The Division of Fish and Wildlife (the state entity responsible for fishing, hunting and trapping in NJ) is in jeopardy of losing funds. Many programs have already been curtailed as has the number of employees been pared.) below is a letter to send to your assembly person and senator.
You may go to the following link to find your assembly person, senator and email address. You can copy and past the below letter, along with your commentary should you have any, and email your legislator.
TAKE ACTION NOW! The one one minute it takes can make a difference in your ability to fish, hunt, trap and conserve our state's natural resources.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.aspSample Letter to Legislator
Dear Legislator:
I am a New Jersey Sportsman (or Sportswoman) and I am extremely concerned that the DEP?s Division of Fish and Wildlife will not receive full-funding in the state budget. It appears that the Governor and many legislators do not understand the critical economic and quality of life benefits of these programs.
Sportsmen and sportswomen have long been providing essential revenue for fish and wildlife through license fees and federal excise taxes on sporting equipment in order to restore and protect these precious natural resources.
It is up to you to make sure that New Jersey sustains these efforts by providing $9.27 million in annual appropriations in the State?s budget for the Department of Environmental Protection?s Division of Fish & Wildlife plus waiver of fringe benefits. This figure includes:
$3.4 million for marine fisheries program
$850,000 for black bear program
$823,815 for State Wildlife Grants program
$4.2 million for inland fish and wildlife programs
Funding and staffing shortages will reduce recreational opportunities for the public and harm the state?s ability to care for wildlife species, thus threatening New Jersey?s $4 billion wildlife-related recreation industry and further exacerbating our budget crisis.
Sincerely,
