 2,753,981 PUERTO RICO 635,801 0 635,801 GUAM 211,934 46,080 258,014 VIRGIN ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 AMERICAN SAMOA 211,934 46,080 258,014 N. MARIANA ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 TOTAL 127,160,274 27,648,099 154,808,373 March 1999 16 Hunter Education Standards The International Hunter Education Association will have the lead on implementation of the standards when they are developed. Many State Coordinators/Administrators are supportive of the standards, which are not a Federal Aid requirement but which have the potential of raising the status of hunter education across America and providing an opportunity for widespread acceptance of hunting. The standards will apply only to the basic hunter education course and will be minimum standards. Letters have been sent to all members of the Task Force requesting dates when they will be available to meet. After the information has been tabulated, a meeting date will be established. One of the recommendations in the Wildlife Management Institute’s Hunter Education Study is the establishment of standards for the hunter education program. Gene Stephenson has named approximately 20 individuals consisting of State, Federal, Industry, and other cooperators to a Task Force for developing the standards. Dr. William Christy of Christy Enterprises in Blacksburg, Virginia will be the moderator when the Task Force convenes. This project is being conducted through the Hunter Education and Shooting Sports Committee of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Steve Williams (Kansas) and Keith Trego (North Dakota), Co-Chairmen. 17 March 1999 n In December, 1997, after years of tough negotiation, an international fur trade agreement was signed in Europe by the United States Trade Representative and delegates from Canada, Russia, and the European Community. This agreement protects the varied interests of our nation, the States, and the commercial fur industry while also advancing new humane trapping standards. n Recent years have seen extensive activity between USFWS Division of Federal Aid and International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) on the subject of the threatened European Fur Ban and international efforts to agree to international humane animal treatment standards of measurement and qualification. These efforts involve multilateral meetings with Europe, Canada, and Russia. They also involve international meetings under the auspices of the International Standards Organization. n To date, the situation is as follows: The States have obtained full-partner status within the Federal establishment. As the “competent authorities” within the U.S. for traps, trapping, and furbearer management, they have become fully integrated into Federal policies and negotiations. Humane Trapping The Fur Resources Technical Subcommittee and Federal Aid recently published a 60- page booklet entitled Improving Animal Welfare in U.S. Trapping Programs: Process Recommendations and Summaries of Existing Data. Copies have gone to all State agencies and may also be obtained from the IAFWA or the Division of Federal Aid in Washington. FY 98 Federal Aid Administrative Grant for Improving Public Knowledge of and Gaining Informed Consent for Furbearer Trapping, Hunting, and Related Animal Use Programs in the United States was funded. The booklet, trap testing, and Federal Aid Administrative Grant request make up the beginning of the national effort to develop and establish a process of continuing animal welfare improvement. This process is called Best Management Practices or BMP’s. The next three years should see an evolution of the Federal Aid/IAFWA partnership to establish the BMP process as a working process for State decision-makers, trap manufacturers, trappers, and others to measure animal welfare and systematically replace less-animal-welfare-friendly devices, systems, and sets with better items and items not even conceived of at this time. March 1999 18 Teaming With Wildlife n On January 19, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) introduced the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999, S-25, which proposes to fund the state grant program promoted by Teaming with Wildlife, using outer Continental Oil revenues. It would provide about $321 million per year. n Congressman Don Young introduced a similar bill last session that provided for more money to state grants. It is likely to be reintroduced this session. Check with the IAFWA web site for the latest information at www.teaming.com. n Teaming With Wildlife is a legislative initiative that proposes to create a national trust fund for State-level wildlife conservation, wildlife-related recreation, and conservation education. n Teaming With Wildlife has received broad support from a national coalition of more than 2,600 conservation and recreation organizations and businesses. n Based on the proven mechanism of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Acts, Teaming With Wildlife would provide a dedicated funding source for those species not already covered under the above acts or the Endangered Species Act. n Teaming With Wildlife offers a proactive funding solution for wildlife conservation that would help to prevent species from reaching the Endangered Species List. This initiative would support this need by extending the user-pay benefit fee to equipment used by other wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, paddlers, nature photographers, and birders. 19 March 1999 Partnerships for Wildlife Program The Partnerships For Wildlife Act (P.L. 102-587, Title VII) was signed November 4, 1992. It was reauthorized on October 30, 1998, by P.L.105-312 and extended through 2003. The purpose of the Partnerships for Wildlife Act is to establish partnerships among the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (Service), State fish and wildlife agencies, and private organizations and individuals to preserve and manage all nongame fish and wildlife species. That Act authorized the grants to States to benefit a broad array of nongame fish and wildlife species and to provide nonconsumptive fish and wildlife recreation opportunities. Funding is normally provided by 1/3 Federal, 1/3 State, and 1/3 private party conributions. Game species, Endangered or Threatened Species, and Marine Mammals do not qualify for funding. The FY 99 Service budget made available $868,000 from appropriated Federal funds to be matched by an equal amount from State and an additional equal amount from private parties. A panel consisting of State, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Service representatives will review projects received in FY 1999 and recommend those for funding by March. The review was delayed this year because of delays in legislative and funding reauthorization. Private parties are not directly eligible to apply for funding, but are encouraged to form partnerships with their State’s fish and wildlife agency. March 1999 20 1998 Partnerships for Wildlife Projects Funded Project Project Title Funded WI-P98-7 Prairie Insect Distribution, Status, and Response to Management. $68,000 OR-P98-1 Habitat Restoration for Western Pond Turtles in the Williamette Valley. $20,000 ND-P98-2 OWLS: Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites for North Dakota. $14,500 WA-P98-1 Western Pond Turtle Head Starting, Captive Breeding, and Reintroduction. $12,000 CA-P98-1 Demographic Characteristics of Burrowing Owl Populations in California: the Carrizo Plain and South San Frisco Bay. $18,000 AZ-P98-1 Ranid Frog Surveys $30,000 WI-P98-1 What’s Responsible for the Decline in Osprey Productivity in Northern Wisconsin? $12,500 WI-P98-12 Landscape Management for Prairie Chickens in Wisconsin. $25,000 WI-P98-3 Impacts of Intensive Rotational Grazing on Stream Ecology and Water Quality. $25,000 FL-P98-1 Habitat Induced Reproductive Failure of Queen Conch. $59,149 AZ-P98-2 Sonoran Desert Tortoise Surveys. $30,000 KY-P98-1 Model Cooperative Neotropical Migrant Bird Project for an Interstate Physiographic Province Interior Lowland Plateau Region. $70,000 OR-P98-5 Williamette Floodplain Restoration Truax Island. $50,000 TN-P98-1 Model Cooperative Neotropical Migrant Bird Project for an Interstate Physiographic Province, Interior Lowland Plateau. $107,486 WI-P98-9 Native Plant Seed Program. $10,000 I-P98-5 Token Creek Restoration Phase I. $50,000 AZ-P98-3 Bird Atlas $40,000 WI-P98-2 Development of Guidelines to Prevent Excessive Mortality to Bats using Largest Known Bat Hibernaculum in Midwest Neda Mine Natural Area. $10,000 Continued on next page 21 March 1999 1998 Partnerships for Wildlife Projects Funded (continued) Project Project Title Funded OR-P98-4 Management Strategies for Private Landowners with Grassland Habitat in the Williamette Valley Province, Oregon. $20,000 SD-P98-2 Inventory of Lower Big Sioux River and its Tributaries in South Dakota or Mussels. $5,000 WI-P98-10 Prairie, Savanna, and Oak Woodland Restoration on Mississippi River Bluff State Natural Areas. $18,000 OH-P98-2 Special Interest, Threatened, and Endangered Species of Grand River and Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Areas, Ohio. $17,325 WI-P98-11 Restore Native Communities on Brooklyn WA. $5,000 CT-P98-2 Least Tern Project $7,292 OH-P98-1 The Aquatic Insects of Ohio. $20,000 OR-P98-2 White-Headed Woodpecker Density Estimates and Reproductive Success. $10,000 HI-P98-3 Wildlife Watching at Oahu. $3,330 WV-P98-1 Herpetological Atlas $16,000 Total $773,582 Combined Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program 23 March 1999 1999 Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Administrative Grants Approved for Funding Proposal # Applicant Title Wildlife Sport Fish Rank Score Approved Funding Cost Cost Wildlife Sport Fish AP99-077 615,000 1 2.66 615,000 0 AP99-079 160,142 2 2.38 0 160,142 AP99-020 125,637 3 2.27 125,637 0 AP99-052 249,360 3 2.27 249,360 0 AP99-064 220,534 3 2.27 0 220,534 AP99-025 75,000 6 2.23 0 75,000 AP99-027 44,500 7 2.16 44,500 0 AP99-076 274,040 7 2.16 274,040 0 AP99-024 81,995 9 2.11 81,995 0 Partners in Flight: Neo tropical Migratory Bird Conservation Plan for the nation Phase 2-Transition from Planning to Implementation Expanding and Improving “Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs���(HOFNOD) Training and technical Assistance The Predation Avian Recruitment Task Force (PART): a Proactive Strategy to Assist Managers in Achieving Informed Consent STEP OUTSIDE Expanding the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program Challenge Match Program To Enhance Sport Fisheries and their Habitats Assessment of Hunter Education Graduate Participation in Hunting and Shooting, with Recommendations for Increasing Participation and Directing Future Research Targeting Wetland Restoration and Enhancements with GIS Planning models Development of a News and Information Network about Anti-Management Activities (NINAM): A Vital Communication Tool for Wildlife Conservation IAFWA-Partners in Flight State Agency American Sportfishing Association IAFWA/Wildlife Damage Policy Committee Natural Shooting Sports Foundation American Sportfishing Association Fish America Foundation National Shooting Sports Foundation Ducks Unlimited IAFWA/Animal Welfare Committee March 1999 24 Proposal # Applicant Title Wildlife Sport Fish Rank Score Approved Funding Cost Cost Wildlife Sport Fish AP99-032 313,106 10 2.05 313,106 0 AP99-080 143,200 10 2.05 0 143,200 AP99-002 83,000 12 2.00 0 83,000 AP99-001 58,592 58,593 13 1.94 58,592 58,593 AP99-011 114,751 13 1.94 0 114,751 AP99-023 178,450 13 1.94 178,450 0 AP99-033 266,020 13 1.94 0 266,020 AP99-022 158,125 158,125 18 1.88 (*) 158,125 AP99-017 188,000 188,000 20 1.83 (*) 188,000 AP99-050 57,500 115,000 25 1.72 (*) 115,000 AP99-063 241,958 26 1.66 241,958 Total $1,940,680 1,824,323 (*) The Sport Fish side of these projects will be funded if the Wildlife side can be funded from other sources. Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources American Sportfishing Association Instream Flow Council Missouri Department of Conservation American Fisheries Society IAFWA/Wildlife Management Institute Interactive Outdoors, Inc. IAFWA/Auto. Sportsmen’s Data Systems Comm. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point USGS-Biological Resources Division American Sportfishing Association Proposed use of Federal Aid Administrative Funds to Expand Nationwide Biological Control Program for Purple Loosestrife Evaluation and Continued Support of the National 4- H Sportfishing Program Development of regional and national Instream Flow Policies, procedures and Methodological Standards How to Develop a Program to Teach Families Outdoor Skills, Outdoor Ethics, and Conservation Communication Essentials for Natural Resource Professionals Fourth National Shooting Range Symposium: Technical Aspects in the Development and Maintenance of Shooting Facilities Gone Fishin’ Automated Sportsman’s Data Systems Project Coordination Assisting States in Determining and Addressing the Barriers to Participation of Women of Color and low-Income Women in the Becoming and Outdoors-Woman Program Fish & Wildlife Economic Analysis for CRP The New 1-800-ASK-FISH Program (Now operated by Bass Pro Shops) 25 March 1999 Report of Accomplishments Federal Aid Administrative Grants Introduction The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service— Federal Aid is notified annually by the Department of the Treasury of the amount of tax collections available that are obtained from the sale of items taxed under authority of the Wildlife Restoration program and the Sport Fish Restoration program. These programs are also known as the Pittman-Robertson program and the Dingel-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux program. The amount collected each year will depend upon the demand by the public for the items taxed. The Service is allowed to take eight percent from the total collected under authority of the Wildlife Restoration program and six percent of the total collections under the Sport Fish Restoration program to operate and manage the programs. After program funding needs have been determined, providing there are available funds, the remaining monies are made available in the form of administrative grants. The amount of funds and the purpose for their use are made public through a Federal Register notice along with application instructions and dates. The primary eligibility criteria require that proposals must show a direct concern or provide direct benefits to half or more of the States. Additionally, the proposal must be consistent with the intent and mission of the Federal Aid program and authorizing Acts. Following a proposal-ranking process with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, a committee makes recommendations to the Fish & Wildlife Service Director related to which proposals should be funded. Upon approval by the Director, the proposals become projects and funds are made available for work to begin. March 1999 26 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration SF $300,000 Outreach: A National Approach 1998 2001 WL $300,000 IAFWA, #AP98-062/98-G037 Fish Hatchery Management 2nd Edition 1998 1999 SF $153,960 AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-011/98-G026 “Hooked On Fishing Not on Drugs” 1998 1999 SF $161,634 Training and Technical Assistance FUTURE FISHERMAN FOUNDATION #AP98-004/98-G025 The Future of Fishing in the U.S.: 1998 1999 SF $255,250 Assessment of Needs to Increase Sportfishing Participation IAFWA, #AP98-065/98-G048 Expansion of the 4-H Wildlife Habitat SF $92,950 Evaluation Youth Program 1998 1999 WL $92,950 AUBURN UNIVERSITY #AP98-034/98-G042 FishAmerica Challenge Match Program 1998 1999 SF $75,000 to Enhance Sport Fisheries and Their Habitats THE FISHAMERICA FOUNDATION #AP98-036/98-G030 To develop, implement and evaluate a national outreach marketing plan that will increase awareness of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs by year 2000. To create and publish a modern edition, expanded in scope. To complete and publish a modern edition, expanded in scope. Most chapters have been completed in draft and work is proceeding on schedule. Help agencies establish the “Hooked on Fishing–Not Drugs” Program. Several presentations were made with all 50 States requesting workshop support before March, 1999. Collect, analyze and publish information on angler satisfactions, needs and future participation in sportfishing. Focus groups have met. Preparations for a survey have begun. Awarded. To educate 100,000 urban and rural youth and adults in 40 states about proper fish and wildlife management. Conduct small scale fishery improvement projects by volunteer-based organizations. The program has now funded projects in all 50 States, matcbing all federal funds at least dollar for dollar. 27 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Rotenone Stewardship Program 1998 1999 SF $95,064 AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-012/98-G031 Interjurisdictional Rivers Fisheries 1998 1999 SF $50,000 Management for the Mississippi River Basin MICRA, #AP98-009/98-G029 Expanding the Reach of the Fishing 1998 1999 SF $157,894 Tackle Loaner Program AMERICAN SPORTFISHING ASSN. #AP98-002/98-G069 1-800-ASK-FISH Public Communication 1998 1999 SF $254,670 Program AMERICAN SPORTFISHING ASSN. #AP98-001/98-G032 Catfish 2000: First International Ictalurid 1998 1999 SF $90,929 Symposium AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-010/98-G028 Effects of Electrofishing Configuration on 1998 1999 SF $220,899 Catch Efficiency and Injury Rates of Warmwater Fish FISH MANAGEMENT SECTION AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY #AP98-013/98-G027 Practical Applications of Newly Developed 1998 1999 $91,750 DNA-based Detection Assays for Myxobolus cerebralis, to Assess Infections in Wild Trout Populations UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA #AP98-015/96-901 Provide technical and administrative guidelines for safe use of rotenone where use of fish toxicants is a necessary management tool. The AFS Committee has surveyed all States and Canadian Provinces with a +70% response rate on rotenone use. Develop and coordinate management of interjurisdictional fisheries and habitats in the Mississippi River basin. No further report available. Publicity was produced for all loaner sites to maintain the interest and support of site managers. The Rotary Club continues to expand support of this program. Increase states ability to instantly provide information, educate anglers and non-anglers about regulations, etc. BASS PRO SHOPS have assumed operation of the program. 9 States presently participate wit 8-15,000 anglers calling the 800 number monthly. Conduct symposium relative to management of catfish fisheries and provide a forum for exchange of information. The symposium was a great success and proceedings have been distributed. Document extent of electro fishing injuries to warmwater fish and identify procedures that minimize injury to the fish. Experimental equipment has been purchased and data is presently being collected. Project is being administered by USGS March 1999 28 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Development of the National Hunter 1998 1999 WL $104,000 Retention Outreach Program NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FDN. #AP98-025/98-G038 Wildlife Law News Quarterly 1998 1999 WL $108,850 UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO #AP98-042/98-G039 Contributions of Hunting and Trapping to 1998 1999 WL $96,677 Reducing Wildlife Damage IAFWA/ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE #AP98-064/98-G041 The Wild Life! A Proposal for the 1998 1999 WL $448,643 Enhancement and Implementation of a Web Site and Computer Games for Children to Increase Interest in Hunting IAFWA, #AP98-068 Bowhunter Recruitment, Retention and 1998 1999 WL $180,810 State-by-State Economics ARCHERY MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS ORGANIZATION #AP98-007/98-G049 Improving Public Knowledge of, and 1998 1999 WL $668,070 Gaining Consent for, Furbearer Trapping, Hunting and Related Animal Use Programs in the United States IAFWA, #AP98-067/98-G084 Target formerly active hunters to bring back into active participation. To end May 30, 1999. Fund and publish Wildlife News Quarterly. Through September 5, 1999. Awarded 1/27/98. Determine impact of hunting and trapping on wildlife behavior and danger and economic loss estimates. To develop and improve web site and computer interaction program to help children make informed choices about hunting. Research and develop handbook on bowhunters attitudes, satisfactions and barriers to participation. Research and develop a handbook on bow hunter attitudes, satisfactions and barriers to participation. Survey instrument has been developed to survey bow hunters in 25 States. Awarded 4/27/98. Report contracted for on public opinion and attitudes about trapping. National fur bearer workshop held in May. Video and slide presentation prepared. 