License Fee Information Meeting

[Ross Pearson]

MN Outdoor News

Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2011 12:00 pm

MN: Vacancies create gaps in some fisheries work By Tim Spielman Associate Editor | 0 comments

‘Emergency workers,' volunteers, interns filling in some gaps

St. Paul - For the past few years, the level of DNR Fisheries staff in 28 field offices around the state has continued on a downward path. More recent events - an early retirement option, for one thing - have accelerated the loss of personnel.

Now, according to Dirk Peterson, DNR Fisheries chief, the vacancies equate to about 60 "FTE" (full-time equivalent) positions; field staff used to number just over 300.

So far, just a small portion of field work has been left undone. That could change dramatically by next year, officials warn. While salary savings have allowed the department to hire part-timers to help complete some spring and summer work, without a license fee hike during this legislative session, more work on fish and in lakes and streams will be neglected.

"A lot depends on what happens with the license revenue project," Peterson said, referring to a bill in the Legislature that would raise fees for a variety of fishing licenses, as well as some new options for anglers.

A bill to increase hunting and fishing fees has been introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids. For fishing, for example, the bill would increase an adult annual fishing license from $17 to $24, and it would allow residents to purchase a three-day license for $12. Nonresident adult annual fishing licenses would increase from $37.50 to $39.

While several angling groups say they support the increase, members of the Legislature have been slower to embrace the idea.

There hasn't been a fee hike in 10 years, Peterson said.

The first casualty when the workload exceeds the workforce tends to be monitoring efforts, according to Peterson. The department manages more than 5,000 lakes and about 15,000 miles of streams.

He said walleye egg take and related walleye rearing/stocking activities should be covered this year. Things like ice-out assessments of particular species might have to be scrapped, at least temporarily.

Long time coming

Peterson said that three years ago, Fisheries officials, including then-chief Ron Payer, began to see the effects of inflation when revenue to the Game and Fish Fund was stagnant. Department officials have pressed for fee hikes since then.

"We've tried to manage through attrition ... to share the pain, so to speak," Peterson said, regarding the loss of Fisheries employees to retirement.

But as costs continued to increase (salaries for the most part have been frozen the past couple years), the amount of revenue entering the fund was surpassed by the amount leaving. That was about three years ago. License sales (revenue) have been relatively stable during that time. After a typical fee increases, revenue will exceed costs; eventually the two pull even, before inflation causes expenses to surpass fixed funding.

Henry Drewes, DNR regional fisheries manager in Bemidji, likens it to one's home expenses. Gas prices have made it more expensive to operate DNR vehicles and boats. Propane and electricity costs, too, have increased.

"The only way to mitigate (the increasing cost of operation) is to take some expenses out," Drewes said.

Right now, the vacant field positions include everything from support staff to specialists to assistant supervisors and supervisors.

Three supervisors - Bruce Gilbertson in Spicer, Harlan Fierstine in Walker, and Joe Geis in Tower - exercised the option to retire early. A fourth, Hugh Valiant in Waterville, left state service, Peterson said, adding that the department is actively seeking to fill the Waterville vacancy.

With these and other salary savings, the DNR has attempted a new approach to completing spring duties, according to Drewes. "We're relying on temporary ‘emergency' help ... local folks, to help fill the gaps," he said. "Come June, we'll get reinforcements through student internships."

Volunteers also have played a role.

Said Doug Schultz, large lake specialist for Leech Lake, of the Walker office, "We've been fortunate enough to have an ample supply of excellent volunteers willing to assist us during our peak field seasons, such as walleye egg take on the Boy River, summer/fall assessment work on Leech, and a pending spring muskie assessment on Woman Lake (May).

"It's really helped us continue delivering most of the services we have in the past despite some considerable gaps, but doesn't provide a viable long-term solution to the impending budget situation," he said. "Where we're feeling the pinch most right now is our inability to move on additional identified needs, such as a spring electrofishing bass survey on Baby Lake."

Some field offices have more elbow room than others. Waterville has about four vacancies; Windom has at least three. Park Rapids and Baudette in Drewes' region also have vacancies. The rest are scattered about Minnesota.

In Walker, the office is missing a supervisor, field specialist, and a part-time position.

"We're putting duct tape and baling twine on some locations," Drewes said.

[Ross Pearson]

MN Outdoor News

License increase still on the table

Posted: Thursday, May 5, 2011 12:00 pm

MN: License increase still on the table By Joe Albert Associate Editor | 0 comments

St. Paul - Proposals to create new fishing and hunting licenses and increase the fees for existing licenses, and to boost watercraft registration fees, haven't been heard yet at the Legislature, but don't rule them out.

The DNR says the money is necessary to fund an aggressive program to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and to prevent the Game and Fish Fund from dropping into the red.

While the Republicans who control the state Legislature have so far indicated little willingness to consider raising fees or taxes of any type, the chairs of two influential committees aren't slamming the door shut just yet.

Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria and chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, says his caucus "is still holding strong on not raising taxes."

"But there is a distinct difference between fees and taxes," he said. "I certainly wouldn't rule it out yet."

He did note, though, that it's not just Republicans who are opposed to the increases sought by Gov. Mark Dayton and the DNR. Some northern DFLers, including Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, have expressed opposition.

"I'm willing to negotiate it," Ingebrigtsen said.

Both he and Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, who chairs the House environment committee, say a conservation officer academy is a priority, for example. Holding academies in the future depends on having the funding.

"There are a lot of folks who don't think it's the right time for the state of Minnesota to be raising fees," McNamara said. "At the same time, that's a dedicated fee. If you are going to hunt or fish, you pay money for it."

It's been more than 10 years since license fees were last increased. McNamara said he's heard from a lot of people who support the increase.

"I personally am open to the idea of fee increases," he said.

McNamara said his main concerns are that the current proposal would funnel too much money to administration. He also wants to deal with the imbalance in spending on fish and wildlife programs.

"We have a huge imbalance now and I don't see how we fix that without significant fish revenue," he said.

Bob Meier, DNR legislative affairs director, said interest in the license-fee proposal continues to grow. A number of hunting and fishing groups have been supportive.

Bills carrying the license-fee increases have been introduced in both the House and Senate.

Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids, is carrying the Senate bill, SF 1227. Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, has the House version, HF 1583. Neither bill has been heard yet.

