Fall 1999 Table of Contents

New funding for watchable wildlife may be possible
from Congress this year

Two years ago we reported that the "Teaming With Wildlife" campaign,to create funding for watchable and other wildlife programs through federal excise taxes on outdoor recreational equipment, was gaining support. The bad news is that campaign died. But the good news is that another effort is now underway in Congress that has a good chance of passing this year.

Several bills have been introduced to fund a variety of conservation and recreation projects using revenue from offshore oil leases. The most prominent proposal is known as the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999 (CARA).

This legislation, which does not create incentives for new drilling, has three parts. Title I creates funding for coastal states and local governments for air and water quality, fish and wildlife, wetlands and other coastal resources (including salmon restoration).

Title II creates stable funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for local, state, and federal lands, parks and recreation projects (including access areas and wildlife area management.)

Title III provides funding to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife conservation, recreation, and education programs to address the unmet needs of species that are not hunted nor fished.

If this legislation passes, Washington could see as much as $35 million annually: $18 million for Title I, $6-7 million for Title II, and $6-10 million for Title III.

WDFW’s draft investment plan for use of Title III dollars includes support for this newsletter as well as the following specific tasks:

• Develop statewide "Watchable Wildlife" program with network of wildlife viewing sites and guide
• Provide grants and assistance to community groups for fish and wildlife events, festivals, trails and other viewing opportunities
• Continue work with Dept.of Trans portation to develop wildlife viewing and interpretation along highways
• "Keep common species common" by identifying and protecting key wildlife habitat through landowner partnerships
• Determine status and needs of songbirds, non-game mammals and fish, reptiles and amphibians where populations may be declining
• Conduct inventories and develop habitat management plans for non-hunted/fished species on WDFW and other public lands
• Support classroom programs like Project WILD, Salmon in the Classroom and Nature Mapping
• Focus educational outreach on use of WDFW lands as outdoor study sites, habitat demonstration projects and nature interpretation
• Provide grants and assistance to schools to develop outdoor learning labs and to fund continuing wildlife education

Whether you watch and protect wildlife just in your backyard, or wherever you go, these potential investments could enhance your life.

Check out the CARA website for more information, and watch Congress this fall for the rest of the story.

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