29 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Developing a National Shorebird 1997 1999 $437,412 Conservation Plan MANOMET OBSERVATORY #97-G065 Point of Sale Systems Coordination 1997 1999 $176,525 IAFWA, # 97-G062 Farm Bill Wetlands Conservation Initiative 199712999 $146,510 DUCKS UNLIMITED #97-G163 This grant will develop a National Shorebird Conservation Plan that will be a key component of a hemispheric conservation and management plan for shorebirds. The goal is to maintain, restore, and enhance migratory shorebird populations through managing and protecting key areas. The plan will also meet the operational and planning needs of government agencies responsible for migratory bird management while providing ongoing information to support management goals. The grantee will employ a Point-of-Sale (POS) coordinator to do the following: 1) conduct a comprehensive survey of State agencies to establish the current status of licensing matters their POS needs with list of involved parties; 2) establish a POS clearinghouse of technology nd positive and negative experience within State agencies; 3) conduct a national POS conference with all States and vendors in attendance; and 4) prepare a POS report which addresses current affairs and makes recommendations for future action. Extended until March 6, 2000. THIS PROPOSAL IS CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED BY THE SOLICITOR TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY. If accepted, Ducks Unlimited will: 1) develop and initiate a “Farming in the Flyways” strategic plan for achieving State/joint venture habitat objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan utilizing conservation provisions of the 1996 Farm Bill; 2) establish an outreach program to recognize landowner who restore wetlands contributing toward NAWMP objectives under a Farm Bill conservation program; and 3) conduct an administrative review of USDA implementation of Farm Bill Wetlands conservation programs nationally in select NAWMP joint venture areas. Extended until July 31, 1999. March 1999 30 Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Assisting States in the Administration of 1997 1999 $208,666 the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” Program UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN– STEVENS POINT # 97-GO56 1-800-HUNTING Interactive Voice 1997 1998 $184,650 response Information system for State Agencies NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION #97-G058 Wildlife Forever Interactive CD-ROM 1997 1999 $149,750 Curriculum on Wildlife Research for Elementary School Students WILDLIFE FOREVER #97-G057 Regional training sessions have been conducted in New Jersey, Louisiana, Utah, and Missouri for the purpose of sensitizing BOW instructors to the needs of women audiences. These workshops reached 120 people from 13 states. A script has been drafted for video to be produced to summarize instructor training. The fourth annual International BOW Coordinators Conference was held in Kentucky. Thirty-five people from 30 states were involved in the training. A workshop was also held in CA to introduce BOW to states interested in providing BOW workshops. The quarterly “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” newsletter reaches about 1500 people in addition to all workshop participants across North America. To be completed by June 30, 1999. The completion date for this grant has been extended for a period of 12 months. State agencies have been surveyed to assess their interest in and experience with a interactive voice system. 30 states responded, with 11 indicating strong interest. The other 6 were interested, but needed to budget for the future. NSSF are starting to develop a Request For Proposal (RFP) and will soon meet with companieswho are capable of provding this type of service. Extended to February 17, 1999. The Wildlife Forever education consultant continues to research, write, and create lesson plans for the curriculum. In addition, ongoing revisions are taking place to compliment existing lessons. Wildlife Forever negotiated a contract with Tessa Hill, an educatior, to review all curriculum materials. Also, Bernie Doll was hired to illustrate the curriculum as well as an illustrator, Theresa Marrone, for layout and design. Publisher R.R. Donnelley & Sons Compny was the successful bidder to print 5,000 units. A distributor has been secured who will package and drop ship the materials directly to the schools. A direct mail component has been developed for the grant and solicitation started for the names of educators throughout the United States for placement of 5,000 curriculums. Targeted will be the 40 state game & Fish departments who have expressed prior interest in securing copies of the curriculum for their schools.. 31 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Program of Hunter Ethics Education 1997 2000 $150,000 Seminars for State Hunter Education Programs. ORION-THE HUNTERS INSTITUTE #97-G055 Harvest Information Program 1996 1998 $1,750,000 FWS-MBMO (No grant agreement #, in-house transfer of funds) Youth Sportfishing Outreach Initiative. 1996 1999 $580,569 SPORT FISHING PROMOTION COUNCIL/ FUTURE FISHERMAN FOUNDATION #96-1212 The Hunters Institute is expanding hunter ethics in the form of seminars conducted with state hunter education coordinators and volunteer instructors to better prepare them for training hunter education students. Between July and the end of September, the Institute conducted 15 seminars involving 689 participants. In September, Orion received the special edition of “Beyond Fair Chase” and the BFC Teaching Guide. These materials, along with the BFC video are presented to each volunteer instructor participating in the seminars. Funding provided by this grant helped ten States implement the Harvest Information Program (HIP) for the 1996-97 hunting season. Although some of these States experienced difficulties, all except Idaho provided the Service with names and addresses of migratory bird hunters that were delivered during this reporting period and used for the 96-97 HIP surveys. Idaho’s license system contractor failed to collect all necessary data from migratory bird hunters, but will do so for the 97-98 hunting season and thereafter. Grant agreements were completed with the following States to implement HIP in 1997: AZ ($60,000), FL ($80,000), NC ($90,000), a HIP grant agreement is currently being developed with TX for ($405,000). With TX, the HIP grant has provided 18 States with a total $1,710,000 to date. Support State agency outreach efforts by providing the public, especially children, with fishing equipment at “loaner” sites. This gives people a chance to experience the joys of fishing without making the initial investment. Fishing basics and angler ethics can be taught in conjunction with this program. As of 1998, there were 400 loaner sites operating across the U.S. March 1999 32 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost Habitat Inventory 1998 1999 $143,149 AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY. #98-G057 Field Guides to Wildlife Disease 1995 1998 $600,000 NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY (No grant agreement #) Lead Poisoning 1995 1998 $314,006 NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY (No grant agreement #) Project aimed at standardizing the terminology and methodology used to define aquatic habitat. Drafts of a “Glossary of Aquatic Habitat Inventory Terminology” and a manual entitled “Techniques for the Analysis of Freshwater Habitats” have been completed. The first two sections of volume 1 have been finalized and minor adjustments made to the pre-printed copy of the mock-up for section 1. Editorial work and adjustments to the other chapters in volume 1 continue. The good progress made prior to this quarter was disrupted by the extended absence of the project leader. Protracted illness followed by death of a family member brought center work to a halt for several weeks. However, activities by the contract publishing group continued. The personal difficulties have recently been overcome and progress is again being made towards completion of the project. For January-March, 1997, 690 samples were taken for the lead sinker study. These samples consist of either a blood or liver sample for lead analysis. The total of 690 samples includes 195 samples from archived Common Loon blood. Whenever possible, birds sampled in the field were x-rayed and scanned with a metal detector for possible lead or other metal ingestion. Gizzards or stomachs were removed from carcasses sent in to the lab and were then x-rayed and examined. Lead analysis yielded no blood or liver samples with elevated lead levels for this collection period.. The metal detector showed positive results for shot pellets and the radiographs showed positive results for shot pellets and various fishing tackle including the ingestion of a lead egg sinker. 33 March 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—Federal Aid Summary/Status of Current Administration Grants (continued) Project Title and Grantee Duration Total Project Purpose/Status Start End Cost 4-H Wetlands Educational Pilot Project 1995 1997 $115,248 TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY # 95 1253 Neotropical Bird Plan 1995 1998 $617,925 IAFWA #95-1247 Instream Flow 1994 1998 $173,090 FWS SP-94-066 (There is no grant agreement # since this work is being accomplished within the Service. This project is a youth conservation education program where youth (ages 9-19) and adult volunteers learn about wildlife that live in marshes and other wet areas. This 4-H project requires the youth to build a relationship with the landowner who has a wet area and is willing to allow the area to be used to manage wildlife. The project is called marshMALLOW. An advisory board has been established to provide guidance on development of future volunteer leader manuals. The third volunteer leader manual is currently being developed. In October, informational brochures were distributed to Agriculture Extension Service offices to announce the December due date for club management plans. Eight 4-H Clubs submitted manatement plans on December 1st and those plansare currently being evaluated for funding by the judging panel. To end December 31, 1999. This grant will create Bird Conservation Plans for Landbirds (exclusive of game species)for every State and/or physiographic area in the U.S. as well as a National Bird Conservation Plan for the same species. Most of this work is done by four regional coordinators. Drafts of eight plans are now being completed and six more are almost complete. The national plan is in early draft processing. A great deal of publicity and positive outreach is resulting from this grant activity. To end April 30, 1999. This project conducted national workshops to enable State and formal instream flow coordinators to evaluate existing statutes, regulations, policies and programs to establish national and regional coordination projects. Two national workshops were held and summary reports are being prepared. Video tapes on public trust doctrine have been finalized. A peer review of instream flow programs of the 50 States and seven FWS regions is progressing. A directory of instream flow coordinators is being completed. Reports are due by late 1998. March 1999 34 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife- Associated Recreation n From September 1994 to January 1995, FWS carried out extensive consultations with users to determine survey content. FWS consulted with technical committee members of the 50 States and with representatives of nongovernmental organizations such as the Wildlife Management Institute and American Sportfishing Association. Comments and suggestions also were obtained from other Federal agencies and survey users. n Interviewing began in April 1996 for the screen and first detailed interview wave. The second detailed interview wave was conducted in September 1996 and the third in January 1997. Data collection was completed March 15, 1997. n The National Report was issued November 1997. The State reports were published on a flow basis beginning March 1998. Background The Survey, financed from the administrative portion of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration grant programs, has been conducted about every five years since 1955. The 1996 Survey is the ninth to measure fishing and hunting activities and the fourth to provide reliable State level data and detailed information about nonconsumptive activities (wildlife observation, bird feeding, etc.). The next Survey is planned for 2001. The Survey is one of the Nation’s most important wildlife-related recreational data bases. It is the only source of comprehensive information on participation and expenditures that is comparable on a state-by-state basis. It is used for estimating the value of wildlife resources lost because of contaminations such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill; for use in critical habitat analyses of threatened species; and for preparing environmental impact statements, budgets, and legislative proposals. 