As of earlier this week, the lone Republican listed as a co-author was in the House, where Rep. Joe Hoppe, R-Chaska, had signed on.

The bill includes a variety of fee increases. Among them:

• A resident small game license would increase from $12.50 to $15.50. Nonresident small game licenses would increase from $73 to $90.50.

• Resident firearms deer licenses would increase from $26 to $30, as would muzzleloader licenses. Nonresident firearms and muzzleloader deer licenses would go from $135 to $160.

• Resident fishing licenses would go from $17 to $24; nonresident licenses would go from $37.50 to $39. (A separate proposal would increase the nonresident fishing license surcharge by another $3 and use the money to fight aquatic invasive species.)

The bills also would create a variety of new fishing licenses, including a 72-hour license for $12; a 90-day license for $18; and a three-year license for $69.

The discussion about new licenses, as well as increases, is likely to become more serious as the legislative session winds down and lawmakers begin negotiations with Dayton over how to resolve the state's $5 billion budget deficit.

[S.D. Ice Angular]

And Its not like we all dont already know this, but the Minnesota DNR wastes more money on stupid stuff than what actually gets spent on the fish, wildlife and natural resources. They need to tighten up their belt and correct their spending.

oh by the way......................I am for raising the license fees they do need more money!

X2

[reinhard1]

one way to raise more money in my opinion would to have a first time fishing license fee of $10 and $15 for a couple. present licence holders are already in the system and this could give fishing an extra boost and increase the interest of first time anglers. same thing could be implemented with ist time hunters. good luck.

[Down Deep]

Oh yeah, dont forget that these crooked st. paul office worker higher ups spend our license fees on internet, computers, pens, paper, printers,highend motel rooms and plane fuel for pointless meetings ect., ect., ect., that dont even pertain to fish, wildlife or our natural resources.

Pens, paper computers and travel? What should the DNR use for office supplies? What pointless meetings? When and where? Should the DNR not use the Internet or have a website? Are all those public meetings that require lots of travel a waste?

I'm sure that there are ways the DNR and all State agencies could save some $$$, but IN MY OPINION to suggest that basic business supplies and work activities is wasted money is a over-the-line as a criticism.

[goblueM]

Yep. thats like saying Ford shouldn't waste money on computers, business meetings or engineers. Just invest completely in the guys on the assembly line

[Surface Tension]

Maybe charge admission to fish off the French.

[Ross Pearson]

Here is the latest on getting a license fee increase. Ross Pearson.

From Outdoor News October 21, 2011

Tough road for license increase proposal

By Joe Albert

Associate Editor

St. Paul – When the Senate political-person caucus meets at a retreat next week, state Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria plans to broach the topic of cost increases for hunting and fishing licenses.

He doesn’t expect a positive reception, at least if the most recent legislative session is any indication.

Was there any willingness to consider the increases?

“None,” said Ingebrigtsen, who chairs the Environmental and Natural Resources Committee. “They stone cold said, ‘No, no way.’ They all ran on that, and that’s where they stood.”

At the current rate of revenues and expenditures, there would be a couple of million dollars left in the Game and Fish Fund in June 2013, and it would run dry shortly after that.

Much of the revenue that goes to the fund, which pays for core fish and wildlife management activities in the state, comes from hunting and fishing license fees. Those have not been increased since 2001.

During the most recent session of the Legislature, the DNR proposed a package of license fee increases, but it failed to gain traction and never had an official hearing. The DNR proposed, for example, to

increase the cost of an annual fishing license for resident anglers from $17 to $24.

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr plans to re-evaluate the agency’s plan, which may change a little bit, but the DNR will continue to push the concept, said Bob Meir, DNR legislative affairs director.

“We’re running across the problem of resources,” he said. “People expect a high level of fish and game (management) activities, and we’re going to kind of hit a point where we won’t be able to meet customers’ demands.”

It’s unclear what the next steps for the proposal, which includes cost increases and restructuring of the license system, will be, said Ed Boggess, DNR Fish and Wildlife Division director.

Part of the reason for that is because lawmakers addressed the state budget during the most recent session. They typically don’t do budgeting in even-numbered years, though it’s possible a supplemental budget bill could be on the table next year.

“The need has not gone away,” Boggess said. “It’s just a matter of how and when we continue to make that need known and try to get it addressed.”

Boggess said the feedback from legislators to the proposal was largely positive, but “It was more of a timing issue-is it really necessary to do it now?”

The agency will have a better idea of when the Game and Fish Fund would be depleted after the November state economic forecast comes out, but most recent forecasts and projections show the fund dipping into the red during the 2014 fiscal year.

Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings and chair of the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee, said there were not substantial discussions about the matter during the most recent legislative session.

He called getting legislative approval for the suite of cost increases “a huge uphill battle.”

“There are a lot of people who have angst about them-some of my colleagues really have trouble with them,” McNamara said. “I support them (license cost increases); I would be fine with them.”

Ingebrigtsen noted the DNR’s Budgetary Oversight Committee has recommended raising the hunting and fishing license costs. If there’s going to be a citizen’s committee like that in place, he said, “You should be listening to them.”

Ingebrigtsen plans to broach the cost increase topic at next week’s retreat, but he doesn’t expect much support.

“We’ve been putting it off, but we’re going to have to look at it,” he said. “I have to educate my caucus and the newer members that these are user fees – they’re not taxes. Hunting and fishing folks, in general, are willing to pay their way.”

[Ross Pearson]

From MN DNR news releases

Where does my fishing license dollar go?

(Released May 9, 2011)

When an angler buys a Minnesota fishing license, it usually lands in a wallet, purse or tackle box.But where does the angler’s money go? That’s the $18 million question.

“We’re glad to answer it,” said Dirk Peterson, fisheries chief for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “In fact, we want anglers to know the source of our revenues and how we put them to work.”

According to Peterson, the DNR’s fisheries section has a yearly operating budget of about $35 million. About 50 percent of that amount – or $18 million – comes from anglers who purchase a fishing license or stamps. About 32 percent of the budget is derived from a federal tax on fishing gear. Minnesota State Lottery revenues account for 12 percent. And four other funds – clean water, water recreation, special revenue, and gift – round out the remaining 4-plus percent of operating budget revenues.

