Understanding the Role of Federal Funds in Fish and Wildlife Conservation

1. + Understanding the Role of Federal Funds in Fish and Wildlife Conservation 2011 MUCC Annual Convention – June 26

2. Presentation Outline • The Department’s mission and history of conservation • A Landmark Law for Conservation • User pay – user benefit • Permanent and indefinite • Eligibility rules • Discussion

3. Department Mission The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, accessible use and enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations

4. Fish and Wildlife Conservation • Michigan has a rich history of conservation • Initiatives and laws beginning in mid 1800s lead to DNR and conservation leadership • 19th century was bleak but also gave rise to a conservation ethic

5. Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir Fish and Wildlife Conservation • The North American Model of Fish and Wildlife Conservation America • is “the worlds best experiment in conservation” George Bird Grinnell

6. Seven Sisters of Conservation • The Public Trust • Prohibitions on Commerce • Democratic Rule of Law • Hunting Opportunity for All • Non-frivolous Use • International Resources • Scientific Management What about Funding? Gifford Pinchot Aldo Leopold

7. Funding Conservation • Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934 • Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 • Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950

8. Funding Conservation • Built on “User Pay – User Benefit” system • “Permanent and Indefinite” source of funds • Eligibility rules

9. User Pay – User Benefit • Duck Stamp – Hunting license: • $15 annually to hunt migratory birds • Entrance to National Wildlife Refuges • Purchase or lease wetland habitats as part of NWRs

10. Evolution of a Landmark Law • 1864 – “Man and Nature” by George Perkins Marsh • 1868 – John Muir first visits the Yosemite Valley and Sierra Nevada Range • 1870s – George Bird Grinnell becomes contributing author, later editor and publisher of Forest and Stream • 1872 – Yellowstone National Park established • 1883 – American Ornithologist Union founded

11. Evolution of a Landmark Law • 1885 – Grinnell pans a young Roosevelt book in Forest and stream • 1886 – Audobon Society established • 1887 – Boone and Crockett Club formed with help from Grinnell and Roosevelt • 1890 – Yosemite National Park established • 1898 – Gifford Pinchot becomes chief of what would become the US Forest Service • 1900 – Lacey Act passed, ends commercial take and sale of game

12. Evolution of a Landmark Law • 1900-1929 – Significant Developments: • Wildlife Management Institute • Izaak Walton League • State Wildlife Agencies • Weeks-McLean Act of 1913 • Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 • Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 and the birth of the National Wildlife Refuge System

13. Evolution of a Landmark Law • Then, the “Dirty Thirties” • Aldo Leopold begins developing his land ethic and calls for an American game policy • Hunters and anglers increase 400% • Ding Darling mobilizes public opinion J.N. “Ding” Darling Cartoon

14. Evolution of a Landmark Law • Enter Darling: • FDR appoints him to chief of Bureau of Biological Survey • Implements Duck Stamp • Fathers the Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Program • His cartoons tap the public conscience J.N. “Ding” Darling

15. Evolution of a Landmark Law • Enter Shoemaker: • Appointed special investigator for US Senate Special Committee on Conservation of Wildlife Resources • Along with Darling, organizes 1st NA Wildlife Conference in 1936, where they form NWF Carl Shoemaker

16. Evolution of a Landmark Law • Shoemaker’s law: • Revises Burnham-Pearson excise tax proposal from 1920s • Devises 13 drafts • Develops equitable distribution system • Solidifies industry and hunting group support Carl Shoemaker

17. Evolution of a Landmark Law • Robertson’s contribution: • Shoemaker needed sponsors, had Key Pittman on the Senate side, approached Robertson on the House Side • Robertson had been chair of VA’s Game and Inland Fisheries Commission • Loves it, adds 29 words Absalom Willis Robertson

18. Evolution of a Landmark Law • Robertson’s 29 Words: “… and which shall include a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by hunters for any other purpose than the administration of said State fish and game department…”

19. User Pay – User Benefit • PR – Excise tax on manufacturers: • 11% firearms and ammunition • 10% on handguns and revolvers • 11% on archery equipment and arrow components • Matched with state fees from selling hunting licenses

20. User Pay – User Benefit • PR – Apportioned to states for wildlife: • Research • Restoration • Conservation • Management and enhancement of populations and habitat • Associated public benefit (e.g., hunting, wildlife viewing) • Hunter education, shooting ranges

21. Excise Tax Industry US FWS Wildlife Management Grants in Aid State Agencies User Pay – User Benefit

22. User Pay – User Benefit • DJ – taxes and duties: • 10% excise tax on fishing equipment • 3% excise tax on electric trolling motors • Motorboat and small engine fuel tax • Import duties on tackle, pleasure boats, and yachts • Matched with state fees from selling fishing licenses

23. User Pay – User Benefit • DJ – Apportioned to states for fish: • Research • Restoration • Conservation • Management and enhancement of populations and habitat • Associated public benefit (e.g., fishing)

24. Permanent and Indefinite • Funds collected by IRS and deposited into trust funds • Funds are automatically apportioned, not part of annual budget appropriations • Funds are protected, to states as grants for eligible purposes • Provide state agencies with stability and dependability

25. Permanent and Indefinite - DS

26. Permanent and Indefinite - PR

27. Permanent and Indefinite - DJ

28. DNR’s PR and DJ Funds

29. DNR’s 2011 PR and DJ Funds

30. Wildlife Division Funding 2011 Wildlife Division Proposed Expenditures ~$30 Million Budget

31. Eligibility Rules • Michigan has participated in PR and DJ since their inception • Assent Legislation • Assent to the provisions of the act • Follow all regulations promulgated to implement the act • Protect license fees from diversion • MCL 324.40501 • Constitution Section 40 of Title IX

32. References and Readings Citations Available

33. Questions? Thank you for your interest in Michigan’s natural resources