1996 Survey n The Survey was conducted at the request of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) on behalf of the States. In September 1994, the IAFWA recommended that the 1996 National Survey be similar to the one conducted in 1991 but at considerably less cost. Cost saving was achieved primarily by reducing sample sizes and combining the screen with the first detailed interview wave. 35 March 1999 Survey Content n 1996 Survey content was determined after extensive consultations with users. The following are types of data presented in National and State reports. Number of anglers, hunters, and nonconsumptive participants, by type of activity. Trips and days spent on different types of activities. Expenditures (trip, equipment, etc.), by type of fishing and hunting and nonconsumptive activity. Number of persons and days of participation by animal sought. Socio-demographic characteristics of participants (including age, income, sex, race, education). Number of participants owning or leasing land. Reports and Products n Preliminary information, May, July and August 1997. n National Report, November 1997. n 50 State Reports, March-July 1998. n 1996 National and State Economic Impacts of Wildlife Watching, April 1999. n 1996 Net Economic Values for Bass, Trout, and Walley Fishing, Deer, Elk and Moose Hunting, andWildlife Watching, August 1998. n CD-ROM disk with complete data base for personal computers. n Quick facts brochure. n Information is also available on the Internet. Improvements Several improvements have been made in the 1996 Survey. Three important ones are: n It is the first National Survey to use computer-assisted interviews, which increased interviewing efficiency and effectiveness; n Reporting information is more timely—preliminary information was released two months after it was collected; n Sample selection was more efficient by combining the screening interview with the first detailed interview. Planning 2001 Survey n An IAFWA subcommittee for planning the 2001 Survey will make its recommendation to the IAFWA Grants-in-Aid Committee in March 1999. March 1999 36 Management Assistance Team U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Division of Federal Aid MAT’s mission: to advance improved management of fish and wildlife agencies. n Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks: A 3-day workshop on principles developed by the Covey Leadership Center was recently presented by MAT to department personnel. Presenters coached participants on the personal and interpersonal levels of leadership development in a Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Workshop. n Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: MAT is assisting agency personnel in reaching agreement on a management fisheries plan for a major Tennessee reservoir. In a facilitated meeting, MAT helped introduce intensive public involvement strategies and assisted in agenda building and planning. n Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Working in cooperation with the Federal Aid Region One Office, MAT is helping these organizations explore the possibility of implementing Comprehensive Management System practices within their agencies. MAT recently conducted a CMS Workshop and planning session for these groups. Other States and territories utilizing MAT expertise in fiscal year 1999 include: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The team also continues work with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, regional associations of the IAFWA, National Conservation Training Center, Organization of Wildlife Planners, and Federal Aid Regional Offices. Technical Assistance Update Management Assistance Team personnel work as consultants to assist fish and wildlife professionals with a wide-range of management-related challenges. Because the team is funded by the Division of Federal Aid, there is no charge for MAT assistance for state fish and wildlife agencies or Federal Aid-affiliated offices. MAT personnel have worked with 21 State fish and wildlife agencies and two territories to date in fiscal year 1999. Highlights of the team’s recent technical assistance work include: n Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Nevada Department of Wildlife: Since July, MAT has conducted Leadership Development Workshops with these agencies. The goal of the program is to assist participating agencies in the development of their own leadership programs. Later this year, MAT personnel will conduct workshops for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Wyoming Game and Fish Department. A paper on the outcomes of MAT’s leadership development work will be presented at the upcoming North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. n Pennsylvania Game Commission: MAT continues work with the Commission to scope out targeted management concerns. The team is now undertaking a complete review process of the agency that includes a quantitative survey of Commission employees and on-site interviews. A final report on MAT’s findings is expected by this summer. 37 March 1999 MAT Rechartering Formal MAT rechartering activities are coming to a close. A cross-section of MAT stakeholders met at the team’s Fort Collins, Colorado offices in October and January to prepare formal rechartering recommendations. At their October meeting, the group adopted the name Partnership for Charting MAT’s Future. Partnership members include representatives from State Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Federal Aid Regional Offices; USFWS; International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; and the Organization of Wildlife Planners. The Partnership recently forwarded its recommendations to USFWS Director Jamie Rappaport Clark, USFWS Assistant Director for External Affairs Tom Melius, and Division of Federal Aid Chief Bob Lange for their consideration. Recommendations focused on the team’s existence, function, clientele, funding, and location. For a full report on the Partnership’s recommendations, contact MAT at 970/282 2000. Begun more than a year ago, rechartering efforts are aimed at examining how the team could improve services and, if indicated, refocus efforts to assist state agencies and other clients. State Communications Project MAT is conducting a project aimed at developing a framework for outreach/communication plan development within state fish and wildlife agencies. A publication is currently under development that includes examples of successful outreach activities within State fish and wildlife agencies and other affiliated groups. A planning model is included to assist outreach practitioners in formulating strategies for conducting effective communication programs. The publication is slated for distribution this summer. Broadening Constituencies and Funding Support One-on-one interviews with state fish and wildlife agency personnel from six states was recently concluded by MAT as part of a project aimed at identifying successful practices implemented by states to increase funding and broaden constituencies. More than 100 people affiliated with State fish and wildlife agencies in Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, Arkansas and Virginia provided feedback on what made their efforts successful. Factors that helped the agencies mount successful funding campaigns include: use of organized community groups as agency ambassadors and the focusing of campaign communications to one understandable message. MAT will present a paper discussing the project findings at the upcoming North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. March 1999 38 Training and Education Committee The goal of the National Federal Aid Training Program is to increase the knowledge, skills and abilities of state and federal personnel working in the Sport Fish Restoration and Wildlife Restoration programs. Established in 1995, the training program quickly demonstrated its ability to successfully address the mutual training needs of State and Federal grant partners. The demand and need for courses offered by our training program continues to grow as more participants complete the courses currently offered. The training program was further formalized in 1997 by funding a full time coordinator, located at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Current activities and offerings of the Training Program include the following: n Three Basic Grants Administration courses are planned and delivered per fiscal year. A distance learning version is being developed and is to be tested in July, 1999. n Coordination among NCTC and other Federal Aid and State training programs is occuring. (Region-3, Region-4 and Washington Office FAIMS group, for example.) n Recruiting and coordinating basic instructor training for Federal Aid instructors. n Two courses for Hunter Education project leaders have been developed and will be delivered at the Hunter Education Association’s annual meeting, June, 1999. n Conducted Group Systems facilitator training. n Providing on-line discussion/work site for course instructors and training partners. There are pressing needs to be filled: n A course for Federal Aid project leaders has been requested; n a basic Federal Aid Fiscal Management course has been identified as a priority but has yet to be developed; n other recognized National and Regional training needs need to be evaluated and coordinated so we can make the best use of staff and other resources, and n multiple groups such as Aquatic and Hunter Education staff, project leaders, fiscal staff, and others need to be given more attention and assistance in fulfilling those training needs that are compatible with ours. Other future needs demand and deserve our attention as well. Teaming With Wildlife will require a new cadre of Service and State staff who will need to be oriented and trained on policies and processes. This potentially very large program will require additional training resources. The FAIMS program for training may be coordinated through this training program after the initial FAIMS training is completed. Such other needs that continue to be identified and presented to us, such as NEPA, Hunter Education, Aquatic Education, Advanced Grants Management Procedures and Practices, OMB Circular Training and many others will need the attention of this group. The Training Coordinator, with the support and approval of the Committee, has developed budget recommendations, improvement suggestions and recommendations to be presented to the Federal Aid leadership for their approval. These will be available in the next Program Update. 