For Immediate Release
March 23, 2005

Legislative budget includes new funding for Inland Fisheries and 
Wildlife
Proposed budget broadens funding support, enhances non-game programs 
and
bolsters fish hatcheries. 

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The Legislature's Appropriation Committee approved a
two-year budget early Saturday Morning, and the document awaits debate 
on
the floor of the House and the Senate.

The $5.7 billion budget bill encompasses over 400 pages and includes 16
pages concerning funding for the Department of Inland Fisheries and
Wildlife. 

"Not only will this budget allow us to continue our mission as we know 
it,
it also allows us to expand services concerning non-game issues, 
utilize our
hatchery improvements and broaden our financial base of support," said
Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and 
Wildlife.
"We emphatically endorse this budget compromise which is good news for 
all
who enjoy Maine's natural resources."

The budget proposal rescinds the temporary $3.00 license increase 
instituted
two years ago, and replaces it with a $2.00 increase. For most people,
sporting licenses will be a dollar cheaper this year. The budget 
proposal
also establishes a $10.00 Conservation Sticker that must be placed on 
all
canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats that are used on all inland or
territorial waters of Maine. Any person who holds a valid Maine fishing
license or combination license issued by the department of Inland 
Fisheries
and Wildlife will receive one conservation sticker without a fee.

The budget proposal also increases the fee for motorized watercrafts;
increases fees for nonresident licenses; repeals the turkey lottery 
systems
and sets turkey permit fee at $20 for residents and $47 for 
nonresidents;
sets ATV registrations at $33 for residents and $68 for nonresidents; 
sets
Snowmobile Registrations at $33 for residents and $68 for nonresidents;
establishes a super pack license that includes six chances in the moose
lottery; an any deer permit if over 5,000 are available in a wildlife
management district; and establishes a sportsman's license plate with
proceeds going to the lifetime license fund.

The funds will enhance the Department's Beginning With Habitat Program,
which assists towns in planning responsible development that preserves
greenspace as well as wildlife, fisheries and plant habitat. It will 
bolster
the hatchery division, which stocks over one million fish each year. It 
also
increases funding for Endangered Species and as well as wetlands, 
amphibian
and reptile conservation.

The budget bill also directs the commissioners of the Inland Fisheries 
and
Wildlife and Conservation Departments to develop a non-consumptive user 
card
or permit, and report to the legislature concerning the outdoor 
recreational
activities that would be covered, the fee, estimate of revenue and the
administration, implementation and enforcement of the card or permit.
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