Sportsmen's Planning Meeting at Cabelas (Fees, Budget)
After the September meeting of the DEP's Conservation Advisory Council (CAC), a group of delegates held an informal discussion of the significant negative impacts that will result from the recent legislative changes that have both increased license fees dramatically, and also shifted sporting license monies from a DEP controlled budget to the State's General Fund.
We identified two particular areas of concern: One is that the large fee increases will have a short term positive revenue impact, but a long term negative impact to the state, as younger anglers and hunters, as well as others with modest financial means, discontinue participation and stop buying licenses. Secondly, we're concerned that the management model that is currently in place (DEP as stewards of wildlife funds, with user input from constituent groups like the CAC) has been altered. This will jeopardize Ct's ability to manage wildlife, both game and non game species. Many negative consequences could result. (Loss of trapping, fish hatcheries, pheasant program, etc.)
During this discussion, several CAC delegates agreed that as sportsmen concerned about the future of our state and the ability to pursue our various outdoor activities, we need to push for a reversal of these changes. We decided to hold a meeting to organize our efforts. The CAC delegates who are hosting this meeting are:
Bob Crook- Coalition of Ct Sportsmen. (Lobbyist)
John Larkin - Ct Forest and Parks Association (Lobbyist).
Mike Ose - Rockville Fish and Game Club
Dave Santos - Ct Bass Federation Nation
Dale May - Ct Woodcock Council. (DEP Wildlife Div. Director, Retired June 09)
Dave Proulx - Ct Waterfowler's Association.
We invite all interested parties to attend a planning meeting at Cabelas (East Hartford) on Wednesday, 9/23/09 at 7pm.
Purpose of the meeting:
1. Gauge interest from sportsmen's groups in developing and executing a plan to educate and persuade legislators that the fee increases are a bad idea from a long term perspective.
2. Identify specific people and groups who want to be an active part of this outreach effort, and in what roles they will participate. The goal would be to form a broad coalition of groups to participate, including such groups as the Ct Bass Federation Nation, Trout Unlimited, DU, CWA, Trappers, Bowhunters, Falconers, Rod and Gun clubs, Tackle shops, Marinas, outdoor writers and others who have an interest.
3. Discuss plans that have worked in other areas, such as the outreach and management approach pursued in 2007 by the state of Vermont. Their major recommendation was to direct 1/8 of 1% of the sales tax revenue to Wildlife as was done in a few other states. For reference, see link to Vermont Task Force on Sustainable Funding for Wildlife.
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/taskforce//FW_Final_Task_force_Report/_Taskforce_Final_Report.pdf
Doubtful in this climate that we will get tax revenue dedicated to Wildlife. So it is even more important that we maintain the user-pay model that has been so successful up until now.
4. Discuss what strategies and tactics will be effective in swaying the legislature to reverse these fee increases and policy changes. Purpose will be to reach consensus on what might work vs. what won't work. Goal is to get beyond the "fees are too high, so we won't buy tags" argument, to a more carefully thought out approach that carries a higher probability of success.
5. Once the project is defined, we'll identify specific actions, and the people best suited to help us take these actions, in anticipation of the January start of the Legislative session. Expectation is that we'll need a multi faceted approach to put leverage on the Legislature to make the changes we seek.
We need support from the public to wage a successful campaign in the Legislature. As a starting point, we need your ideas and help. Hope to see many of you on September 23rd. Sincerely, Dave Proulx davep@snet.net
For handgun owners: Fees are doubled to $70 for renewal, $140 for new. In addition there is a cost of $18+ for cost of fingerprint check on initial if you haven’t been fingerprinted before (no change).
Also note the Gun Trafficking Task Force which CCS has worked on for almost a decade is essentially eliminated along with the Gang Task Force. The Drug TF we’re told remains. http://www.cga.ct.gov/ofa/Documents/...lights2009.pdf p.11
Park fees also doubled.
Bill No. 6802 ALL LICENSE FEES DOUBLED!!!!
