Great American Outdoors Act
Great American Outdoors Act
This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands.
For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year.
The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by
the National Park Service,
the Forest Service,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
the Bureau of Land Management, and
the Bureau of Indian Education.
The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies.
Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.
Maryland 2020 Black Bear Hunt Lottery Now Open
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2020 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the five-day hunting season, which will take place Oct. 26-30 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The department will issue 950 hunting permits this year, an increase of 150 from the previous season.
The annual bear hunt is an important management tool used to slow the increase of Maryland’s black bear population and limit expansion of Maryland bears into the eastern suburbs and cities.
“Maryland’s closely regulated, sustainable black bear hunt is now in its 17th year,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “This hunt has been helping us achieve our management goal of limiting the growth of our bear population, while ensuring a secure and sustainable future for this remarkable species.”
Hunters may apply for the lottery online or at one of more than 250 hunting and fishing license agents across the state. Hunters need a valid DNR ID number to participate.
All entries must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 31 and must be accompanied by a $15 nonrefundable application fee. Only one application per person will be accepted; submitting duplicates can result in disqualification and forfeiture. The drawing will be held Sept. 3 and winners will be notified shortly thereafter.
The Black Bear Damage Reimbursement Fund is open for voluntary contributions by hunters when they apply for their permits. This fund directly reimburses Maryland farmers who have suffered agricultural damage caused by black bears. Since the fund was started over 20 years ago, it has paid more than $130,000 in eligible claims.
Application Deadline Aug. 31; Drawing Sept. 3
https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/07/20/maryland-2020-black-bear-hunt-lottery-now-open/
Keep an eye out for the Fall Issue of the MARYLAND HUNTING QUARTERLYwhich will be online and on the store shelves the first week of August. Our Advocate has penned a more detailed accounting of the July 9, 2020 story included herein – “Board of Public Works Votes to Reduce Maryland’s Fiscal Year 2020 Budget by $413.2 Million” – with special emphasis on the efforts to secure and defend the General Assembly’s approval of $100,000 in general funds for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service for fiscal year 2021. This approved funding for WHS was an historic “First” – taxpayer support via general fund dollars to supplement special fund dollars derived from hunting license/stamp sales.
Board of Public Works Votes to Reduce Maryland’s Fiscal Year 2020 Budget by $413.2 Million
Board of Public Works Votes to Reduce Maryland’s Fiscal Year 2020 Budget by $413.2 Million
General Funds for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service Deleted
July 8, 2020
OVERVIEW
The pandemic is playing havoc, among other things, on State revenues.
Maryland is losing about $1 billion each month in revenue collections. All funding sources are down, ranging from gaming revenues to sales and income taxes – Maryland’s 3 largest revenue sources. On July 1st, the 3-Member Board of Public Works (Governor, Comptroller & Treasurer) met to vote on the Governor’s recommended $672 million in fiscal year 2020 spending reductions (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020) in order to maintain a balanced budget as required by Maryland’s Constitution. Sparing education and employee salaries, BPW reduced spending cuts to $413.2 million.
A list of the cuts can be seen via the link below.
https://bpw.maryland.gov/MeetingDocs/2020-Jul-01-Agenda.pdf
Vowing to save existing jobs in Maryland State Government, the Governor made clear at the July 1st meeting the $200 million plus cuts avoided must still be taken in some way or form, leading to another round of anticipated State spending reduction at BPW’s July 22, 2020 meeting.
2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
We – Hunters of Maryland (HOM) – noted on this website in March 2020 our success in convincing the Hogan Administration and the General Assembly to approve an historic “First” for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service (WHS). Within the fiscal year 2021 Supplemental Budget – funding jargon for an amendment to the original Budget Bill submitted by the Governor in early January of each year – our advocacy efforts to convince key lawmakers of the need for general fund support of WHS – aka, taxpayers in addition to licensed hunters – was awarded with a $100,000 general fund appropriation to WHS as was our efforts to keep 2 vacant positions within WHS which were originally cut by the Senate per the recommendation of the General Assembly’s staff agency.
