Number: 1988-22
WHEREAS, due to increased fiscal responsibility placed on states because of reduced federal participation, it has become increasingly common for state legislatures or governors to divert portions of state fish and wildlife agency funds for uses other than state fish and wildlife programs; and
WHEREAS, this is a result of relaxed and lenient interpretation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the rules and regulations for the federal aid in sport fish and wildlife restoration programs (50 CFR 80); specifically section 80.4 — Diversion of License Fees which, according to regulation, include, capital assets or income therefrom (such as interest, camping fees, rental income); and
WHEREAS, if U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials would interpret the section 80.4 regulations as they were originally intended, it is unlikely that legislatures or governors would attempt to divert any funds in the future knowing that if they did, their state would lose federal funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 17-20, 1988, in New Orleans, Louisiana oppose the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s current broad, lenient, and relaxed interpretation of these regulations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if strict interpretation of 50 CFR 80.4 does not prevent the aforementioned diversion of funds that the National Wildlife Federation seek wording that would mandate loss of federal funds for fish and wildlife restoration programs if any state fish and wildlife agency funds are diverted or transferred.