“Most of what we do is funded by the anglers who buy licenses and stamps,” said Peterson. “The state’s General Fund does not pay for fish management. Legacy Amendment tax revenues have yet to contribute in a significant way, either.”

Peterson said federal revenue the Fisheries Section receives, commonly known as federal aid reimbursement, is a critical component of the Fisheries Section’s budget. This program, though little known, was authorized under the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950. Its revenues are derived by a 10 percent manufacturing tax on fishing rods, reels, tackle and other angling equipment, plus a 3 percent or less tax on electric trolling motors and other fishing-related items.

“When an angler buys a piece of fishing equipment, he or she doesn’t pay the tax at the checkout counter,” said Peterson. “Instead, manufacturers – companies such as Rapala, Water Gremlin, and Northland Tackle – pay an excise tax to the federal government. Ultimately, the Minnesota DNR receives a portion of those funds based on the number of anglers it licenses and the geographic size of the state.”

This apportionment is captured by DNR through fisheries-related program expenditures and a 75 percent reimbursement of those eligible expenses.

How does the DNR use its fisheries section budget?

The biggest slice of the budget pays for lake and stream surveys and assessments. This work is the foundation of all fisheries activities. It includes fish population surveys and other inventories of water chemistry and biological information. Without this data, fish manager would lack the critical information on which to base sound decisions. Other big expenditures include improving habitat and raising and stocking fish. Education, outreach, planning, and program support round out the remaining portion of the budget.

“I think what most anglers want to know is whether their license dollars are being spent on fishing -related activities,” said Peterson. “The answer is yes. This fact is confirmed regularly through legislative audits, federal audits, and a full review of our books each year by a citizen oversight committee.”

What follows are highlights of how the DNR allocates its Fisheries Section budget:

conduct 650-700 lakes surveys per year and 180 river and stream surveys

write 400 natural resource plans per year

collect about one-half billion walleye eggs per year that result in the stocking of some 390 million fry and 2.5 million fingerlings

stock about 1,000 lakes with walleye

operate 12 warm water hatcheries and five cold water hatcheries that provide walleye, trout, muskellunge and other species for lakes and rivers throughout the state

stock muskellunge in 59 lakes and the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers

improve five to eight miles of stream habitat per year

deliver aquatic and angling education programs to thousands of youth per year.

[Ross Pearson]

From Outdoor News Minnesota December 2, 2011

. Posted: Thursday, December 1, 2011 12:00 pm

MN: BOC: Increase license fees By Joe Albert Associate Editor

St. Paul - Fishing and hunting license fees should be increased and restructured, as the DNR has proposed, to keep the Game and Fish Fund solvent, according to a citizens group that oversees agency expenditures.

The DNR pushed the proposal at the Legislature earlier this year, but it didn't gain traction.

Still, it's one of the top five "special issues" the Game and Fish Fund Budgetary Oversight Committee (BOC)listed in its most recent annual report.

"We support the current efforts under way to modify the structure and increase hunting and fishing license fees," Joe Duggan, BOC chair, wrote. "The structural modifications and inflationary increase proposed will make the Game and Fish Fund solvent for the next several years."

According to the report, the changes also will correct the ongoing imbalance between hunting and fishing revenues and expenditures.

Bob Meier, DNR legislative affairs director, says the agency continues to evaluate the license fee proposal. He expects what comes before the Legislature, which goes into session Jan. 24, 2012, to be similar to what it considered last session.

"Ultimately, we may have to increase (the proposed license fees) because it's taken another year to get it done," he said.

The last time there was a general license fee increase was 2001.

[laker1]

I think you should also know that the Game and fish fund is paying more all the time of Conservation Officers salary and other expenses that use to come from the general revenue funds took care of much of it due to the wide variety of duties they have to do. Well like many things the legislature shifted money around on how things are funded be it school aid or natural resources. It is time for a license increase.

[Ross Pearson]

Published December 11, 2011, 12:00 AM

Field reports: DNR Game and Fish Fund going broke

By: Sam Cook, Duluth News Tribune

Budget projections by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources show the Game and Fish Fund could go into the red soon after July 1, 2013.

The agency has said for some time that if it does not get an increase in hunting and fishing license fees soon, its Game and Fish Fund will be depleted. These latest budget projections came as little surprise, said Dennis Simon, director of the DNR’s Section of Wildlife.

“We’ve known that for some time,” Simon said. “We know how much we’re spending above license revenues.”

The Fish and Game Fund, made up mostly of revenue from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses, pays for fish and wildlife management activities.

The diminishing fund is projected to have a $6.7 million balance at the end of fiscal year 2012 on June 30, said Pete Skwira, administrative services section chief for the DNR. By June 30, 2013, that balance is projected to be just $204,000, he said.

“That’s a very slim margin,” Skwira said. “If something goes wrong, we’re going to have to reduce expenditures somewhere.”

Sales of licenses for pheasant and duck hunting were down this fall, he said, but deer license sales were up slightly from 2010.

Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget proposed for the 2011 Legislative session included a license-fee restructuring proposal, and two license-fee bills were introduced in the session. Neither was passed. Either of those bills could be resurrected and acted upon in the coming session.

“We have some very serious budget problems, and we’re going to be talking about what’s not getting done right now with the current budget situation and what changes we’ll have to make going into the future if we don’t get some kind of relief,” Simon said.

[laker1]

Its time for a increase when two fishing lures or a couple dozen shiners cost more than a fishing license.

[Ross Pearson]

From MN Outdoor News

Forecast shows earlier dip into red for G&F Fund

Posted: Thursday, December 15, 2011 12:00 pm

By Joe Albert Associate Editor

St. Paul - Last month's state budget forecast showed an $876 million surplus, which officials say was a pleasant surprise.

But the Game and Fish Fund's outlook wasn't so positive.

The November forecast shows that fund dipping into negative territory a year earlier than had been expected. According to the forecast, the fund will have a $204,000 balance on June 30, 2013, and go into the red shortly thereafter.

"That's not a number that we are comfortable with," said Ed Boggess, director of the DNR Fish and Wildlife Division. "We're going to have to do something."

Revenues from fishing and hunting license sales make up a large part of the Game and Fish Fund, which pays for the majority of the DNR's fish and wildlife management activities. Federal excise taxes that are directed to states make up most of the remainder of the fund.