39 March 1999 FY99 Outreach Plan The Team established several goals for the 1999 Fiscal Year including increasing industry use of Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration logos, enabling State agencies to implement Federal Aid outreach programs, and working with others on outreach campaigns. Increased program recognition and cooperation from industry and others are among the intended results. Projects The Team will reach these goals through celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program as well as the 50th anniversary of hunter education. Team presence at three major industry trade shows and increased communication with possible partners, State outreach, information and education personnel, and current partners will allow the Team to conduct a wide range of activities. Specific projects include a July, 1999, seminar at the Association for Conservation Information annual meeting, creation of a sourcebook of Federal Aid materials, as well as an extensive celebration of the anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program. National Federal Aid Outreach Team The Federal Aid Outreach program consists of several coordinated efforts to convey the benefits and accomplishments of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs. Recent passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century expanded outreach by creating a $36 million outreach and communications program targeting anglers and boaters. The National Federal Aid Outreach Team (Team), made up of Regional representatives and Washington Office staff, completes and implements annual outreach plans national in scope. Additionally, the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) is implementing several grants directed at increasing the knowledge of the Federal Aid Programs as well as determining future communications needs. The Team is also working closely with the project managers at the IAFWA. TEA-21 Outreach During the past 18 months, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council produced a Strategic National Outreach and Communications Plan. The program seeks to improve communications with the public about opportunities for fishing and boating, reduce barriers to participating in these activities, advance sound fishing and boating practices, promote the conservation of aquatic resources and advocate safety. The final strategic plan was delivered to the Secretary of the Interior in November and is currently under review by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a non-profit organization likely to implement the strategic plan, drafted operational policies as well as a proposal for implementing the plan, both of which are currently under review. March 1999 40 Automated Sportsman Data System (ASDS) The goal of this project is to help states automate their license systems with a point-of-sale (POS) type system, or any new system or procedure, that will improve the way they sell and account for licenses. This project is providing an information clearing house on what is happening in North America to assist them in making the best decisions about what they do. These new systems are not just selling licenses— they are creating a whole new accounts management system that will simplify the way local license agents do business with the states offices, will help the state agency better deal with other agencies and the Federal Aid Division. Most important of all, however, it will help state agencies better mange fish and wildlife, their primary function. The objectives of this project are to: n Survey all the states at to their ASDS interest and needs (completed); n Hold a national ASDS conference (completed); n Establish an ASDS information clearing house (on going); n Prepare an ASDS Handbook (work in progress). The most recent analysis indicates that 10 states and one province have automated their license systems: ID, KY, MD, MI, MO, NC, OH, OR, TX, WI AND ALBERTA, CANADA. Seven states have issued requests for proposals (RFPs); three states are about to do so. Six states have formed a consortium to develop a joint RFP in the hope of reducing costs, and other states have been invited to join. Based upon present actions and intentions, it is expected that by the end of 1999 half of the States will be automating their license systems! 41 March 1999 Federal Aid Information Management System (FAIMS) As we go to press, the FAIMS Team is meeting away from the Washington Office. The latest information is not readily available. Full details and projections for future activities will be available in the next Program Update. Background The need for an information management system has become apparent over the past few years due to a number of factors: n Existing fiscal and accomplishment reporting systems were suffering from aging technology and/or inherent system design problems. These systems and other Regional-specific systems fostered redundant and inefficient data entry processes, redundant, and sometimes erroneous data sets and inadequate coordination; n New grant programs came on-line and existing systems could not easily accommodate them, if at all; and, n Finally, the continuously evolving and changing business environment created such an enormous gap from Federal Aid’s existing systems that an effort had to be made to improve the ADP infrastructure, modernize our business practices, and take advantage of new and emerging technologies. Action In March of 1996, a team was formally established to head up the development of the Federal Aid Information Management System. The team is charged with leading and coordinating efforts to develop an information management system within the Division that modernizes our ADP systems, improves our business practices and procedures, and improves coordination and information sharing—internally and externally. The expected duration of this charge is two years with the realization that adjustments can be made as further details of this project emerge. The team held a number of scoping meetings to gather information to help define the structure of this new system. The team has: n Completed Project Charters (internal Service requirement for the development of any ADP system) for FAIMS and adjunct components; n Developed a project time-line; n Documented Federal Aid data flow processes, business rules, and data storage requirements; n Conducted systems analysis and design, modeling, software development and prototyping; n Created a FAIMS prototype and demonstrated this prototype to end-users and the ARDs; March 1999 42 n Developed a finalized systems requirements document that all User Acceptance Teams and ARDs accepted and signed-off on; n Created a FAIMS Web site and Internet-based project collaboration sites to facilitate national communication, coordination, and resolution of complex issues among all the members of the five component teams; n Procured, installed and configured various hardware and software platforms and tools to support systems development, team communication and coordination, and to benchmark performance; n Attended a number of Regional, State Coordinators, IRM, NGO, and other project-related meetings to gather and share FAIMS-related information; and n Procured contract support services to assist with the software development activities. Results The team invested considerable time and effort to update the existing fiscal and accomplishment reporting systems in order to meet ongoing Federal Aid minimal data storage, processing, and reporting requirements while FAIMS is being developed. User teams—having been established to help identify and shape specialized Federal Aid needs viz. Grants Management and Accomplishment Reporting, Fiscal, Lands Acquisition, Contact, and Log Management activities— met, identified, prioritized, and finalized system requirements which were subsequently officially approved by the ARDs. The FAIMS Team completed systems analysis and design tasks and the development of software code for Version 1.1 of FAIMS. The system was initially deployed on January 11th for training purposes and all Regional Federal Aid staff were to be trained by January 22nd. The FAIMS data was reconverted from the legacy systems after training to resolve data discrepancies noted during training and Regions signed-off on data conversion. Development of Phase 2 is currently underway. This Phase will complete tasks not completed in Phase 1 and develop the capabilities for Electronic Grant transfer. FAIMS Team William Conlin 703-358 1843 Washington Office Dara Esfandiary 703/358 2156 Washington Office Randy Flowers 404/679 4159, Region-4 Pete Hitchcock 612/725 3596 Region-3 Robert Vega 404/679 4159 (WO)/Region-4 Luther Zachary 404/679 4159 (WO)/Region-4 43 March 1999 Fish and Wildlife Reference Service The Fish and Wildlife Reference Service (FWRS) provides timely and direct access to unique information not available from other sources. Upon request, FWRS even provides full text copis of documents rather than summaries or citations. FWRS provides access to the information that biologists and users in related areas need to answer their technical and biological questions. FWRS serves two main user groups: Cooperators are employees of State, Federal or Native American agencies with an interest in natural resources. Clients are all other persons who have a need for or interest in Fish and Wildlife Reference Service material. All services are available to both types of users. The FWRS processed over 6,800 document orders and over 110 literature searches during 1998. Photocopy and microfiche orders from Cooperator agencies resulted in 562,286 pages of photo-copies, (5,606 orders) and 2,913pages of microfiche (341 orders). An additional 123,843 pages of photocopies and 380 pages of microfiche were produced for 670 document orders from Clients. Turnaround time for document orders averaged one to five days in comparison to the contract-required 10-day turnaround time. Approximately 1,400 new documents were added to the Reference Service databases during 1999. The Reference Service can be contacted at: 5430 Grosvenor Lane Suite 110 Bethesda, MD 20814 800/582 3421 The reference service web site contains all five of the FWRS databases at: http://fa.r9.fws.gov/ textbase/testmenu.htm/ Information