Action Alert: DNR Budget Cuts Threaten Our Fantastic Sportsmen’s Economy

Sunday, September 05, 2010

DNR Budget Cuts Threaten Our Fantastic Sportsmen’s Economy

You can take action on this alert by reading the information below and following the directions at the bottom.

Issue

Please make your state senator and state representative aware that budget cuts to wildlife management programs have negatively impacted sportsmen and sportswomen.

Background

Four out of the last five years the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has suffered net losses to their operations budget. Over these five years, losses averaged over $750,000. Do you wonder why many food plots aren’t planted on Wildlife Management Areas? Do you wonder why you don’t see as many Wildlife Rangers protecting you and your property against poaching as you once did? Do you wonder why WRD had to stop support for Georgia’s extensive private pond fisheries? Do you wonder why school kids, scout groups, and others rarely get to see their local fisheries or wildlife biologist or conservation ranger and hear the sportsman’s message?

The answer is simple. The Wildlife Resources Division’s long history of budget cuts means that they have had to stop doing many things because of lack of funds. They have lost positions which is why you don’t see as many Rangers, Technicians and Biologists. They have lost operating funds used to buy fuel for tractors, boats, trucks, etc., and seed and fertilizer for WMA food plots, fish feed for hatcheries, and replacement of old, worn out vehicles. In fact, the vehicle fleet is deteriorating rapidly resulting in expensive repairs that consume vital and limited funds from other operations.

Our elected officials can’t use the excuse that the state revenue is down and the state doesn’t have enough funds to meet its budget so therefore more budget reduction is needed. Has the overall State Budget really decreased of the past years? Or is it a shift in where your funds are being spent? In just a few years we have seen our state budget grow from $16.3 billion to over $18.6 billion. This year there is a $500 million surplus in the State Treasury. It is time to let your senator and representative know that you are tired of budget cuts on your wildlife programs. We purchase hunting and fishing licenses and the dollars we spend on them goes directly into the state General Fund and you contribute to the one billion dollars that goes into the Georgia economy each year as a result of hunters and anglers enjoying our sport. Now it is time to stop the budget cuts to WRD and start putting more funds back into wildlife conservation and programs benefiting hunters and anglers. Good programs that foster such a vibrant piece of our economy are not free. We must make an long-term investment to continue get a proper return.

Your message will be sent to each of the following targets:

Your State Representative
Your State Senator

A sample message appears below, which you may edit before sending.

Budget cuts to wildlife management programs have negatively impacted sportsmen and sportswomen

Dear Representative,
As one of your constituents and an avid outdoorsman, I am expressing my concerns at the continued budget cutting to the wildlife conservation programs in the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Hunters and anglers contribute over a billion dollars annually to the state economy as well as approximately $20 million into the State Treasury through hunting and fishing license purchases. Furthermore, these activities also generate over $25 million in sales tax revenue annually. It seems counterproductive to cut programs that are producing revenue that pay for themselves many times over. It is time to stop cutting and start replenishing funds for the Department of Natural Resources and the Wildlife Resources Division to serve Georgia hunters and anglers. As my representative in the Georgia General Assembly please initiate action in the appropriation process to insure that the wildlife programs are adequately funded which means more funds - not less.

Thank you for your service to our district.

Sincerely,
Your name and address here

This Action Alert Campaign is Closed.