The DNR spends about $99 million per year from the Game and Fish Fund.

That the fund is heading toward the red doesn't come as a surprise, and is the reason the DNR and Gov. Mark Dayton have proposed increasing fees for hunting and fishing licenses. Such an increase hasn't occurred in more than a decade.

A bill to increase fees was introduced during the last legislative session, but it didn't gain traction.

Both Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, and Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, who chair their respective body's environment committee, say they expect license fees will be a topic of discussion during the next session, which begins in January.

The two options for keeping the Game and Fish Fund out of the red are to increase revenues into it, or decrease expenditures from it, Boggess said.

Cuts would be difficult and diminish the agency's ability to do things like manage hunting and fishing seasons, and monitor fish and game populations, he said.

"There is no more easy cutting to be done," Boggess said. "It's going to be some painful cuts."

There are a couple of reasons why the Game and Fish Fund is projected to go into the red a year earlier than expected, said Pete Skwira, administrative chief for the DNR's Fish and Wildlife Division.

Last summer's government shutdown, during which people could not buy licenses, resulted in some lost money. But the bigger reason is federal excise taxes.

Federal sportfish restoration funds (Dingell-Johnson) and wildlife restoration funds (Pittman-Robertson) that come to Minnesota both are slated to decrease in coming years.

"The federal dollars are going down," Boggess said. "There had been a peak in those a year or two ago. There was a lot of arms and ammunition sales in the past few years, and that had boosted the Pittman-Robertson wildlife restoration dollars."

[laker1]

Eleven years ago, gas costs $1.46 a gallon, a movie averaged $5.66 and a Minnesota fishing license was $17.

Today, expect to fork over $3.20 a gallon for gas, and a movie ticket averages around $8 -- but that Minnesota fishing license still is $17.

The state's hunting and fishing licenses haven't seen a general increase since 2001 -- and state officials, conservation leaders and even some legislators have argued several years for increases.

It hasn't happened. And may not again in 2012.

But last month's state budget forecast added a new sense of urgency. It projected the state Game and Fish Fund -- fueled by hunting and fishing license fees that pay for the bulk of the Department of Natural Resources fish and wildlife management -- could dip into the red by July 2013, and could be $6.7 million short by 2014.

By law, the fund can't go into a deficit. The DNR spends about $95 million yearly from the fund.

DNR officials say they've been cutting expenses for several years, but without fee increases, they say key fish and wildlife programs would have to be trimmed and employee numbers reduced further.

[Ross Pearson]

Published January 15, 2012, 07:41 AM

Minnesota DNR hopes to raise hunting and fishing license fees to stem red ink

Minnesota’s Game and Fish Fund, which pays for most fish and wildlife management in the state, is headed into the red. One item in a recent presentation by Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr carried an ominous heading: “Bankrupt Game and Fish Fund.”

By: Sam Cook, Duluth News Tribune

The fund, supported mainly by income from fishing and hunting license sales, will go into the red by June 2013 unless revenues are raised.

“We can’t get to that point,” Landwehr told the assembled stakeholders Jan. 6 at the DNR Roundtable in St. Paul. “We will be cutting programs if we don’t get a fee increase.”

Does this sound familiar? Landwehr and others at the DNR have been calling for an increase in fishing and hunting license fees since last year at this time, when projections showed the Game and Fish Fund headed for insolvency. Any increases would have to be approved by the Legislature. While there was no support for such increases in the Legislature last year, there seems to be at least some support this year. The legislative session begins Jan. 24.

“I anticipate we’ll have hearings on a proposal to increase fees in the House,” said Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, chair of the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. “(Last year), we all talked about that being an issue farther out and we didn’t need to worry about it. I don’t think that’s true anymore. We may be coming up short even in this biennium. That adds to the need for us to hear it.”

Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget proposed for the 2011 Legislative session included a DNR license-fee restructuring proposal, but no bills were advanced. However, the governor’s budget remains in play for this session as well.

“What we’ve heard from stakeholders is that there’s pretty strong support for doing something with our license structure,” said Dennis Simon, DNR wildlife chief. “The urgency has increased from where we were at this time last year, given the accelerated decline of the Game and Fish Fund.”

Under the governor’s 2011 proposal for fee increases, a resident angling license would go from $17 to $24, and a resident deer license would go from $26 to $30. Several new kinds of licenses would be offered as well, such as a half-price fishing license for 16- and 17-year-olds and a 90-day resident angling license for $18.

The diminishing Game and Fish Fund is projected to have a $6.7 million balance at the end of fiscal year 2012 on June 30, said Pete Skwira, administrative services section chief for the DNR. By June 30, 2013, that balance is projected to be just $204,000, he said.

“That’s a very slim margin,” Skwira said. “If something goes wrong, we’re going to have to reduce expenditures somewhere.”

Minnesota’s fishing license fees were last raised in 2001, and hunting license fees were last raised significantly in 2000.

[reinhard1]

i would like to see where the funds will be directed. however in general i am for an increase in licence fees and have been for awhile. i have talked with fisheries personel from down here in the cities, central minnesota, and the arrowhead area and all need funding. good luck.

[Northlander]

I will gladly pay more to be able keep fishing. They need money bad these days. We hardly see the DNR guys on the lakes these days.

[Ross Pearson]

MN DNR seeks higher fishing, hunting license fees

Article by: STEVE KARNOWSKI , Associated Press

Updated: January 15, 2012 - 6:06 PM

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources and sportsmen's groups are planning a new push to get the Legislature to raise hunting and fishing license fees, alarmed that a key fund is headed for insolvency sooner than expected.

The Game and Fish Fund, which supports programs important to hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans, is due to go into the red in mid-2013. That's about a year earlier than expected when DNR officials first proposed higher license fees a year ago.

The fees haven't changed since 2001.

"Let us pay more. We're volunteering," said Mark Johnson, executive director of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.

Ed Boggess, the DNR's fish and wildlife division director, said revenue will be down $7.6 million from what was forecast a year ago for three reasons. The state government shutdown cost the DNR about $2.2 million in lost fishing and hunting license sales, ongoing revenue from hunting and fishing license sales is projected at $1.1 million less than before, and the state's share of projected revenues from federal excise taxes on tackle and other items is down $4.3 million.