on FWRS services can be found at: http://fa.r9.fws.gov/ r9fwrs. Financial Review Part A 45 March 1999 Wildlife Restoration Receipts Funding sources that supports Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and Hunter Education Programs Revenue 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total Source Sport Arms and Ammo $2,359,520,734 $121,790,516 $112,973,773 $125,891,226 $2,720,176,249 Pistols & Revolvers $ 672,975,747 $ 39,402,257 $ 35,542,697 $ 38,505,014 $ 786,425,715 Archery Equipment $ 224,403,205 $ 18,278,953 $ 19,753,501 $ 15,335,791 $ 282,189,160 Total $3,256,899,686 $179,471,726 $168,269,971 $179,732,031 $3,784,373,414 n The FY 97 collections include $599,892 in adjusted FY 96 receipts for arms, ammunition and archery equipment. Sport Fish Resortation Receipts Funding source that supports the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration, Coastal Wetlands, and Clean Vessel Act programs. Revenue 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total Source Fishing Tackle & Equipment $1,340,345,870 $ 98,253,000 $ 90,374,511 $ 94,543,000 $1,623,516,381 Trolling Motors & Fish Finders $ 24,077,028 $ 2,573,000 $ 2,954,000 $ 1,774,000 $ 31,388,028 Motorboat Fuels $ 717,406,451 $ 127,199,085 $142,060,409 $ 114,358,218 $1,101,024,163 Small Engine Fuels $ 240,678,000 $ 53,330,000 $ 56,851,952 $ 48,269,000 $ 399,128,952 Import Duties: Pleasure Boat & Fishing Equip. $ 284,139,885 $ 28,103,356 $ 32,943574 $ 59,767,233 $ 404,954,048 Interest on Investments $ 261,285,318 $ 40,813,652 $ 47,581,392 $ 53,225,683 $ 402,906,045 Total $2,867,942,552 $ 350,272,093 $ 372,765,838 $ 371,937,134 $3,962,917,617 March 1999 46 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Funds for Fiscal Year 1998 Wildlife Restoration Hunter Education Total ALABAMA 2,101,918 649,571 2,751,489 ALASKA 6,358,014 276,481 6,634,495 ARIZONA 3,023,218 589,228 3,612,446 ARKANSAS 2,347,373 276,481 2,623,854 CALIFORNIA 4,536,173 829,443 5,365,616 COLORADO 3,497,801 529,612 4,027,413 CONNECTICUT 635,801 528,442 1,164,243 DELAWARE 635,801 276,481 912,282 FLORIDA 1,827,066 829,443 2,656,509 GEORGIA 2,527,459 829,443 3,356,902 HAWAII 635,801 276,481 912,282 IDAHO 2,615,607 276,481 2,892,088 ILLINOIS 2,435,883 829,443 3,265,326 INDIANA 1,912,167 829,443 2,741,610 IOWA 2,197,061 446,395 2,643,456 KANSAS 2,347,855 276,481 2,624,336 KENTUCKY 1,928,544 592,454 2,520,998 LOUISIANA 1,949,070 678,409 2,627,479 MAINE 1,431,925 276,481 1,708,406 MARYLAND 770,840 768,676 1,539,516 MASSACHUSETTS 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 MICHIGAN 4,993,737 829,443 5,823,180 MINNESOTA 3,897,632 703,347 4,600,979 MISSISSIPPI 1,913,723 413,674 2,327,397 MISSOURI 3,215,092 822,628 4,037,720 MONTANA 4,113,379 276,481 4,389,860 NEBRASKA 2,321,570 276,481 2,598,051 NEVADA 2,452,035 276,481 2,728,516 NEW HAMPSHIRE 635,801 276,481 12,282 NEW JERSEY 635,801 829,443 1,465,244 NEW MEXICO 2,853,690 276,481 3,130,171 NEW YORK 3,841,533 829,443 4,670,976 NORTH CAROLINA 2,453,319 829,443 3,282,762 NORTH DAKOTA 1,850,195 276,481 2,126,676 OHIO 2,976,061 829,443 3,805,504 OKLAHOMA 2,481,372 505,689 2,987,061 OREGON 3,214,382 456,936 3,671,318 PENNSYLVANIA 5,341,253 829,443 6,170,696 RHODE ISLAND 635,801 276,481 912,282 SOUTH CAROLINA 1,483,557 560,528 2,044,085 SOUTH DAKOTA 2,406,689 276,481 2,683,170 TENNESSEE 3,167,318 784,064 3,951,382 TEXAS 6,358,014 829,443 7,187,457 UTAH 2,515,875 276,481 2,792,356 VERMONT 635,801 276,481 912,282 VIRGINIA 2,159,335 829,443 2,988,778 WASHINGTON 2,359,031 782,377 3,141,408 WEST VIRGINIA 1,595,850 276,481 1,872,331 WISCONSIN 4,340,213 786,408 5,126,621 WYOMING 2,477,500 276,481 2,753,981 PUERTO RICO 635,801 0 635,801 GUAM 211,934 46,080 258,014 VIRGIN ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 AMERICAN SAMOA 211,934 46,080 258,014 N. MARIANA ISLANDS 211,934 46,080 258,014 TOTAL 127,160,274 27,648,099 154,808,373 47 March 1999 Final Apportionment of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds for Fiscal Year 1998 ALABAMA 3,958,695 ALASKA 13,601,422 ARIZONA 5,718,356 ARKANSAS 4,478,514 CALIFORNIA 13,601,422 COLORADO 6,951,514 CONNECTICUT 2,720,284 DELAWARE 2,720,284 FLORIDA 6,814,742 GEORGIA 5,047,096 HAWAII 2,720,284 IDAHO 4,617,060 ILLINOIS 5,658,102 INDIANA 4,083,833 IOWA 3,681,530 KANSAS 4,004,336 KENTUCKY 4,072,388 LOUISIANA 4,781,270 MAINE 2,720,284 MARYLAND 2,925,085 MASSACHUSETTS 2,720,284 MICHIGAN 9,590,104 MINNESOTA 10,199,644 MISSISSIPPI 3,464,214 MISSOURI 7,024,808 MONTANA 6,443,747 NEBRASKA 3,651,577 NEVADA 4,216,079 NEW HAMPSHIRE 2,720,284 NEW JERSEY 2,720,284 NEW MEXICO 5,078,055 NEW YORK 6,814,704 NORTH CAROLINA 4,362,967 NORTH DAKOTA 2,720,284 OHIO 6,480,378 OKLAHOMA 5,204,223 OREGON 6,333,898 PENNSYLVANIA 7,210,860 RHODE ISLAND 2,720,284 SOUTH CAROLINA 3,422,663 SOUTH DAKOTA 3,434,336 TENNESSEE 5,748,267 TEXAS 13,601,422 UTAH 5,038,107 VERMONT 2,720,284 VIRGINIA 4,270,210 WASHINGTON 6,071,831 WEST VIRGINIA 2,720,284 WISCONSIN 8,749,943 WYOMING 4,443,821 PUERTO RICO 2,720,284 GUAM 906,762 VIRGIN ISLANDS 906,762 AMERICAN SAMOA 906,762 N. MARIANA ISLANDS 906,762 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 906,762 TOTAL 272,028,441 March 1999 48 Number of Paid Hunting License Holders, License Sales, and Cost to Hunters—Fiscal Year 1997 Resident Hunting Nonresident Hunting Total Hunting Paid Hunting Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Gross Cost State License Holders* Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps** To Hunters ALABAMA 266,386 262,678 38,360 301,038 $6,965,350 ALASKA 101,306 189,921 32,248 222,169 9,053,782 ARIZONA 180,733 319,719 29,765 349,484 7,697,659 ARKANSAS 319,402 494,314 60,363 554,677 10,898,010 CALIFORNIA 328,824 859,306 8,925 868,231 13,844,148 COLORADO 352,823 CONNECTICUT 63,883 138,685 7,665 146,350 1,749,778 DELAWARE 21,988 32,963 2,277 35,240 500,919 FLORIDA, 205,939 377,861 4,342 382,203 5,793,813 GEORGIA 342,110 869,494 55,913 925,407 12,329,396 HAWAII 10,074 10,311 166 10,477 114,922 IDAHO 234,401 857,820 71,168 928,988 17,525,199 ILLINOIS 320,657 1,194,577 48,626 1,243,203 12,311,251 INDIANA 287,443 706,075 19,505 725,580 9,045,569 IOWA 271,695 700,845 115,735 816,580 12,703,103 KANSAS 178,203 138,973 39,230 178,203 8,677,459 KENTUCKY 271,364 561,321 16,608 577,929 9,231,891 LOUISIANA 266,746 569,268 21,946 591,214 6,598,784 MAINE 196,822 170,011 39,009 209,020 7,594,471 MARYLAND 140,859 189,430 19,491 208,921 3,971,621 MASSACHUSETTS 83,443 254,417 5,074 259,491 2,655,599 MICHIGAN 952,584 2,557,828 42,306 2,600,134 26,371,911 MINNESOTA 555,630 1,029,704 15,437 1,045,141 18,764,488 MISSISSIPPI 242,854 246,770 38,445 285,215 7,618,121 MISSOURI 515,379 1,097,935 46,429 1,144,364 13,805,221 MONTANA 284,697 658,895 121,895 780,790 21,867,563 NEBRASKA 189,364 343,765 58,330 402,095 6,867,951 NEVADA 55,380 82,646 8,871 91,517 2,531,627 NEW HAMPSHIRE 81,477 135,027 26,861 161,888 2,736,861 NEW JERSEY 105,931 301,630 15,128 316,758 6,315,756 NEW MEXICO 106,909 122,779 20,527 143,306 10,000,000 NEW YORK 709,054 1,509,701 57,617 1,567,318 17,977,644 NORTH CAROLINA 353,606 443,481 23,241 466,722 7,940,586 NORTH DAKOTA 116,914 374,957 79,192 454,149 5,137,239 OHIO 528,703 1,180,387 11,751 1,192,138 22,543,970 OKLAHOMA 275,424 293,058 7,964 301,022 6,069,839 OREGON 317,072 1,282,307 43,898 1,326,205 15,905,880 PENNSYLVANIA 1,091,568 2,472,535 129,559 2,602,094 26,214,612 RHODE ISLAND 13,196 29,740 3,928 33,668 268,000 SOUTH CAROLINA 223,123 215,498 55,921 271,419 6,748,302 SOUTH DAKOTA 214,133 348,490 86,063 434,553 8,760,340 TENNESSEE 600,117 875,515 35,265 910,780 13,017,768 TEXAS 942,359 1,199,169 47,251 1,246,420 23,570,980 UTAH 191,745 454,375 16,344 470,719 9,650,330 VERMONT 94,247 148,567 22,402 170,969 2,616,589 VIRGINIA 331,559 831,786 45,383 877,169 11,560,476 WASHINGTON 235,477 594,089 7,452 601,541 11,512,596 WEST VIRGINIA 279,245 236,331 42,914 279,245 8,719,070 WISCONSIN 739,345 1,880,495 46,719 1,927,214 30,110,889 WYOMING 114,633 158,848 60,571 219,419 14,544,504 TOTALS*** 14,906,826 30,004,297 1,854,080 31,858,377 $519,011,836 * A paid license holder is one individual regardless of the number of licenses purchased. (Data certified by State Fish and Game Departments.) ** Period covered not identified to period covered by certification for all States. ***Persons who hunted in more than one State are counted in each State where they hunted. 49 March 1999 Number of Paid Fishing License Holders, License Sales, and Cost to Anglers—Fiscal Year 1997 Resident Fishing Nonresident Fishing Total Fishing Paid Fishing Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Licenses, Tags, Gross Cost State License Holders* Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps Permits & Stamps** To Anglers ALABAMA 465,877 400,537 102,784 503,321 $6,199,523 ALASKA 408,999 266,393 362,423 628,816 10,974,077 ARIZONA 452,331 442,110 192,417 634,527 6,808,116 ARKANSAS 579,949 485,194 194,439 679,633 6,697,500 CALIFORNIA 2,216,894 2,813,763 47,568 2,861,331 44,849,678 COLORADO 756,355 CONNECTICUT 174,602 164,213 10,389 174,602 2,292,169 DELAWARE 26,328 29,271 4,857 34,128 269,735 FLORIDA, 1,021,856 1,034,358 457,946 1,492,304 19,557,518 GEORGIA 631,436 722,831 75,132 797,963 7,440,398 HAWAII 6,304 6,202 291 6,493 20,347 IDAHO 406,506 329,936 175,862 505,798 5,647,322 ILLINOIS 762,994 802,390 36,571 838,961 9,388,527 INDIANA 600,626 571,861 90,671 662,532 6,609,511 IOWA 395,509 387,710 40,382 428,092 4,685,360 KANSAS 322,350 248,779 73,571 322,350 4,558,234 KENTUCKY 565,801 509,408 117,280 626,688 7,767,361 LOUISIANA 588,595 1,099,590 362,175 1,461,765 8,304,434 MAINE 246,070 173,325 85,015 258,340 6,977,643 MARYLAND 353,887 421,006 82,852 503,858 4,761,719 MASSACHUSETTS 180,581 344,621 18,196 362,817 4,639,786 MICHIGAN 1,306,588 1,313,695 132,230 1,445,925 22,102,669 MINNESOTA 1,499,317 1,119,717 237,409 1,357,126 20,319,410 MISSISSIPPI 398,032 375,249 79,972 455,221 4,877,434 MISSOURI 966,007 1,267,849 299,693 1,567,542 10,628,110 MONTANA 372,096 244,660 318,050 562,710 7,678,314 NEBRASKA 222,635 235,774 28,519 264,293 3,156,253 NEVADA 160,130 212,154 45,130 257,284 2,975,239 NEW HAMPSHIRE 166,985 114,329 56,704 171,033 3,571,449 NEW JERSEY 227,689 327,679 13,104 340,783 4,705,397 NEW MEXICO 247,608 170,769 84,438 255,207 39,000,000 NEW YORK 1,040,132 882,721 158,332 1,041,053 13,568,950 NORTH CAROLINA 547,727 585,340 53,859 639,199 10,988,756 NORTH DAKOTA 133,589 118,331 18,184 136,515 1,175,887 OHIO 1,090,031 978,648 113,132 1,091,780 16,603,615 OKLAHOMA 646,337 467,663 94,556 562,219 7,760,266 OREGON 678,377 810,949 188,179 999,128 12,369,052 PENNSYLVANIA 1,093,208 1,652,527 136,290 1,788,817 19,513,747 RHODE ISLAND 34,920 50,349 3,807 54,156 421,979 SOUTH CAROLINA 510,324 504,469 84,438 588,907 5,455,158 SOUTH DAKOTA 233,225 259,478 81,124 340,602 2,937,308 TENNESSEE 962,760 1,000,101 194,487 1,194,588 11,548,480 TEXAS 1,434,447 1,992,367 105,286 2,097,653 32,817,539 UTAH 462,530 540,096 214,497 754,593 7,454,608 VERMONT 96,793 81,395 50,978 132,373 2,080,281 VIRGINIA 645,057 742,840 86,153 828,993 9,177,892 