Fisheries’ recreation and conservation activities are huge economic drivers for nation

Image via WikipediaWASHINGTON -- The fisheries program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
in association with state agencies and other conservation organizations,
contributes $3.6 billion to the nation’s economy and supports 68,000 jobs
across the country, according to a new report issued by the agency.

“The report confirms once again that fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreational activities are an economic engine for our country,” said
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “When we invest in restoring fish
and wildlife habitat and creating opportunities for people to enjoy
outdoor recreation, we are investing in economic growth and jobs for the
American people.”

Overall, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation contribute an estimated
$730 billion to the U.S. economy each year, Salazar noted. One in twenty
U.S. jobs are in the recreation economy – more than there are doctors,
lawyers, or teachers.

The report, Conserving America’s Fisheries, An Assessment of Economic
Contributions from Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Conservation, shows that
each dollar invested in the Service’s Fisheries Program, combined with its
partners, generates about $28 in economic contributions and value.
The economic contributions generated are evidenced at sporting goods
stores, marinas, guides and outfitter services, boat dealerships, bait
shops, gas stations, cafes, hotels, and many other enterprises.

“Since 1871, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program has been
a leader in managing species, conserving habitat and sustaining the
biological health of America’s aquatic resources,” said U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “These resources are inextricably tied
to the health and wealth of our nation. These benefits are ecological,
scientific, aesthetic, recreational, commercial, subsistence, social,
cultural – and economic in nature.”

The report – the first time that Service economists have analyzed the
economic contributions of the nation’s fisheries programs – finds that a
total of 68,000 American jobs are associated, directly or indirectly, with
the fisheries conservation programs and projects.

The report also shows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish
Hatchery System alone generates $900 million in industrial output and $550
million in retail sales. National Fish Hatchery programs generate 8,000
jobs and $256 million in salaries and wages.

Meanwhile, the National Fish Passage Program works with partners to reopen
an average of 890 miles of river habitat annually, which has a economic
value of $483 million and supports 11,000 jobs. That is more than $542,000
in economic benefit per stream mile restored.

The Service’s Fisheries Program plays a vital role in conserving America’s
fisheries, along with key partners from states, tribes, federal agencies,
other Service programs, and private interests.

The fisheries program consists of almost 800 employees nationwide, located
in 65 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices, 70 National Fish Hatcheries,
9 Fish Health Centers, 7 Fish Technology Centers and a Historic National
Fish Hatchery and Archives.

The program supports the only federal fish hatchery system, with extensive
experience culturing more than 100 different aquatic species.

These employees and facilities provide a network that is unique in its
broad on-the-ground geographic coverage, its array of technical and
managerial capabilities, and its ability to work across political
boundaries and embrace a national perspective.

For a copy of the report, or to see the summary of the report titled Net
Worth: the Economic Value of Fisheries Conservation, please visit
http://www.fws.gov/FHC/.

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AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS

Image via Wikipedia
WASHINGTON, D.C. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced a
draft vision plan to guide the growth and management of the National
Wildlife Refuge System.  The draft document, developed by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and National Wildlife Refuge Association, articulates
a 10-year vision for the Refuge System.

The vision document, entitled Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and
the Next Generation, offers nearly 100 draft recommendations to protect
and improve the world's premier system of public lands and water set aside
to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants for the continuing benefit
of the American people.  Starting today, the draft document will be
available for public comment until Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

The Conserving the Future process comes on the heels of President Obama's
America's Great Outdoors initiative to develop a conservation and outdoor
recreation agenda for the 21st century.  The process to develop a new
vision for the Refuge System goes hand-in-hand with many of the priorities
identified through the America's Great Outdoors national dialogue,
including greater access to recreation and connecting a new generation of
conservationists to the outdoors.

"The National Wildlife Refuge System is one of the crown jewels of our
conservation efforts and we must ensure that the System has the tools and
vision to meet the challenges of tomorrow," Salazar said. "I encourage all
Americans to participate in the Conserving the Future process and to voice
their bold ideas about the future priorities and management of our
national wildlife refuges."

There are 553 national wildlife refuges with at least one in every state
and U.S. territory. Spanning more than 150 million acres of land and
water, the Refuge System conserves wildlife habitat for hundreds of animal
and plant species and includes more than 20 million acres of designated
wilderness.  The last time a vision statement was articulated for the
System was 1999.