The DNR proposed a long list of fee increases last year, including a rise from $17 to $24 for a one-year resident individual adult fishing license and from $24 to $40 for a married couple. An individual deer license would have gone from $26 to $30. An annual angling license for a nonresident adult would have gone from $39.50 to $44 and a nonresident deer license would have gone from $140 to $160. The DNR's proposal this year is expected to be about the same.

Boggess said it's urgent that lawmakers act this year so that any fee increases will be in place for 2013 licenses. DNR officials hope to give lawmakers a list early in the session, which opens Jan. 24, of cuts that would have to be made if fees aren't raised.

"There will be very deep cuts to fisheries and wildlife programs and staffing and offices," Boggess said.

The Legislature didn't act on the proposal last year in a session marked by gridlock over taxes and spending between a political-people-controlled House and Senate and a Democratic governor. The House political-person Caucus, in particular, was strongly opposed to any tax increases, even when packaged as user fees paid by the people who directly benefit.

Supporters said they think this year will be different since the state isn't staring down a huge budget deficit.

"The support is there from the hunting and fishing community," said Gary Botzek, executive director of the Minnesota Conservation Federation. "Whether the support is there from the legislative community remains to be seen."

Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, who chairs the Senate's environmental committee, said he'll support higher fees but expects it to be one of the toughest issues his committee tackles this session.

"I think it has a much better chance this year because they're user fees, not taxes," Ingebrigtsen said. "If you don't hunt and fish in the state of Minnesota you don't have to pay for it."

The chairman of the corresponding House panel, Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, said he generally agrees that higher license fees are needed, but he expects Republicans to come up with a proposal that might not be as extensive as the DNR's.

Phil Krinkie, president of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, which strongly opposes most tax increases, said he wouldn't necessarily oppose higher game and fish license fees although he'd want to look at the costs of operating the programs they support. He said there's "always an area of gray" on whether something is a tax or a fee, and he expects the fees to be a hot topic this session.

A study commissioned by the DNR last year found that its annual individual resident and nonresident fishing licenses were low compared to fees charged throughout the United States." The state's other fishing license fees were about average.

Minnesota's deer license fee was low compared to other states, while other game licenses a bit higher and in line with nearby states.

A DNR presentation based on that study said Minnesota's fees would be in the middle of the pack even with the proposed increases.

Vern Wagner, vice president of Anglers for Habitat, said $25 for a fishing license would still be a bargain compared with other forms of entertainment such as taking your kids to a movie and buying them popcorn.

Wagner also pointed out that the DNR already has absorbed substantial cuts in recent years. Many positions have been eliminated, fewer studies are being done and there's less money for stocking lakes, he said. And all of that strikes at the heart of the state's identity, he said.

According to the DNR, around 2 million Minnesotans fish and around 700,000 hunt, generating $3.6 billion in annual economic activity and supporting 55,000 jobs.

"Fishing is synonymous with Minnesota. Or maybe it's the other way around," Wager said with a laugh. "Minnesota is synonymous with fishing."

[Ross Pearson]

From MNDNR without the links

Minnesota's Game and Fish Fund is in dire condition. It is projected to be in the red by as early as July 2013. This means the DNR will need to make significant cuts that affect the quantity and quality of hunting, fishing and natural resources law enforcement unless the state Legislature approves license fee increases during the 2012 session.

1. The Problem

With the support of many outdoor organizations, the Minnesota DNR is seeking a hunting and fishing license fee increase this legislative session. Fees cannot be changed without action by the Legislature. It has been 11 years since the last fee increase.

2. The Impact

The DNR has reduced programs that affect the quantity and quality of hunting and fishing. Reductions will be exacerbated if the state legislature does not take action this session. This is the longest period of time without a fee increase in more than 40 years.

3. The Cost

Most license fees are proposed to increase but lower cost license options will be available.

4. It's Up To You

Your opinion matters. Please voice it. Contact information for your state senator and representative is available from the state legislative directory. Direct questions about the license fee increase proposal to agency contact [email protected].

FAQs

How does the DNR spend license dollars?

Anglers and hunters invest in Minnesota's future each time they buy a license. Their dollars go into a special account called the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that ensures license dollars are used only for fish and wildlife-related work.

Why is a license fee increase so urgent this session?

The urgency relates to the fact that in November the state's top budget forecasters projected the Game and Fish Fund will "go negative" as early as July 2013. This is at least one year earlier than the previous forecast. As a result, unless the Legislature takes action this 2012 session, the DNR will need to make significant additional cuts between now and July 2013 to stay within its budget. These cuts will affect the quality of hunting, fishing and natural resources law enforcement.

What changed? What's driving the urgency?

The situation has changed from last year for three reasons that total up to $7.6 million in less revenue. The 20-day state government shutdown in July 2011 cost the Game and Fish Fund about $2.2 million because fishing licenses could not be sold. In November 2011, state budget forecasters, who assess a broad scope of economic data, revised downward their fishing license revenue projections by $1.1 million. Finally, in late 2011, federal budget forecasters predicted a $4.3 million decline in revenue into Minnesota's Game and Fish Fund from Dingell-Johnson and Pittman-Robertson federal reimbursement programs.

What will "no action" mean to me?

Less. Ultimately, less habitat work, less species management and less research on how to maintain and improve fish and wildlife populations will result in less for the outdoors person. Minnesota, for example, is one of the nation's top five angling destinations, not only because it has a lot of lakes but because the fishing in those lakes is very good thanks to an integrated system of population surveys, individual lake management and on-going research to maximize outcomes and minimize management costs. This management system will continue to erode without an infusion of additional license revenue.

Why can't Legacy Amendment (sales tax) dollars solve the problem?

Legacy Amendment dollars cannot nor were ever intended to pay for core fish, wildlife and enforcement operations. In fact, the Legislature specifically stated that Legacy dollars could not be used for those functions. This means expenditures for staff, field offices, vehicles and other infrastructure will continue to come largely from the Game and Fish Fund, which is dependent on license sale revenues.

What about proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery?

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) oversees the share of lottery proceeds dedicated to natural resources, known as the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Lottery dollars do not flow directly to the DNR. Instead, LCCMR members make funding recommendations to the Legislature for special environment and natural resource projects. DNR isn't always a partner in LCCMR-funded projects. When DNR is a partner, any money received is specifically dedicated to fund the DNR's share of the approved project.