WASHINGTON 867,831 811,172 57,788 868,960 13,083,766 WEST VIRGINIA 311,830 273,046 38,784 311,830 4,696,015 WISCONSIN 1,401,050 1,130,982 321,235 1,452,217 21,517,051 WYOMING 267,432 119,856 328,681 448,537 5,999,522 TOTALS*** 29,88,537 29,637,703 6,155,860 35,793,563 $486,633,104 * A paid license holder is one individual regardless of the number of licenses purchased. (Data certified by State Fish and Game Departments.) ** Period covered not identified to period covered by certification for all States. ***Persons who fished in more than one State are counted in each State where they fished. March 1999 50 Deductions for Administration Wildlife Restoration Program Sport Fish Restoration Program Fiscal Year Amount Percent Amount Percent 1939-77 $40,471,278 - $14,561,237 - 1978 4,889,316 7.2 2,031,887 7.7 1979 3,818,633 4.1 1,369,505 4.8 1980 4,974,102 5.3 2,417,772 7.9 1981 7,250,651 7.9 2,690,051 8.0 1982 4,927,999 4.0 1,973,626 6.2 1983 4,394,029 3.9 2,201,798 6.3 1984 5,256,702 5.6 2,325,466 5.9 1985 6,772,254 7.9 3,025,995 7.9 1986 8,528,516 7.1 7,267,378 5.9 1987 6,487,540 5.9 5,855,884 4.2 1988 5,189,251 5.9 5,373,398 4.2 1989 7,534,070 6.0 7,162,802 3.8 1990 9,994,000 7.9 10,391,000 5.4 1991 13,683,734 8.0 12,541,280 5.9 1992 9,958,217 6.2 12,514,431 5.8 1993 11,888,000 7.5 11,714,000 5.2 1994 11,297,000 6.2 10,573,000 5.7 1995 14,012,598 6.3 12,750,084 6.0 1996 14,326,972 6.6 12,583,206 6.0 1997 13,681,466 7.6 13,994,166 5.0 1998 13,461,598 8.0 17,363,517 6.0 1999 14,378,562 8.0 13,559,307 6.0 Total $210,033,424 $154,883,107 51 March 1999 Federal Aid Audit Schedule REGION FY 96 FY 97 FY 98 FY 99 FY 2000 1 CA WA ID NV HI OR AS NMI Guam 2 TX OK AZ NM 3 IN IL* IL MN OH IA MI MO WI 4 NC MAR FL MS SC GA TN FL-MAR MS-MAR SC-MAR GA-MAR PR AR KY AL LA VI AL-MAR NC 5 CT NY MA DC DE RI NH ME MD VT NJ ME-MAR VA WV PA-WL VA-MAR PA-SF 6 WY UT NE ND KS CO** MT SD 7 0 AK TOTAL 7 16 14 16 13 Grand Total 66 Comments The above schedule was based upon input from the States & Regional Ofcs. Each State should receive a Federal Aid Grant Audit once every five years. Partial audits may be conducted in the interim. This is a planning document only. *Partial Audit **OIG Audit all others are DCAA March 1999 52 Status of DCAA Audits Nineteen audits have been completed, nine are completed in draft and ten are in progress as of December 31, 1998. The status of audits is presented below with the anticipated completion dates for the audits currently in draft status. Summary State I. Completed Audits: AK, CA, CO, CT, FL, FL-Mar, IN, LA, MO(1), MS-Mar, NC-Mar, NY, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY II. Draft Audit Reports: AmSam, AR, ID, IL(2), IA, MT, NE, OR, PR III. On-going Fieldwork: IL, MA, MI, MS, NH, NJ, NC, TX, VT, WV IV. Planned Audits: See Federal Aid Audit Schedule (FY 1999) 1. Special Purpose Audit limited to License Certification. 2. Audit related to Special Issues in Illinois. DOI/OIG has not accepted this report. Contents of this report will be included in the overall Illinois audit which began January 1998. 53 March 1999 V. Summary of On-going and Planned Audits AM SAM Report to be issued during May 1999. AR Report to be issued during Feb. 1999. ID Report to be issued during Apr. 1999. IA Report to be issued during Jan. 1999. MT Report to be issued during Mar. 1999. NE Report to be issued during Feb. 1999. OR Report to be issued during Mar. 1999. PR Report to be issued during Mar. 1999. IL Audit in progress. MA Audit in progress. MI Audit in progress. MS Audit in progress. NH Audit in progress. NJ Audit in progress. NC Audit in progress. TX Audit in progress. VT Audit in progress. WV Audit in progress. VI. Trends and Weaknesses Noted in Completed and On-going Audits. license issues eliminating duplicate licenses, problems in collecting license revenue. accounting systems reconciliations between systems, inadequate systems, poor audit trails. internal controls weaknesses in time and activity reporting. program income tracking/accounting for program income. in-kind match inconsistencies in utilizing in-kind match. new legislation that places State in diversion and does not return income to grant. leases/MOU’s that allow loss of control over assets and funding of ineligible activities. out-of-period costs overbilling for out-of-period costs. 3 percent limit administrative costs that exceed the 3 percent limit for administration. subrecipients weaknesses in monitoring subrecipients compliance— cost overruns. expenditure grant versus project level accounting accounting motor pools excessive amounts for vehicle use charges potential potential Hatch Act violations, irregularities investigations ineligible costs law enforcement costs ineligible activities incompatible land uses similar grant awards transfer of costs from a grant funded by another agency is a FA grant Financial Review Part B 55 March 1999 FY 98 Actual Gross Receipts (in millions $) Wildlife Restoration Category FY 94 FY 95 FY 96 FY 97 FY 98 Pistols/Revolvers 68 54 40 35 39 Firearms 75 74 74 64 72 Ammo 69 58 48 49 54 Bows/Arrows 17 30 18 20 15 Total 229 216 180 168 180 Sport Fish Restoration Category FY 94 FY 95 FY 96 FY 97 FY 98 Motorboat Fuels 93 95 127 142 114 Gas-Small 50 51 53 57 48 Engines Fishing Equipment 93 96 98 90 95 Sonar 2 2 3 3 2 Import Duties 25 27 28 33 60 Interest 22 33 41 48 53 Total 285 304 350 373 372 Gross Receipts/Revised Forecast for FY 98 (in millions $) Wildlife Restoration Category FY 99 FY 2000 Pistols/Revolvers 41 43 Firearms 74 76 Ammo 56 58 Bows/Arrows 23 24 Total 194 201 Sport Fish Restoration Category FY 99 FY 2000 Gas-Motorboat 141 115 Fishing Equipment 98 100 Electric Sonar 2 2 Import Duties 38 38 Gas-Small Engines 71 60 Interest 45 46 Total 395 361 March 1999 56 Comments These revised estimates are based upon the FY98 actual receipts, are subject to change, and SHOULD NOT be used to predict the total collections for the fiscal year. Reporting problems with IRS on Bows and Arrows still continue. This matter should be resolved soon. Comments These revised estimates are subject to change and SHOULD NOT be used to predict the final collections for the fiscal year. 57 March 1999 Federal Aid Cash Management Analysis of FY 98 Transactions Investment and Account Analysis (in millions $) Transaction Wildlife Restoration Sport Fish Restoration Balance Sept. 30, 98 $ 397 $ 865 Receipts Sept. 30, 98 180 372 Total $ 577 $1,237 Disbursements Oct 97-Sept. 98 Federal Aid/States (160) (239) Corps of Engineers 0 ( 23) Coast Guard 0 ( 20) North American 0 ( 10) — — Total Disbursements $ (160) $ (292) Balance Sept. 30, 98 $ 417 $ 945 March 1999 58 Summary FY 96–98 Federal Aid Cash Management Analysis of Accounts, Cost Recovery Initiatives and Investments (in millions $) Fiscal Year Program Amount Initiative/Analysis Status 96 WL & SF $ .7M Account analysis-recoveries in WO. completed (administrative accounts) 97 SF $ 4.5M Analysis of apportionments FY 93–95; completed (understated in FY 95-$7.4M) (overstated in FY 93-$1.9M & FY94-$.9M.) 97 WL & SF $ 1.5M Recoveries- Bureau of Census. completed (National Survey—reduced costs.) 97 WL & SF $ .6M Account analysis—IRS errors. completed (Bows & Arrows excise taxes.) 97 WL & SF $ 2.8M Account analysis—prior years. completed (Grant accounts—deobligations/ recoveries) 98 WL & SF $ 105.0M* Account analysis—prior years. on-going (Grant accounts—deobligations/recoveries). An error correction has been made 98 WL & SF $ .2M Account analysis—recoveries in WO. completed (adminsitrative accounts) 98 WL & SF $ .2M Recoveries—HHS audits. completed 98 SF $ 21.5M** Account Analysis—Customs Study. completed (determining final number (under or unreported import duties) 98 SF $ 1.0M Additional reverse (???) on-going 98 SF $ 7.0M Projection of additional interest from completed consolidation of investments. Total $ 85.4M*** *This $105.0 is derived from reconciliation of the three accounting systems in use by FA (FFS, FAPALS, HHS PMS). The correction effort spans two fiscal years and includes approximately $15-20M of returned funds through deobligation of old grants and reobligation of new grants to States. ** This $21.5 is the result of a Customs Study and generates approximately an additional $200,000 monthly from tariff items not previously reported. ***This total does not include $23.2M recovered from the Service Migratory Bird Program because of a special study by FA staff involving arms and ammunition for a nine-year period. 59 March 1999 Federal Cash Management Status of Investments—Interest Earned FY 98 Wildlife Restoration Dates Investments Interest Earned* Balance 9-30-97 $ 396,820,000.00 $ 24,352,229.51 Balance 9-30-98 $ 416,761,000.00 $ 24,506,654.56 * The investments are made to generally mature at fiscal year end; therefore the majority of the interest will be recognized at that time. Sport Fish Restoration Dates Investments Interest Earned* Balance 9-30-97 $ 865,262,149.32 $ 47,581,391.68 Balance 9-30-98 $ 945,399,283.61 $ 53,225,682.96 * The investments are made to generally mature at fiscal year end; therefore the majority of the interest will be recognized at that time. Summary—Total Balances as of 9-30-98 Program Investments Interest Earned* Wildlife Restoration $ 416,761,000.00 $ 24,506,654.56 Sport Fish Restoration $ 945,399,283.61 $ 53,225,682.96 Total $1,362,160,283.61 $ 77,732,337.52 March 1999 60 Federal Aid—Cash Management Fiscal Year Investments Interest Earned* Cash Transfers to States Wildlife Sport Fish Total Wildlife Sport Fish Total Banks Transfers Amount* 1986 0 285 285 0 14 14 52 753 174 1987 0 314 314 0 15 15 54 771 209 1988 0 384 384 0 24 24 54 911 247 1989 0 428 428 0 32 32 56 1,115 291 1990 245 441 686 7 35 42 79 538 73 1991 282 511 793 12 36 48 87 1,735 283 1992 201 535 736 14 35 49 93 2,181 360 1993 217 533 750 7 19 26 97 2,236 359 1994 278 588 866 8 22 30 98 2,241 364 1995 483 643 1,126 24 39 63 98 2,464 397 1996 456 745 1,201 24 41 65 98 2,411 410 1997 397 865 1,262 24 47 71 99 2,484 417 1998 417 945 1,362 25 53 78 99 2,498 441 General Comments All figures are as of fiscal year end. Investments do not include Exxon Valdez $ ($50M in fines) initially developed and managed by Federal Aid. Many times during the fiscal year the total Federal Aid Investments exceed a billion $. SMARTLINK Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) was implemented in late 1989. *millions $ Program History 63 March 1999 The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) Program serves as a model user-pays, user-benefits program. As enacted into law in 1950, the SFR Act (referred to at the time as the Dingell-Johnson Act for its congressional sponsors) applied a 10 percent manufacturer’s excise tax on fishing rods, reels, creels, and artificial baits, lures, and flies. These taxes were collected by the U.S. Treasury and then transferred to the Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Aid (prior to the creation of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund in 1984) as a permanent, indefinite appropriation for distribution among the States and