For Immediate Release
April 1, 2005

New budget allocates $3.8 million to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

AUGUSTA, Maine -- After weeks of debate, Governor John Baldacci 
yesterday
signed into law a budget that significantly enhances the Department of
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The Governor's $5.7 billion budget includes $3.8 million of general 
fund
money for the department. This money will roll back license fees, 
enhance
department non-game and endangered species programs, and boost hatchery
production of trout and salmon. The budget also creates a Sportsman's
license plate, a super pack license, and creates an open season for 
turkeys
in 2006. Gone from the budget are proposals for Sunday hunting and a 
canoe
and kayak registration fee.

"I am extremely pleased with the Governor's support and leadership, and
pleased with the support given this Department by the Legislature," 
said
Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "The 
canoe
and kayak initiative was removed from the budget, but funding to offset 
this
initiative remains in the budget."

Under this budget, the temporary $3.00 license increase passed two 
years ago
is replaced with a $2.00 increase, rolling back most resident and
nonresident license prices by $1.00. The budget also allows for an
additional $1 million for the state's hatchery systems, which will 
allow
IF&W to implement hatchery enhancements that will allow IF&W to 
eventually
double the pounds of fish produced.

The funds will enhance the Department's Beginning With Habitat Program,
which assists towns in planning responsible development that preserves 
open
space as well as wildlife, fisheries and plant habitat. It also 
increases
funding for Endangered Species research and conservation, as well as
wetlands, amphibian and reptile conservation.

Sportsman and women will also have the opportunity to purchase a new 
license
plate benefiting the department. The cost will be similar to other 
plates
such as the loon or lobster plate, and the proceeds from this plate 
will go
to the lifetime license fund, an endowment fund, from which interest 
from
this fund will be used to help fund the department starting in 2010.

"It is my understanding that this new two year budget contains $3.8 
million
of general fund money, which not only allows us to continue performing 
our
mission, but also creates new positions that will allow us to work on
nongame and endangered species operations, and enhance our hatchery
operations," Martin said.

The new superpack license will include all hunting authorities and some
permits, as well as six chances in the moose lottery, and an any deer 
permit
if over 5,000 are available in a wildlife management district. The 
budget
also directs ATV registration money to trails, programs and 
enforcement.
Boat registrations also increase under this budget.