What is the status of the DNR's license proposal?

The DNR's hunting and fishing license fee initiative was included in the budget that Governor Dayton presented to the Legislature last year. The Legislature took no action on the proposal at that time. This was not unreasonable because lawmakers were focusing on resolving a multi-billion dollar budget deficit and revenue projections at the time suggested the Game and Fish Fund would remain solvent through fiscal year 2014, which mean lawmakers could successfully address this issue in 2013 budget-setting session. That's changed. Today, urgency is higher because revenue projections indicate the Game and Fish Fund will go negative by July 2013.

How did the DNR arrive at these license options?

The DNR obtained professional expertise from Southwick Associates and Responsive Management, two firms that provide data through research, modeling and customer surveys.

Why is the DNR proposing proportionately lower non-resident angling license fees?

Though a general fishing license fee increase has not occurred since 2001 there have been two price increases for non-resident fishing licenses since that time. In one instance, the Legislature and governor authorized an increase on non-resident fishing licenses to offset revenue lost by not requiring the licensing of portable ice fishing houses (those not left overnight). Similarly, the Legislature and governor authorized a $2 surcharge on non-resident fishing licenses to raise revenue for invasive species work. These previous price adjustments were factored into the current price structure.

Why did the proposed husband and wife combination license increase so much?

This license is proposed to increase more than others because it has been under-priced. The new price is still a discount but not to a disproportional amount.

How much money will wolf hunting licenses raise?

That's hard to predict. The DNR has proposed issuing a maximum of 6,000 licenses for 2012 hunting and trapping season. However, the Legislature could enact a different number. The Legislature also is the body that sets the license price and season structure, both of which could influence license sales.

Getting youth involved in the outdoors is important. Does the DNR's proposal address this?

Yes. The proposal recognizes that family and friends are important to getting youth involved in outdoor activities. The proposed license structure and current structure provide many opportunities for youth. The DNR's proposal would:

• Continue no angling license required for youth under age 16

• Continue no minimum age requirement to hunt small game or turkey (firearms safety required at age 13)

• Continue minimum age requirement (age 10 with supervision) to hunt deer with (firearms safety required at age 12)

• Continue one-year exemption from firearms safety requirements through Apprentice Hunter Validation program.

• Create a new reduced price youth angling license for 16 and 17 year olds

• Create a new free youth under 13 deer or turkey license

• Create a new reduced price youth 16 and 17 year old small game license

[Ross Pearson]

I am grateful to this site, administrators, moderators, sponsors, and those who have replied on both this license fee topic and the Kamloops Production Shift topic. There now seems to be a chance that our state legislators will pass a license fee increase this session. This site has played a role in getting out the word on the necessity of a fee increase to avoid more cuts to programs like the Kamloops program which has already seen changes that are restricting its effectiveness. Discretionary programs like all of the coldwater stocking programs are the first to be eliminated when funds aren't sufficient. Thanks, Ross Pearson(Kamloops Advocates).

Senate chair to carry fee increase proposal

Posted: Thursday, February 9, 2012 10:00 am

By Joe Albert Associate Editor

St. Paul - State management of wolves and aquatic invasive species have dominated the first couple of weeks at the state Capitol. Discussions of the topics will continue as the session wears on, but there's another one to watch: license fees.

The three topics represent the priorities of the current session, said Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria and chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Other senators will carry bills related to wolves and AIS, but Ingebrigtsen said he plans to "carry the banner" with regards to hunting and fishing license fees.

There hasn't been a general license-fee increase in more than a decade, and the DNR says it's necessary to prevent the Game and Fish Fund from going into the red in early July 2013.

"We need to get it done," said Bob Meier, DNR legislative affairs director. "If we don't have a license-fee increase, people will see reductions in services."

The Game and Fish Fund pays for much of the fish and wildlife management that occurs in the state. License fees are the main source of revenue into the fund.

The DNR proposed fee increases last year, but made little headway. That proposal, for example, would have raised the price of a fishing license from $17 to $24 per year.

Some lawmakers have suggested a more incremental increase in license fees. While Ingebrigtsen says he doesn't at this point have specific numbers in mind as far as fee increases, he's cool to that approach.

"We've talked about maybe doing it in steps, but I'm leaning toward just getting it over with and going with the whole thing at one time," said Ingebrigtsen, who's an assistant majority leader. "It's long and hard to raise fees. Let's just get it over with."

Ingebrigtsen said he's been discussing the fee increases with other senators since last year. He's optimistic that body will approve them this year.

"I feel real good about it," he said. "I have laid the groundwork there during the past couple of years. It's not going to be a surprise to (other senators). Let's put it that way."

Meier said the agency plans to meet with House and Senate leadership within the next week or two to discuss its fee proposal.

[Ross Pearson]

From the DNR The Bottom Line web page and request by me(Ross Pearson) at the bottom of post:

CASE STUDY: Lake Superior Area Fisheries

Lake Superior garners its share of attention as a world-class fishery and vacation destination. The lake and its tributaries have been featured in countless travel and fishing-related stories touting every aspect of its scenic beauty and fishing potential. But what Lake Superior fisheries supervisor Don Schreiner knows is that sometimes, the story of what goes

undone is the story that needs to be heard more often.

In 2011, because of funding issues, the Lake Superior Area Fisheries office operated with a 25 to 50 percent decrease in staff. "Because we were short staffed for the entire year,several important activities were either not completed, or were not done at all," said Schreiner.

So what didn't happen:

The graded small mesh assessment on Lake Superior that targets juvenile lake trout and corregonid species(cisco and whitefish) in Lake Superior was not implemented. This affects DNR's ability to predict future population abundance and the data from this survey will not be available for use in our models that help determine how to manage lake trout harvest. Until 2011, this survey had been conducted uninterrupted for over 40 years.

The Rainbow Trout Status Report was not produced since there was no anadromous fisheries specialist on staff to complete the report. This is an annual summary of work completed in managing rainbow trout and how the

population has responded. The report is included as a major part of Angler Magazine, which is published by the Lake Superior Steelhead Association. This report has been produced uninterrupted for the last 20 years and is

highly anticipated from both statewide media outlets and rainbow trout anglers.

