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State Budget a Mixed Bag. Go Fish Georgia a Winner. Land Conservation the Biggest Loser.
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After witnessing both the Governor’s recommended $19 million for Go Fish Georgia and $50 million for land conservation being reduced by the House and COMPLETELY REMOVED BY THE STATE SENATE to absolutely ZERO, we are pleased to report progress.
Thanks to your efforts in contacting House and Senate members and appropriations committees, the most recent 2008 budget recommendations by the House includes $13 million for the fish hatchery and visitors center and $5 million for boat ramps in the GO FISH GEORGIA project. Having $18 million of the original $19 million recommendation included in the House 2008 budget is a “home run” in legislative terms for Georgia’s fishermen. Our State Senate needs to be strongly encouraged to maintain this funding for sportsmen in its version of the 2008 budget.
HOWEVER, the largest state financial investment in history on behalf of future generations of Georgians for land conservation, recommended by Gov. Perdue, has been completely removed from both the House and Senate budgets. While the commitment to GO FISH GEORGIA is commendable, Georgia’s hunters and anglers are extremely disappointed to learn that the future of land conservation, including the effort to save Paulding Forest, is in peril. Large timber companies, evolved into real estate development corporations, benefit skyrocketing land prices, ever increasing population and housing demands, and continue to sell large tracts of land to developers.
Georgians today and future generations of Georgians lose the unimaginable value of prime wildlife habitat in perpetuity. To say that public conservation lands will not be affordable or available in the near future is an understatement. None of Georgia’s 36.7 million acres are safe from the pressure of development. Therefore, it is imperative the Senate and or Budget Conferees reinstate- or even increase - the entire $50 million for land conservation in Georgia. Not doing so sends a message to citizens that a mechanism to create permanent funding will be required in the future. And, the legislature cannot be depended on to meet their constituents needs and desires or the Governor’s recommendations concerning conservation lands for public uses.
ACTION NEEDED:
Tell your State House Representative and Senator to hold the House recommended $18 million for GO FISH GEORGIA and to reinstate and potentially increase the $50 million for land conservation purchases in the 2008 State of Georgia budget. These funds are for the benefit of Georgia Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts.
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.
Maintain Go Fish Georgia. Reinstate Land Conservation Funding
Dear Representative,
I am your constituent and deeply appreciate your service to our state. Your dedication to appropriately protect and steward Georgia’s precious natural resources is expressed by your willingness to fully fund hunting and fishing programs in Georgia.
I have learned that House recommendations include $18 million for GO FISH GEORGIA in the 2008 budget. I want to see the Senate and Budget Conferees maintain this level of funding for Georgia’s resident and visiting fishermen.
What concerns me most is hearing that legislative leaders have completely removed funding for land conservation ($50 million). With large tracts of land being fragmented and converted into “real estate for development”, land for wildlife habitat and for the public to enjoy will become increasingly more expensive and scarce. Knowing this, while representing me in the Georgia General Assembly, I want you to commit your energies and efforts to securing full funding, and increased funding if possible, for the Governor’s recommended $50 million for conservation lands acquisition. If the funds cannot be included in the budget in the form of cash, as recommended by Governor Perdue, then you should work to add $50 million to the State FY 08 Bond package for land acquisition. This is important to all Georgians and we need you to endeavor on behalf of future generations in preserving land for the public to enjoy.
Again, thank you for your service to our district and all of Georgia. As your public service to me and my family takes you away from your business and your family; I am deeply appreciative for your dedication and sacrifice.
Sincerely, Your name and address here
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This Action Alert Campaign is Closed.
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