insular territories. SFR funds were to be used solely for projects that would enhance sport fish restoration efforts. Each State’s share of these two-year funds is based 60 percent on its number of licensed fishermen and 40 percent on its land and water area. No State may receive more than five percent or less than one percent of each year’s total apportionment. Puerto Rico receives one percent, and the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia each receive one-third of one percent. Except in the insular territories, States may use Federal funds for up to 75 percent of the cost of every SFR project with remaining funds coming from State match. Prior to apportioning SFR funds to the States, the Service is allowed to deduct up to six percent to administer the program. With these administrative funds, the Service assures State’s adherence to the SFR Act, provides technical assistance, and sets performance standards for and monitors progress of State projects. Up to $2.5 million of these funds are also available annually for outreach and communications projects as specified in TEA21. Each State independently selects, plans, and performs the necessary project work. In 1984, the excise tax was extended due to efforts lead by then Representative John Breaux of Louisiana and Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming to include tackle boxes and other types of recreational fishing equipment. A three percent tax was applied to electric trolling motors and flasher-type sonar fish finders and import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats. Use of a minimum of 10 percent (now 15% due to TEA21) of SFR funds apportioned to the States for motorboat access was mandated. The use of up to 10 percent (also changed to 15% by TEA21) of SFR State-apportioned funds for aquatic education was allowed. Coastal States were required to distribute “new monies” from the 1984 amendments equitably among fresh and saltwater projects. This wording was changed to include all appropriations going to coastal States in 1988. In addition, a portion of the existing Federal tax on motorboat fuels was identified to be deposited in the newly created ARTF from which the Service’s SFR Program is funded as is the Boating Safety Account. Fiscal Year 1986 was the first year he increased SFR receipts were available to the States with the State apportionment equaling $109,959,300 for that year (equaled $38,085,995 for Fiscal Year 1985). For FY 1999, $372,766,000 is available in the SFR Account with $212,429,143 being apportioned to the States to support sport fish management and restoration, including aquatic education and fishing access. In many States, SFR funds represent more than half of the entire State’s fishery budget. The passage of TEA21 reaffirmed Congressional support for this model user-pay, user-benefits program. TEA21 changes in this program, starting in 1999, include provision of $5 million to be available for a new Outreach and March 1999 64 Communications Program to improve communications with anglers, boaters and the general public regarding angling and boating opportunities, to reduce barriers to participation in these activities, to advance adoption of sound fishing and boating practices, to promote conservation and the responsible use of the Nation’s aquatic resources, and to further safety in fishing and boating. Funding for this program will increase by $1 million annually until 2003 when Program funding will increase to $10 million Starting in 2000 through 2003, $8 million will be available annually for qualified projects under the new Boating Infrastructure Program. This program is designed to provide funds to States for the development and maintenance of public facilities such as slips, mooring buoys, day docks and navigational aids for transient nontrailerable (Over 26 feet in length) recreational vessels. Motorboat fuels taxes transferred to the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (ARTF) prior to October 1, 2005, will increase by a projected $151 million. Currently, the amount of Federal gasoline tax transferred to the ARTF from the Highway Trust Fund, representing fuel used by boaters, is calculated using 11.5 cents per gallon of gas. On October 1, 2001, this figure will increase to 13 cents per gallon of gas, and on October 1, 2003 through October 1, 2005, the figure used will be 13.5 cents. This increase will translate to an additional $151 million being available for purposes of the Sport Fish Restoration Act prior to October 1, 2005, bringing the total motorboat fuel taxes transferred to the ARTF for the seven year period to $1.2 billion. In 1990, the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act was passed to acquire, restore, and enhance coastal wetlands (only coastal States and insular territories are eligible). This Act transferred a percentage of the Federal gasoline tax based on use of gasoline by “small engines” (lawnmowers, snowblowers, string trimmers, etc.) through the ARTF to the SFR Account. An amount equal to these funds or 18 percent of SFR receipts for a given year (whichever is greater) is to be distributed annually as follows: 1) 70 percent to the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Restoration Program; 2) 15 percent to support the North American Wetlands Conservation Act; and 3) 15 percent to the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program. TEA21 extended this program through 2005. TEA21 earmarked the SFR Account to provide additional funds for State boating safety programs ($64 million for FY 1999) and for a competitive grant program for States which requires a 25 percent State match to construct pumpout and dump station facilities for disposal of human waste from recreational boats ($10 million for FY 1999 through 2003). The minimum percentage of State allocations to be invested in boating access and facilities projects was increased from 12.5 percent to 15 percent for each State. Also, the States are provided five years in which to obligate their 12.5 percent boating access monies. The impact the SFR Program has had on sport fishing nationwide is huge. Over the past 45 years, total State apportionments under the SFR Program have been in excess of $2.8 billion. These funds have helped to build or reclaim more than 1,200 fishing or boating access sites; to purchase over 260,000 acres for boating, fishing and fish production; and to fund research and inventory projects resulting in better ways to manage fish populations. A few specific projects funded in full or in part by SFR funds demonstrate the diverse benefits of this program. The Tackle Loaner Program lets children borrow fishing equipment at 400 community centers such as libraries while being exposed to aquatic educational materials, fishing ethics, etc. The 1-800-ASK-FISH program provides toll-free information regarding fishing locations, license information, fishing reports, etc. SFR-funded research has helped develop a rapid DNA-based detection technique for the organism that causes whirling disease in salmonids—a disease which poses a threat to most of our nation’s trout populations. Lake Erie was considered a dead lake but today, partly due to SFR funds, it boasts an outstanding walleye fishery that contributes significantly to the economy of the surrounding area. With the use of SFR funds, a brown trout fishery was created in the Mountain Fork River in Oklahoma, which resulted in the catch of a new State record brown trout weighing seven pounds and 12 ounces. As of 1996, 18 percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older (over 35 million anglers) spent an average of 17.7 days fishing. Surveys conducted in the central and southwestern States revealed that when informed as to how the SFR Program works, nearly 90 percent of licensed anglers supported the SFR Program and use of its funding. With this level of support from the individuals paying the tax combined with its significant positive impact on fisheries resources nationwide, the SFR Program truly is one of the most successful user-pays, user-benefits programs of the Federal government. 65 March 1999 The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program began functioning July 1, 1938, following approval of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act by Congress, and the signing into law by President Roosevelt on September 2, 1937. This Act, popularly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act (P-R Act) after its sponsors, is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), an agency of the Department of the Interior. Funds are derived from a Federal excise tax on the manufacture of arms and ammunition, including handguns, and on archery equipment. These taxes are collected from the manufacturers by the Department of the Treasury and are apportioned each year to the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands by the Department of the Interior on the basis of a formula set forth in the Act. This formula provides for the apportionment, based one-half on the ratio which the area of each State bears to the total area of all the States, and one-half on the ratio which the number of paid hunting license holders of each State bears to the total number of paid hunting license holders of all the States. In the early 1970’s Congress expanded the P-R revenue base to include handguns and archery equipment and authorized States to spend up to one-half of those apportioned funds on hunter education and target ranges. The apportionment of these new revenues is based only on the population of each State. Responsibility for selection, planning, and execution of wildlife restoration projects rests with the States, through their designated wildlife management agency. States may be reimbursed by the Federal Government for up to 75 percent of the total cost of approved projects. Financial aid under this Act is not available to private clubs, local or county governments, or individuals, except from State agencies for such projects as they approve. Project proposals are submitted by the designated State agencies to the Regional Directors of the FWS. They have the authority to approve or disapprove all projects. Projects may include acquisition of areas of land or water for feeding, resting, or as breeding places for wildlife; rehabilitation or improvement, by construction of necessary works or otherwise, of land or water areas for the benefit of wildlife, such as wildlife management areas, public hunting areas and sportsmen’s facilities; regular maintenance of completed projects; management of wildlife resources (exclusive of law enforcement or public relations activities); conduct of research into the problems of wildlife management; conduct of hunter safety courses and construction of target ranges; and coordination of projects necessary to the efficient administration affecting wildlife resources. |
Original Filename | SpFish(1).pdf |
Date created | 2012-08-08 |
Date modified | 2013-03-06 |
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