Lake Superior fisheries staff were unable to meet thier full commitment to conduct a time series of hydo-acoustic estimates of spawning cisco (lake herring) in the fall of 2011. This survey is part of a larger project we agreed to participate in with the Lake Superior Technical Committee of the Lakes Fishery Commission.

The bottom line?

Staffing shortages are already impacting the DNR's commitment to the management of the Lake Superior sport and commercial fishery and others who rely on the DNR to fulfill that obligation. Further declines in management activities will be unavoidable if the balance in the Game and Fish Fund aren't soon addressed.

What We Do: Lake Superior Area Fisheries Highlights

The Minnesota DNR Lake Superior Area provides fisheries management on 1.4

million acres of Lake Superior and more than 160 miles of its shoreline. The area also includes nearly 60 tributaries available to migratory Pacific salmon and brook, brown, and rainbow trout.

Provide technical assistance to help protect fish habitat from various

development projects.

Design fish passage structures and coordinate fish passage with various

entities.

Identify, map and protect critical spawning habitat in Lake Superior and

tributary streams.

Work with other agencies to restore shoreline habitat.

Work with others to implement forestry BMPs in riparian zones and Lake

Superior watersheds.

Implement riparian management and increase access to streams in the Lake Superior watershed.

Conduct standardized population assessments targeted at lake, brook, brown and rainbow trout, and Pacific salmon at different life stages.

Monitor migratory fish traps on French and Knife Rivers and report and publish results.

Monitor migratory fish in select tributaries.

Survey prey species (cisco, rainbow smelt, etc.).

Conduct creel surveys to estimate fish harvest.

I am again urging anglers to contact their state legislators asking them to get a license fee increase passed this session. Ross Pearson of Kamloops Advoocates.

[laker1]

If anglers and hunters really care about the future of their outdoor activities and infrastructure that supports these activities we better get active and push for these increases. It has been over 10 years since we have had a increase. Much of the department has already cut back 20%. A fishing license should cost more than 1 muskie plug or a box of shells.

Sportsmen in the past sit on the sidelines to often. Call your legislature.

[Ross Pearson]

For first time, fee-increase bill gets hearing

By Joe Albert Associate Editor Mn Outdoor News

St. Paul — Just as he said he would, Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, has introduced legislation to increase the prices of fishing and hunting license fees.

The proposal would keep the Game and Fish Fund from dipping into the red next year, though it’s not exactly the bill that the DNR and Gov. Mark Dayton want to see passed.

“It’s going to keep the programs solvent for some years to come – there’s no doubt about that,” said Ingebrigtsen, who chairs the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

As of earlier this week, hunting and fishing license fee legislation hadn’t been offered in the House. Leaders there, however, have said they expect a proposal will be forthcoming.

Ingebrigtsen’s committee was set to hear his proposal Tuesday afternoon, marking the first time the proposal to increase fees has been formally addressed. Bills introduced last session also would have increased license fees, but they never were heard.

“Hunting and fishing are big industries in this state,” said Don McMillan, president of the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance. “We contribute $3.6 billion in annual expenditures to the state’s economy from our hunting and fishing activities.

“These are ‘user fees’ that we are talking about increasing here. If you don’t buy a license, you are not going to have to pay more. If you do hunt or fish you will pay a small amount more than you do now, but the money is plowed right back into the resources,” he added.

Sales of hunting and fishing licenses are the main source of revenue for the Game and Fish Fund, which funds the majority of fish and wildlife management that occurs in the state. The fund is projected to dip into the red early in July of 2013.

It’s been almost 12 years since there last was a general increase in the cost of fishing and hunting licenses.

Though there are similarities between what the DNR and Dayton are proposing – most recently in Dayton’s supplemental budget bill, which he unveiled earlier this week – there are differences, too.

Both would set the price for resident deer-hunting licenses at $30, up from $26. Nonresident deer-hunting licenses would increase from $135 to $160.

One of the main differences is in the cost of fishing licenses. Ingebrigtsen would increase the cost for a resident annual license from $17 to $22. The DNR wants the license to be set at $24. And under the DNR’s proposal, a combined license for a married couple would be $40; Ingebrigtsen would set it at $35.

[laker1]

Thanks for the update. Wish they would of kept the proposed license increase at $24.00 and that would of kept them more solvent and a little extra money since the last increase was about 2001 when gas and expenses for them were a lot less.

[Ross Pearson]

More reasons to support a fee increase:

CASE STUDY: Duluth Area Fisheries Duluth Area Fisheries Manager Deserae Hendrickson understands the importance of angling to residents and visitors

in the Duluth area. But with the permanent loss of 2.5 full time positions, and an additional full time vacancy remaining unfilled because of lack of funding, some of the area's iconic trout streams just won't be stocked like they have been in the past.

Trout stocking in Duluth area lakes and streams has been cut significantly, with stocking discontinued or reduced in the following waters: Chester Creek, Gooseberry River, Lester River, Midway River, Otter Creek, Sucker River, Tischer Creek and Spring Hole Lake. While many of these waters have some natural reproduction which may sustain some fishing,

trout are not likely to be as abundant in these waters in the future. Without a license fee increase, further cuts in coldwater stocking are eminent. "Our own habitat improvement and stream restoration work will have to be reduced, with fewer staff available to plan and implement them, but the budget cuts will also have an impact on projects being proposed by conservation groups," says Hendrickson. "While many new forms of funding are becoming available for habitat improvement, with fewer staff, we are less able to provide technical assistance to and/or partner with conservation groups wanting to do this typeof work."

The bottom line?

Despite new sources of funding from the Legacy amendment for habitat

improvement, the declining balance in the Game and Fish Fund means fewer DNR staff to provide technical assistance to conservation groups. Good projects may go undone because that technical expertise is not available.

What We Do: Duluth Area Fisheries Highlights

The Minnesota DNR Duluth Fisheries Area manages 349 lakes, 473 miles of trout stream, and 157 miles of river, including the St. Louis River Estuary. Management efforts provide diverse fishing opportunities with urban trout fishing, scenic settings for trout anglers, anadromous fish runs, and pristine northern lakes.

Stock 25 lakes with walleye, six lakes with trout, and 15 streams with trout.