AN ACT CONCERNING EXPENDITURES AND REVENUE FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2011
The bill is over 700 pages long and was issued today (Aug 31). We thought we had negotiated a 25% increase in sporting fees throughout the session, but when bills are developed behind closed doors with little or no input the result is obvious. Expecting that sportsmen will pay these fees is optimistic. These fees are well above virtually all other states, and will prompt us to visit there. What we may be confronted with is a reduction in all aspects of wildlife management, little or no enforcement which has been the norm, and little or no recruitment. Deer are severely overpopulated through much of the state, Bears, & Coyotes are problem species, Lyme disease abounds, all of concern to hunters and we provide much of the study data. With fewer hunters expected, data and population control will diminish. Salt water fishing is severely restricted (seasons, length limit, bag take) due to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries dictates, clearly a loss of revenue there. Fresh water fishing is well and improving, but with less funding/personnel that may also decline.
The bill was not signed by Gov. Rell and went into effect midnight Sept.8.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/ACT/PA/20...6802SS1-PA.htmEffective October 1, 2009
The Blue/Underlined language is NEW; Bracketed is deleted.
Pistol Permits: See Section(s) 309 plus Other CSP licenses- Security, Private Investigators, etc. We wonder where the inner city low income people (who probably need self-protection the most) will get the money to exercise their Constitutional right. For handgun owners: Fees are doubled to $70 for renewal, $140 for new. In addition there is a cost of $18+ cost of a fingerprint check for new if you haven’t been fingerprinted before (no change).
Also note the Gun Trafficking Task Force which CCS has worked on for almost a decade is essentially eliminated along with the Gang Task Force. The Drug TF we’re told remains.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/ofa/Documents/...lights2009.pdf p.11
Regulation and Protection
Department of Public Safety
The budget suspends two task forces, and eliminates a third. This includes:
• Suspension of the Gun Law Enforcement Task Force in FY 10 and FY 11, resulting in a
reduction of $800,000 over the biennium.
• Suspension of payments for the Urban Violence Task Force in FY 10 and FY 11,
resulting in a reduction of $636,036 over the biennium.
• Elimination of the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, resulting in a reduction of $477,600
over the biennium.
Call/e-mail your legislators, some don’t know of these increases. Go to http://www.ctsportsmen.com/ under Legislation to “How to find your legislators”
Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, NWCO, Taxidermy and all others: See Section(s) 438 to 462.
Note in Sec. 443 the NEW Resident Salt Water License just passed Aug 3 @ $10 will now cost thirty dollars; the nonresident marine waters fishing license Passed at $15 will now cost sixty dollars. While we’re attempting to bring juniors into the outdoor sports, check their fee increases. While the combination licenses mitigate minimally the increases fees, the cost is still outrageous.
Sec. 458 & 459: Deer Permits/Bow hunting.
Boating: Sec. 394.
It appears the Environmental Conservation Fund (EC) retained money (T- 418) and also the Boating Fund (T- 419).
Bottom line: the fee structure is outrageous and will not benefit the state, wildlife/fisheries management, or CT citizens.
The bill passed the House at 11:55 on a vote of 103-45. The Senate passed the bill at about 2AM.
For more data see the OLR Bill Analysis http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/BA/2009HB-06802-R01SS1-BA.htm Most of our issues 2/3 down.
GET YOUR LICENSES/TAGS NOW! https://ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales/
Call/e-mail your legislators, some don’t know of these increases.
When you purchase a new license call your CT Legislators to express your views. Be courteous and how the increase affects you. Go to http://www.ctsportsmen.com/ under Legislation to “How to find your legislators” To find your Legislator - Go to http://www.cga.ct.gov/ On the left click House and Find your Legislator -The same applies for Senate. Click onto their website to get phone #, e-mail, address. Communicate! this bill is outrageous and must be changed to reflect balance with regional states. Your communications NOW will set priorities for the February 2010 Session.
Contact Governor Rell & voice your opinion. Be blunt but courteous. E-Mail Governor.Rell@ct.gov or Online Form http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/v...=1317&q=289136 Governor Rell can be reached by phone at 860-566-4840 or toll-free at 800-406-1527
After the September meeting of the DEP's Conservation Advisory Council (CAC), a group of delegates held an informal discussion of the significant negative impacts that will result from the recent legislative changes that have both increased license fees dramatically, and also shifted sporting license monies from a DEP controlled budget to the State's General Fund.