Among the draft vision's recommendations are:

       To engage youth in an array of work and volunteer programs;
       To review the Appropriate Use Policy, so a wider variety of
nature-based experiences may be possible;
       Within the next 10 years, to increase the number of minorities and
people with disabilities who work for the Refuge System, in part by
reaching high school and college youth from diverse communities and
exposing them to Service conservation careers.
       To develop a five-year plan to "green" the Refuge System;
       To encourage a "Friends" group for every staffed refuge; there are
now about 230 Friends groups;
       To develop standards for credibility, efficiency and consistent
application of science in planning and management;
       Working with state fish and wildlife agencies, to prepare a
strategy to double youth participation in hunting and fishing by 2020,
paying special attention to individuals of all ages with disabilities.

A website, http://americaswildlife.org, has been created to gather
comments and ideas.  A refined vision document reflecting the comments and
ideas received online is expected to be published in July 2011.

The use of new technologies and social media for this process invites the
American people to contribute their bold ideas to set a new direction for
the Refuge System, said Rowan Gould, Acting Director of the Fish and
Wildlife Service. The time to engage is now. Join the conversation online
through the website.

For more information on Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and the
Next Generation, please visit the website at http://americaswildlife.org.
Learn more about the National Wildlife Refuge System at
http://www.fws.gov/refuges.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats
for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader
and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our
scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources,
dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.  For more
information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
www.fws.gov.

Interior Department appointments to NGAC include Missourian

Image via Wikipedia

Secretary Salazar appoints 15 members to National Geospatial Advisory Committee – including Missourian Tony Spicci of the MDC

JEFFERSON CITY Mo – Tony Spicci of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is among 15 individuals and the only Missourian (Columbia) recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to serve three-year terms as members of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC). NGAC provides recommendations on federal geospatial policy and management issues and advice on development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). The NSDI promotes sharing of geospatial data throughout all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, and the academic community.

Spicci has been with MDC for more than 18 years and is the Geographic Information System (GIS) coordinator for the Department and a supervisor in the MDC’s Resource Science division.  His responsibilities include the coordination and administration of geographic information technologies, ecological classification systems, human dimensions and Resource Science information support programs.  He also serves as the liaison between the MDC and other organizations and represents the Department on various committees including the Missouri GIS Advisory Committee, the Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP) Technical Committee and other local, state and federal organizations. 

Geospatial data and products, including maps, simulations and databases, are invaluable tools in the effective management of utility infrastructures, transportation, energy, emergency management and response, natural resource management, climate analysis, disaster recovery, homeland defense, law enforcement, protection planning and other civilian or military strategic issues. The newly appointed members of the NGAC represent the varied interests associated with geospatial programs and technology.

Additional information about the NGAC, including a complete list of the 28 committee members, is available at www.fgdc.gov/ngacc

Salazar Announces Funding to States for Fish and Wildlife Projects

Image via WikipediaHunting and fishing industry, as well as recreational shooters, hunters,
boaters, and anglers, continue to fund conservation in the nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today
the distribution of more than -$749 million in excise tax revenues
generated by sportsmen and women to state and territorial fish and
wildlife agencies through the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration and
Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Programs.

“Hunters and anglers have provided the foundation for wildlife
conservation in America for more than 75 years. They continue to provide
dedicated, critical funding for fish and wildlife agencies across the
nation, especially at a time when many state budgets are under pressure,”
said Secretary Salazar. “These funds will support important fish and
wildlife management and conservation, recreational boating access, and
hunter and aquatic education programs.”

Program funds come from excise taxes paid by manufacturers, producers, and
importers on sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing
equipment and tackle, and electric outboard motors. Recreational boaters
also contribute to the program through fuel taxes on motorboats and small
engines.

The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program apportionment for 2011
totals more than $384 million, of which more than $79 million is for
hunter education and safety programs. The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish
Restoration Program apportionment for 2011 totals nearly $365 million, of
which nearly $55 million is for recreational boating access facilities.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration
Program reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost of each eligible project
while State fish and wildlife agencies contribute a minimum of 25 percent,
generally using hunting and fishing license revenues as the required
non-Federal match.