Note: Details surrounding the efforts of securing approval of these monies coupled with saving 2 vacant positions within WHS are best conveyed through direct dialogue which HOM’s Advocate.
GOVENROR’S LIST OF SCHEDULED CUTS MADE PUBLIC ON JUNE 26, 2020
Below were the recommended cuts to DNR first made public on June 26, 2020.
“Department of Natural Resources - $3.2 million (1) Reduce supplies, equipment, travel, service contracts, subscriptions and utilities across the agency ($601k); (2) Reduce vehicle and vessel replacements for DNR’s non-Natural Resource Police (NRP) vehicle pool ($164k) and the NRP fleet ($100k vessels, $600k vehicles); (3) Eliminate extra salary support provided in the supplemental budget for the Wildlife and Heritage Service ($100k); (4) Reduce various local aid and grant programs by 10%: a. Critical Areas Commission grants ($18k) b. Revenue Equity Program payments to Allegany, Dorchester, Garrett and Somerset counties ($359k) and Parks and Forest PILOT payments to remaining counties ($200k) c. State Lakes Protection Fund ($100k); (5) Abolish 2 vacant positions (Administrative Officer and Aviation Mechanic) and fund swap one GF position for FF ($148k GF, $69k SF); (6) Eliminate the NRP aviation program ($402k); (7) Reduce GF support provided in the supplemental budget for Fair Hill and replace with SF racing revenue ($350k); and (8) Eliminate the Mel Noland Fellowship mandate ($50k).”
HOM ADVOACY ON BEHALF OF WHS
Our response was immediate. Attached is our statement to the Treasurer and Comptroller in defense of the $100,000 general fund appropriation to WHS, akin to the arguments used by HOM during the 2020 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. Simply stated, the rationale was 3-fold: (1) taxpayers share in the scientifically-based management of Maryland’s wildlife – so says the Public Trust Doctrine – not just licensed hunters per se; (2) requisite funding for attendant wildlife management cannot keep pace with the State’s insatiable appetite for increased land acquisition; and (3) available federal funds cannot be secured absent matching State dollars, thus forfeiture.
In addition to our written statement, calls were made directly to the Treasurer and Comptroller by incumbent and former State lawmakers on behalf of our position.
We learned late on July 1st that our collective efforts were unsuccessful – not only was the $100,000 in general funds deleted, but the 2 vacant positions within DNR were also deleted.
PERSPECTIVE
At first glance, we will not dispute having failed to convince BPW to spare the $100,000 + the 2 vacant positions. But, what if the $100,000 in general funds budgeted for WHS were not approved by the 2020 General Assembly? Is it not plausible that other core programs/services provided by WHS were spared as a consequence? Look no further than the fiscal decimation of the Natural Resources Police (NRP) by the BPW on July 1st? NRP lost its aviation unit, vehicles and boats.
Looking ahead, trust the Hunters of Maryland will not be dissuaded from its efforts on behalf of not only the hunting community, but also conservation law enforcement provided by the good men and women of the Natural Resources Police. True, reduced spending because of the pandemic will be a formidable barrier; but, we will be creative and relentless in our pursuit of ensuring that our coveted, yet finite, wildlife resources are protected.
Remember the immortal words of President Theodore Roosevelt: “Wildlife cannot speak for itself, there we must and we will”. Indeed, his words are our mantra.
MARYLAND’S STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Some Maryland hunters may not be familiar with Maryland’s State Wildlife Management Plan. This Plan is required by the federal government, in exchange for certain financial support, and covers a management period from 2015 through 2025. The plan itself is shown via the link below followed by a brief explanation of the purpose/intent of the Plan.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/SWAP/2005_MWDC_Plan.pdf
State Wildlife Action Plans serve as the blueprints for conserving our nation's fish and wildlife and preventing endangered species. In 2005, each state, territory and the District Columbia submitted their plan for approval to the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a condition for receiving funding through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program. The plans were recently updated with the latest science and information to guide conservation of over 12,000 species in greatest conservation need. Each plan addressed 8 required elements laid out by the US Congress. The plans were developed in collaboration with leading scientists, conservationists, private landowners and other citizens. Although progress is being made, many species of fish and wildlife continue to decline because funding is inadequate. Currently, ~$61 million is appropriated annually by Congress to the 56 states, territories and the District of Columbia to implement the plans. A survey by a natural resources economist estimated that $1.3 billion is needed annually to implement the plans. The Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources reviewed funding options and recommended that existing royalties and fees from the development of energy and mineral resources on federal lands and water be invested in the implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans. The Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife is leading the campaign to secure increased and dedicated funding by supporting passage of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.