We identified two particular areas of concern: One is that the large fee increases will have a short term positive revenue impact, but a long term negative impact to the state, as younger anglers and hunters, as well as others with modest financial means, discontinue participation and stop buying licenses. Secondly, we're concerned that the management model that is currently in place (DEP as stewards of wildlife funds, with user input from constituent groups like the CAC) has been altered. This will jeopardize Ct's ability to manage wildlife, both game and non game species. Many negative consequences could result. (Loss of trapping, fish hatcheries, pheasant program, etc.)
During this discussion, several CAC delegates agreed that as sportsmen concerned about the future of our state and the ability to pursue our various outdoor activities, we need to push for a reversal of these changes. We decided to hold a meeting to organize our efforts. The CAC delegates who are hosting this meeting are:
Bob Crook- Coalition of Ct Sportsmen. (Lobbyist)
John Larkin - Ct Forest and Parks Association (Lobbyist).
Mike Ose - Rockville Fish and Game Club
Dave Santos - Ct Bass Federation Nation
Dale May - Ct Woodcock Council. (DEP Wildlife Div. Director, Retired June 09)
Dave Proulx - Ct Waterfowler's Association.
We invite all interested parties to attend a planning meeting at Cabelas (East Hartford) on Wednesday, 9/23/09 at 7pm.
Purpose of the meeting:
1. Gauge interest from sportsmen's groups in developing and executing a plan to educate and persuade legislators that the fee increases are a bad idea from a long term perspective.
2. Identify specific people and groups who want to be an active part of this outreach effort, and in what roles they will participate. The goal would be to form a broad coalition of groups to participate, including such groups as the Ct Bass Federation Nation, Trout Unlimited, DU, CWA, Trappers, Bowhunters, Falconers, Rod and Gun clubs, Tackle shops, Marinas, outdoor writers and others who have an interest.
3. Discuss plans that have worked in other areas, such as the outreach and management approach pursued in 2007 by the state of Vermont. Their major recommendation was to direct 1/8 of 1% of the sales tax revenue to Wildlife as was done in a few other states. For reference, see link to Vermont Task Force on Sustainable Funding for Wildlife.
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/taskforce//FW_Final_Task_force_Report/_Taskforce_Final_Report.pdf
Doubtful in this climate that we will get tax revenue dedicated to Wildlife. So it is even more important that we maintain the user-pay model that has been so successful up until now.
4. Discuss what strategies and tactics will be effective in swaying the legislature to reverse these fee increases and policy changes. Purpose will be to reach consensus on what might work vs. what won't work. Goal is to get beyond the "fees are too high, so we won't buy tags" argument, to a more carefully thought out approach that carries a higher probability of success.
5. Once the project is defined, we'll identify specific actions, and the people best suited to help us take these actions, in anticipation of the January start of the Legislative session. Expectation is that we'll need a multi faceted approach to put leverage on the Legislature to make the changes we seek.
We need support from the public to wage a successful campaign in the Legislature. As a starting point, we need your ideas and help. Hope to see many of you on September 23rd. Sincerely, Dave Proulx davep@snet.net
For handgun owners: Fees are doubled to $70 for renewal, $140 for new. In addition there is a cost of $18+ for cost of fingerprint check on initial if you haven’t been fingerprinted before (no change).
Also note the Gun Trafficking Task Force which CCS has worked on for almost a decade is essentially eliminated along with the Gang Task Force. The Drug TF we’re told remains. http://www.cga.ct.gov/ofa/Documents/...lights2009.pdf p.11
Park fees also doubled.
Bill No. 6802 ALL LICENSE FEES DOUBLED!!!!
AN ACT CONCERNING EXPENDITURES AND REVENUE FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2011
The bill is over 700 pages long and was issued today (Aug 31). We thought we had negotiated a 25% increase in sporting fees throughout the session, but when bills are developed behind closed doors with little or no input the result is obvious. Expecting that sportsmen will pay these fees is optimistic. These fees are well above virtually all other states, and will prompt us to visit there. What we may be confronted with is a reduction in all aspects of wildlife management, little or no enforcement which has been the norm, and little or no recruitment. Deer are severely overpopulated through much of the state, Bears, & Coyotes are problem species, Lyme disease abounds, all of concern to hunters and we provide much of the study data. With fewer hunters expected, data and population control will diminish. Salt water fishing is severely restricted (seasons, length limit, bag take) due to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries dictates, clearly a loss of revenue there. Fresh water fishing is well and improving, but with less funding/personnel that may also decline.
