Understanding the Role of Federal Funds in

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

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

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

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

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

Seven Sisters of Conservation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The Public Trust Prohibitions on Commerce Democratic Rule of Law Hunting Opportunity for All Non-frivolous Use International Resources Scientific Management Gifford Pinchot What about Funding? Aldo Leopold

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

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

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

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 • 1870 s – George Bird Grinnell becomes contributing author, later editor and publisher of Forest and Stream • 1872 – Yellowstone National Park established • 1883 – American Ornithologist Union founded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…”

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

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

User Pay – User Benefit Industry US FWS State Agencies

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

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)

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

Permanent and Indefinite - DS

Permanent and Indefinite - PR

Permanent and Indefinite - DJ

DNR’s PR and DJ Funds

DNR’s 2011 PR and DJ Funds

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

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

References and Readings Citations Available

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