“Our partnership with America’s hunting, fishing and boating community
through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs is the
cornerstone for funding fish and wildlife conservation,” said Curtis
Taylor, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and
Chief of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife
Resources Section. “Fish and wildlife can be conserved, protected and
restored through science-based management and this year’s apportionment is
critical in order for state fish and wildlife agencies to continue their
work on behalf of everyone who values our nation’s natural resources.”

Please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Wildlife and Sport Fish
Restoration Program Web site at http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/ for more
information on the goals and accomplishments of these programs and for
individual State, Commonwealth, and territorial funding allocations. Some
examples of activities planned by State fish and wildlife agencies in 2011
include:

Florida – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will
construct a restroom facility and a pavilion at the Escambia County
Archery Park. They will also construct a trap and skeet range and a .22
plinking range at Tenoroc Shooting Range. This will provide more
recreational shooting opportunities for the public.
Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife will acquire
approximately 85 acres adjoining Carr Pond near North Kingstown, Rhode
Island. This property is a former Girl Scout property. The pond is the
site of an extremely productive herring and alewife run. The property will
provide protection of fish and wildlife habitat in the area and
recreational opportunities for the public.

Texas – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will construct a new
two-lane boat ramp, parking lot, courtesy dock, and lighting in Muenster,
Texas. The new facility will provide the only public access to the lake
for fishing and other recreational boating pursuits. This will be the
first public boat ramp in Cooke County.

Oregon – The agency will identify sturgeon population limiting factors,
develop responsive management strategies, and define pertinent monitoring
and evaluation activities as part of management plan development. They
will also measure juvenile recruitment through young-of-the-year sampling
in the lower Columbia River and carry out a pilot study of set line
sampling for adult and sub-adult white sturgeon. Sampling for
young-of-year white sturgeon will increase the effects of environmental
stressors on the population. A supplementary benefit of this task is the
opportunity to collect DNA tissue samples that represent fish in a single
year’s recruitment. DNA samples will be available for future
characterization of effective spawning population size and for genetic
stock comparisons with fish collected outside the Columbia River.

Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program funding is available to all
50 states, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. One-half of the 11 percent excise tax on bows, arrows, and
archery equipment and 10 percent excise tax on handguns, pistols, and
revolvers make up the funding for hunter education programs. The other
one-half of the excise tax are for wildlife restoration purposes,
including the 11 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition.

Each state or territory receives a Wildlife Restoration Program
apportionment derived from a formula that incorporates its total land area
and number of paid hunting license holders. Each state or territory may
not receive more than 5 percent or less than one-half of 1 percent of the
total apportionment. Fish and wildlife agencies use these funds to manage
wildlife populations, conduct habitat research, acquire wildlife habitat,
enhance wildlife habitat, and public hunting access, carry out surveys and
inventories, administer hunter education programs, and construct and
maintain shooting and archery ranges.

The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program funding is available to
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico
and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa,
Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. States receive funds through a formula
based on the land and water area of the state or territory and its total
number of paid fishing license holders. Sport Fish Restoration funds come
from excise taxes and import duties on sport fishing equipment, motorboat
and small engine fuels, and pleasure boats. No State may receive more than
5 percent or less than one-third of 1 percent of the total apportionment.

Fish and Wildlife agencies use the funds to pay for stocking sport fish;
acquiring and improving sport fish habitat; providing aquatic resource
education opportunities; conducting fisheries research; maintaining public
fishing access, administering the aquatic resource education program, and
constructing boat ramps, fishing piers, and other facilities for
recreational boating access.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs have generated a total of
more than $13.7 billion since their inception – in 1937 in the case of the
Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program, and 1950 for the
Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program. to conserve fish and
wildlife resources. The recipient fish and wildlife agencies have matched
these program funds with more than $3.4 billion. This funding is critical
to continue sustaining healthy fish and wildlife populations and provide

opportunities for all to connect with nature.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Comments on Draft Environmental Assessment on Farming and the Use of Glyphosate-tolerant Corn and Soybeans on National Wildlife Refuge System Lands

Image via WikipediaThe Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is inviting public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment that considers two issues: 1) the use of row crop farming as a technique to manage National Wildlife Refuge System lands in the Midwest Region, and 2) the use of glyphosate-tolerant corn and soybeans on these lands.