The bill was not signed by Gov. Rell and went into effect midnight Sept.8.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/ACT/PA/20...6802SS1-PA.htmEffective October 1, 2009
The Blue/Underlined language is NEW; Bracketed is deleted.
Pistol Permits: See Section(s) 309 plus Other CSP licenses- Security, Private Investigators, etc. We wonder where the inner city low income people (who probably need self-protection the most) will get the money to exercise their Constitutional right. For handgun owners: Fees are doubled to $70 for renewal, $140 for new. In addition there is a cost of $18+ cost of a fingerprint check for new if you haven’t been fingerprinted before (no change).
Also note the Gun Trafficking Task Force which CCS has worked on for almost a decade is essentially eliminated along with the Gang Task Force. The Drug TF we’re told remains.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/ofa/Documents/...lights2009.pdf p.11
Regulation and Protection
Department of Public Safety
The budget suspends two task forces, and eliminates a third. This includes:
• Suspension of the Gun Law Enforcement Task Force in FY 10 and FY 11, resulting in a
reduction of $800,000 over the biennium.
• Suspension of payments for the Urban Violence Task Force in FY 10 and FY 11,
resulting in a reduction of $636,036 over the biennium.
• Elimination of the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, resulting in a reduction of $477,600
over the biennium.
Call/e-mail your legislators, some don’t know of these increases. Go to http://www.ctsportsmen.com/ under Legislation to “How to find your legislators”
Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, NWCO, Taxidermy and all others: See Section(s) 438 to 462.
Note in Sec. 443 the NEW Resident Salt Water License just passed Aug 3 @ $10 will now cost thirty dollars; the nonresident marine waters fishing license Passed at $15 will now cost sixty dollars. While we’re attempting to bring juniors into the outdoor sports, check their fee increases. While the combination licenses mitigate minimally the increases fees, the cost is still outrageous.
Sec. 458 & 459: Deer Permits/Bow hunting.
Boating: Sec. 394.
It appears the Environmental Conservation Fund (EC) retained money (T- 418) and also the Boating Fund (T- 419).
Bottom line: the fee structure is outrageous and will not benefit the state, wildlife/fisheries management, or CT citizens.
The bill passed the House at 11:55 on a vote of 103-45. The Senate passed the bill at about 2AM.
For more data see the OLR Bill Analysis http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/BA/2009HB-06802-R01SS1-BA.htm Most of our issues 2/3 down.
GET YOUR LICENSES/TAGS NOW! https://ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales/
Call/e-mail your legislators, some don’t know of these increases.
When you purchase a new license call your CT Legislators to express your views. Be courteous and how the increase affects you. Go to http://www.ctsportsmen.com/ under Legislation to “How to find your legislators” To find your Legislator - Go to http://www.cga.ct.gov/ On the left click House and Find your Legislator -The same applies for Senate. Click onto their website to get phone #, e-mail, address. Communicate! this bill is outrageous and must be changed to reflect balance with regional states. Your communications NOW will set priorities for the February 2010 Session.
Contact Governor Rell & voice your opinion. Be blunt but courteous. E-Mail Governor.Rell@ct.gov or Online Form http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/v...=1317&q=289136 Governor Rell can be reached by phone at 860-566-4840 or toll-free at 800-406-1527
I have had enough of the ridiculous regulations placed on the recreational angler!!!!
For saltwater specifically
Reduced creel limit , shorter seasons, increase of size limit, introduce a $10 fee, triple the cost to $30 in 2 months.
the new funds will go into the general fund which means we see no improvement of anything.
So be it, the less DEP the better far as I'm concerned, I've had enough
For saltwater specifically
Reduced creel limit , shorter seasons, increase of size limit, introduce a $10 fee, triple the cost to $30 in 2 months.
the new funds will go into the general fund which means we see no improvement of anything.
So be it, the less DEP the better far as I'm concerned, I've had enough