https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/state-wildlife-action-plans
UPDATE: On July 1, 2020 – ironically, the same day Maryland’s BPW reduced funding for WHS as explained in this same section of HOM’s website, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation issued a Press Release announcing legislative victory for the above mentioned Recovering America’s Wildlife Act as shown below.
CSF Leads Effort to Secure Passage of Historic Recovering America's Wildlife Act
July 1, 2020 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Building off of the Senate's recent passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) led the effort to secure House passage of the bipartisan Recovering America's Wildlife Act (H.R. 3742) as part of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act.
The Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA) was adopted as part of H.R. 2 on a voice vote, a sign of the strong bipartisan support for this legislation. This achievement marks a historic step to providing nearly $1.4 billion in unprecedented funding for nearly 12,000 at-risk species.
RAWA was introduced earlier this Congress by Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Vice-Chair Representative Debbie Dingell (MI) and CSC member Representative Jeff Fortenberry (NE). Prior to the successful vote earlier today, CSF played a leading role in securing the inclusion of RAWA as part of H.R. 2 through alerts and strategic outreach to key CSC members in the House. CSF alsohelped lead a letter, which was signed by a strong contingent of more than 250 of the nation's top conservation organizations, in support of advancing the Recovering America's Wildlife Act as a means to stimulate the economy.
"As the Legislative Co-Chair of Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife, I am grateful for the leadership and commitment of Representatives Dingell and Fortenberry," said CSF President Jeff Crane. "The passage of Recovering America's Wildlife Act out of the House represents the most significant investment in state and tribal fish and wildlife conservation in the last two decades, and we are now shifting our efforts to passing RAWA out of the Senate and then over to the President's desk to be signed into law."
The Recovering America's Wildlife Act will authorize $1.397 billion for a period of 5 years to expand our recreational infrastructure, restore our natural resources, and invest in on-the-ground projects in every state and territory, and on tribal lands. Specifically, the funds authorized by RAWA will strengthen the capacity of state fish and wildlife agencies as the primary managers of our nation's fish and wildlife to conduct proactive conservation efforts by providing financial assistance to fully implement their Congressionally mandated State Wildlife Action Plans.
As a component of H.R. 2, the Recovering America's Wildlife Act awaits further action in the Senate.
###
Since 1989, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted sportsmen's organization in the political arena. CSF's mission is to work with Congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. The unique and collective force of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC), the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus (GSC) and the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC), working closely with CSF, and with the support of major hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping organizations, serves as an unprecedented network of pro-sportsmen elected officials that advance the interests of America's hunters and anglers.
Great American Outdoors Act
The bill has not yet been enacted; but, hunters of Maryland should know about this landmark Act and voice their support with Maryland’s Congressional Delegation.
Spring Hunters Harvest a Record 4,303 Wild Turkeys
Maryland hunters reported harvesting 4,303 wild turkeys during the 2020 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced. This year’s harvest surpassed the previous high of 4,175, set in 2017, and was 8% higher than the 2019 harvest of 4,002 turkeys.
“This year’s harvest suggests that many hunters took advantage of abundant turkey populations in much of the state,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said.
The percentage of juvenile turkeys or “jakes” reported in the harvest (24%) was at its highest level since the 2012 spring season. This supports other survey data showing that the summer of 2019 was an excellent year for turkey production and boosted populations significantly.
Turkey numbers have also grown and expanded in many areas where they have not traditionally been abundant. Record-high harvests were reported in nine counties – Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s.
