Press Release

Alabama’s Department of Conservation Receives More than $8.6 Million For Wildlife Conservation

May 16, 2005

The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will share in more than $530 million in excise taxes paid by America's recreational shooters, hunters, anglers and boaters, to support fish and wildlife conservation and education programs. The total apportionment for Alabama is $8,652,896.

The funding will be used to support conservation programs such as fish and wildlife monitoring, habitat improvement, acquisition of land for habitat conservation and species protection, research, education, and other programs. The money will also help pay for hunter safety, aquatic education and fish and wildlife-related recreation projects. The funds are apportioned by formula under two Federal Assistance programs: Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration. Federal Assistance funds pay for up to 75 percent of the cost of each project while the states contribute at least 25 percent.

The total 2005 Wildlife Restoration apportionment for all the state and territorial agencies is more than $235 million, with more than $46 million dedicated to hunter education and shooting range programs. Alabama’s portion of Wildlife Restoration funds is $4,230,076. Sport fish restoration support for 2005 totals nearly $295 million nationwide, with $4,422,820 of that for Alabama’s freshwater and saltwater resources.

Wildlife Restoration is guided by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 and is funded by the collection of excise taxes and import duties on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. States use Wildlife Restoration Program funds to manage wildlife populations and habitat; conduct research, surveys and inventories; and to administer hunter education programs.

Sport Fish Restoration is guided by the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 and is funded by the collection of excise taxes and import duties on sport fishing equipment and tackle, trolling motors, motorboat and small engine fuels, and pleasure boats. States use Sport Fish Restoration Program funds to stock fish; acquire and improve sport fish habitat; provide aquatic resource education opportunities; conduct fisheries research; and build boat ramps, fishing piers and other facilities necessary to provide recreational boating access.

For more information on other state-by-state funding allocations, visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service web site at http://federalaid.fws.gov.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

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