This work provides fishing opportunities in waters which otherwise might

not have any.

Manage the St. Louis River Estuary and Island Reservoir for trophy

muskellunge.

Assess fish populations on approximately 15 lakes and 15 streams each year.

Data collected enables us to make the best management decisions possible.

Measure trout stream temperatures (June through September) in over 100

locations. "Hot spots" can be identified and targeted for riparian plantings to help cool the streams.

Collect fish for contaminant testing to assist Dept. of Health and Pollution Control Agency in determining safe consumption advisories.

Conduct research: lake sturgeon and muskellunge tagging studies, habitat improvement evaluations, and fish passage evaluations.

Rehabilitate lake sturgeon through stocking of 10 year classes. Sturgeon reproduction was identified for the first time in 2011 following a major enhancement of riffles for spawning habitat below Fond du Lac dam.

Coordinate work in St. Louis River Area of Concern to restore over 1,000 acres of impaired aquatic habitat; current projects include restoration of Knowlton Creek, Radio Tower Bay, Grassy Point, 40th and 21st Ave.

West and Superfund sites.

Work with MnDOT, counties and individuals to plan/design over 30 fish friendly culvert/bridge crossings each year.

Collaborate with other agencies and groups on habitat projects, watershed/wetland protection.

Maintain anadromous fish passage on 75 miles of trout stream; monitor anadromous rainbow trout populations

in the French and Knife Rivers.

Spawn Kamloop and steelhead rainbow trout for stocking in Lake Superior and tributaries.

Conduct MinnAqua educational programs.

Maintain 202 miles of stream easement fishing access and acquire new easements.

Monitor 14 fishing tournaments each year.

Issue 50 Aquatic Plant Management permits to protect critical lake habitats.

[Ross Pearson]

This legislative session is drawing to a close so far without a license fee increase getting passed. An increase this session is of utmost importance to avoid more cuts to programs, staff, and work functions in the MNDNR Fisheries and Wildlife divisions. For North Shore opportunities like steelhead, Kamloops, and any future stocking for the Mn waters of Lake Superior, an increase is needed to keep the French River Hatchery open. Please contact your legislators now if these opportunities are important to you.

Ross Pearson-Kamloops Advocates Representative

[laker1]

. More importantly, this is the longest period Minnesotans have gone without a fee increase in more than 40 years. The DNR, backed by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, has advocated the fee hike since last year but the measure hasn’t gone anywhere to date because state lawmakers were haggling over budget deficits. We need to push them to get these increases in place this year.

If it is passed, the increases would boost annual funding to the Game and Fish Fund from $11 to $14 million. That is insurance money paid by those who want to see Minnesota’s fishing and hunting flourish. It is worth it, considering it means conservatively $3 billion to Minnesota’s economy. That is what is spent on fishing and hunting every year in Minnesota. If you do some quick math that would be in the neighborhood of $200 million in sales tax annually.

Sixty-plus outdoor and conservation organizations have already signed a letter in support of hunting and fishing license fee to take it to a higher level. Ex-Viking coach and longtime outdoorsman Bud Grant recently addressed the Minnesota Senate about this bill, not a bill for a new football stadium.

[Ross Pearson]

Anglers, hunters to rally at Capitol on Monday morning

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Sam Cook

Anglers for Habitat and other outdoor groups are rallying at the state Capitol at 10:30 a.m. Monday to show their support for outdoor bills, game and fish funding and aquatic invasive species funding currently being considered in the Legislature.

Al Lindner will help lead the rally, which will take place in the Capitol rotunda. Participants are asked to bring fishing rods, fishing hats, landing nets and other symbols of the outdoors. Hunters are asked to wear blaze orange.

Anglers for Habitat is a non-profit alliance of anglers dedicated to the preservation and improvement of aquatic habitat, clean water and fishing in Minnesota.

[Ross Pearson]

Senate OKs higher license fees, but work remains

Posted on April 23, 2012 from the Capitol Chatter

Minnesota hunters and anglers could get their wish to pay higher license fees, but some House Republicans must be convinced first.

“I think it is do-able,” Rep. Denny McNamara said of getting enough votes from fellow representatives, but it will be a tough job.

Supporters of the increase need to help, McNamara said. He called for rank-and-file sportsmen and women to contact their legislators and urge them to support increased fees.

“We still haven’t got contacts from the rank and file,” he said.

The higher fees would be used to fund fish and game habitat improvements and fight invasive species such as Asian carp.

Senators Monday approved a bill 36-30 that includes raising most hunting and fishing license fees after Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, told them that 60 hunting and fishing organizations support the increases.

“This is not a tax, this is a fee,” he said, so people who do not hunt and fish would not pay more.

Included in the bill is a provision to allow lower-cost licenses for lower limits. For instance, with that license, a Minnesotan could catch up to three walleyes a day instead of the six allowed under a full license.

The Senate vote came hours after about 75 anglers rallied in favor of the bill in the Capitol rotunda.

“We need to come down here to convince our legislators to raise the game and fish fees,” Greg Kvale of Baxter said.

Holding fishing rods topped with signs demanding “raise hunting and fishing fees now,” the anglers made up a rare gathering of people who asked government to increase how much they pay.

Ingebrigtsen told them that after senators backed the bill, “we then will gel it up with the House.”

McNamara cheered for the Senate to increase fees, something the House did not approve in its game and fish bill. He said it should survive negotiations to reconcile the two bills.

However, with legislative adjournment for the year coming within the week, McNamara said he and other fee increase supporters have their work cut out to convince representatives, especially Republicans, that the action is a good thing.

Ingebrigtsen’s game and fish bill also includes provisions to:

– Send 50 cents per license, for $1 million a year, to the school trust fund for the state’s school districts.

– Divert some of the fee increase to farmers for livestock that wolves injure or kill.

– Allow wolf hunting and trapping seasons. An attempt to delay the seasons five years lost 40-26.

– Continue sale of fishing and hunting licenses in the event of a future government shutdown.

– Require the state natural resources commissioner to consult with American Indian tribes, wildlife groups and other organizations before establishing a wolf season.

Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, offered and then withdrew an amendment to move up the state fishing opener a week. Most involved in the discussion said it is now too late to make the move, which would have set the opener for May 5.

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