Washington County reported the highest harvest this year with 439 turkeys, followed by Garrett County with 387 and Charles County with 369.
Youth hunters kicked off the spring turkey season statewide on April 11 with the Junior Turkey Hunt. An additional junior hunting opportunity occurred on April 12 in select counties. In total, junior hunters harvested 248 wild turkeys, a 22% increase from last year’s junior hunt weekend.
Total harvests by county are below:
County
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Allegany
256
293
250
278
286
Anne Arundel
45
58
49
74
81
Baltimore
52
51
55
56
65
Calvert
73
59
76
68
82
Caroline
172
149
135
152
180
Carroll
76
103
103
73
93
Cecil
69
87
69
89
94
Charles
265
320
336
348
369
Dorchester
274
303
212
221
211
Frederick
299
332
313
304
348
Garrett
387
429
412
429
387
Harford
110
127
105
124
88
Howard
34
24
36
33
34
Kent
181
174
168
166
206
Montgomery
94
135
149
135
162
Prince George’s
87
91
76
105
109
Queen Anne’s
190
160
115
145
144
Somerset
150
163
145
129
171
St. Mary’s
188
202
191
188
226
Talbot
88
94
80
87
95
Washington
355
426
459
414
439
Wicomico
206
175
139
155
193
Worcester
223
220
188
229
240
Statewide
3,874
4,175
3,861
4,002
4,303
https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/06/04/spring-hunters-harvest-a-record-4303-wild-turkeys/
Free Fishing Days Scheduled in June and July
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers license-free fishing days on June 6, June 13, and July 4 — a free option to explore Maryland’s diverse and unique fishing experiences without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration.
Following Governor Hogan’s announcement of Stage One of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ the state has expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation in the state. Anglers are advised to follow social distancing and other precautions as outlined in the department’s update regarding Maryland outdoor recreation.
Maryland hosts license-free fishing days annually on the first two Saturdays in June and on the Independence Day holiday. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland, as long as it’s for recreational purposes. All anglers must follow current size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.
The department also has dozens of other resources to help new or experienced anglers, including angler access maps, Click Before You Cast environmental monitoring reports, and fish identification charts.
Aside from these free fishing days and certain license-free areas, anyone 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a license, which can be obtained or renewed online or on the department’s mobile app. During the current State of Emergency, Governor Hogan has granted a grace period for anyone whose valid license has expired since March 5, 2020.
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Submitted for Final Approval
After receiving and reviewing public input, theMaryland Department of Natural Resourceshas selected the state’s 2020-2021 migratory game bird hunting seasons. These selections are now awaiting final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We would like to thank all the members of the public who took the time to comment on our proposed 2020-21 migratory game bird hunting season dates and bag limits,” Waterfowl Project Manager Josh Homyack said. “Whether they attended one of the public meetings or commented online, the participants demonstrated how strongly they are invested in protecting this resource and maintaining the waterfowl hunting experience.”
Highlights of the department’s recommendations include:
Youth and veteran waterfowl hunting days on Nov. 7, 2020 and Feb. 6, 2021. In addition to youth age 16 and younger, military veterans and members of the Armed Forces including the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training) may now participate;
Regular duck hunting season segments from Oct. 10 – 17, Nov. 14 – 27 and Dec. 15 – Jan. 30, 2021 with a daily bag limit of six, including two canvasbacks;
Migratory Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting segments from Dec. 18 – Jan. 2, 2021 and Jan. 13 – Jan. 30, 2021, with a daily bag limit of one;
The special season for sea ducks in the designated zone from Oct. 31 – Jan.8, 2021; and
Mourning dove season segments from Sept. 1 – Oct. 17, Oct. 24 – Nov. 27, and Dec. 19 – Jan. 9, 2021.
The complete list of recommended migratory game bird seasons can be found online and, once finalized, will appear in the 2020-2021 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping and on the department’s hunting webpage.
Licenses, stamps, and permits may be purchased online or by phone at 855-855-3906.
Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
