NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE. Senate & Assembly Joint Natural Resources Committee February 14, 2013

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1 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE Senate & Assembly Joint Natural Resources Committee 1

2 Wildlife as Public Trust Resource C-2 The 1842 Supreme Court ruling in Martin v. Waddell laid the groundwork in U.S. common law for the principle that wildlife resources are owned by no one, to be held in trust by government for the benefit of present and future generations. Coupled with the advocacy of sport hunters and other conservationists concerned with the dramatic declines in wildlife, the Public Trust Doctrine became the legal bedrock for state and federal governments in the U.S. to establish regulatory authority over wildlife. 2

3 During President Theodore Roosevelt s administration, the role of science over partisanship as the proper tool to discharge wildlife policy was emphasized. C-3 3

4 Landmark Congressional Legislation Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 (aka Pittman-Robertson) Excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment C-4 Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 (aka Dingell-Johnson) Excise taxes on sport fishing equipment Import duties on fishing tackle, yachts & pleasure craft Motorboat fuel tax Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Trust Funds Dedicated funding for wildlife management grants to States State assent legislation requirement (NRS & ) WSFR grants and state sportsmen fees for use only by state wildlife agencies (federal diversion regulations) 4

5 Key Pittman United State Senator for Nevada Senate Sponsor of the Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area near Hiko, NV C-5 5

6 North American Model of Seven Principles: Wildlife Conservation C-6 Wildlife is held in the public trust Regulated commerce in wildlife Hunting & fishing laws created through public process Hunting & fishing opportunities for all Non-frivolous use of wildlife Wildlife is an international resource Scientific management of wildlife 6

7 NDOW Mission Statement C-7 To protect, preserve, manage and restore wildlife and its habitat for its aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefit to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of this state. NRS Authorities: (wildlife) and 488 (boating) 7

8 Wildlife & Boating Related Recreation Economic Impacts To Nevada C-8 Sportfishing $272,474,092 retail sales $21,679,255 local/state tax revenues Wildlife Watching $362,229,000 retail sales $53,134,171 local/state tax revenues Hunting $145,208,313 retail sales $11,717,320 local/state tax revenues Boating* $1,076,000,000 retail sales Total estimated value of wildlife & boating to Nevada s economy is $1,942,442,151 each year Sportfishing data from Southwick Associates, Sportfishing in America An Economic Engine and Conservation Powerhouse. Hunting data from Southwick and Associates, Hunting in America An Economic Engine and Conservation Powerhouse. Wildlife Watching data from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service s Wildlife Watching in the U.S.: The Economic Impacts on National and State Economies in 2006 Addendum to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. *Boating data from survey conducted in 2006 by the Recreational Marine Research Center at Michigan State University for the National Marine Manufacturers Association. No tax revenue estimates available. 8

9 Nevada Department Of Wildlife Agency Program Profile Board of Wildlife Commissioners Governor Appointed 9 Member Board C-9 17 County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife Appointed by 17 County Commissions Director and Commission Secretary Governor Appointed 243 Full Time Employee Positions Statewide 7 Program Divisions 9

10 Nevada s Wildlife Responsibilities 892 different species regularly occurring in Nevada 456 species of birds 173 species of fish 161 species of mammals C species of reptiles 24 amphibian species 10

11 Department Structure Director s Office Operations Division Fiscal Services & Personnel Conservation Education Division C-11 Fisheries Division Game Division Habitat Division Wildlife Diversity Division Law Enforcement Division There are 3 regional offices (Reno, Elko and Las Vegas),11 field offices and regional supervisors report directly to their respective Division Administrator. 11

12 Major Priorities Next Biennium C-12 Sage-grouse Conservation Habitat Restoration Wildfire Rehabilitation Mule Deer Restoration Aquatic Invasive Species Program Implementation Energy and Other Development Reviews Maintaining Public Safety & Law Enforcement Resources Maintaining Adequate Equipment/Support especially vehicles 12

13 FY 2012 NDOW OPERATIONS FUNDING BY SOURCE Other State Funds 2% State General Fund <2% Boat Fees & Grants 13% C-13 Wildlife Fees & Grants 83% 13

14 FY 2012 NDOW OPERATIONS FUNDING BY POPULATION SEGMENT General Public 10% C-14 Boaters 13% Sportsmen 77% 14

15 C-15 15

16 FY 2012 NDOW FINANCIAL SUMMARY OPERATIONS (EXECUTIVE BUDGETS) C-16 NDOW OPERATING ACCOUNTS Director Ops Con Ed Law Game Fish Diversity Habitat NDOW (Executive Budgets) Total REVENUE General Fund Appropriations , ,873 - $ 494,765 Fed - Wildlife Restoration 30, , ,652-3,231,130 30,687 50,009 2,189,828 $ 6,721,498 Fed Sport Fish Restoration 25,660 56, ,499-16,437 3,824,051 9, ,071 $ 4,556,694 Fed - ESA Sec ,836 72,717 - $ 266,773 Fed - State Wildlife Grant 4,117 46, , , ,651 62,039 $ 933,071 Fed - Coast Guard - 139, , $ 1,002,526 Fed - Boating Access - 9, , $ 672,140 Other Grants - Fed - - 7,964 70, , , , ,748 $ 922,952 Other Grants - Private , $ 10,000 Sportsmen Revenue 1,735, ,671 3,408, ,407 1,075,215 (167,127) 988,046 $ 8,031,955 Restricted Sportsmen Revenue - 2,429,601 28, , ,322-35, ,219 $ 3,841,554 Boating Revenue - 362,867-1,899, $ 2,262,829 Trout Stamp Revenue , $ 757,374 Other State Revenue - 24,320-73, ,194 - $ 683,175 Internal Cost Allocations 1,536,073 1,947, , $ 3,959,200 Total Revenue $ 3,330,878 $ 5,587,891 $ 1,914,046 $ 7,147,077 $ 4,387,752 $ 6,485,995 $ 1,771,916 $ 4,490,951 $ 35,116,506 Less Internal Cost Allocations $ (3,959,200) NDOW Net Revenue $ 31,157,306 EXPENDITURES Personnel $ 1,442,684 $ 2,108,532 $ 1,379,775 $ 3,880,695 $ 2,362,893 $ 2,637,223 $ 1,204,661 $ 2,144,455 $ 17,160,918 Operating $ 1,884,665 $ 2,973,379 $ 393,783 $ 1,376,982 $ 1,475,019 $ 1,287,740 $ 342,887 $ 1,797,530 $ 11,531,985 Capital Projects or Infrastructure $ - $ 166,513 $ 28,237 $ 672,390 $ - $ 1,597,263 $ - $ - $ 2,464,403 Internal Cost Allocations $ 3,529 $ 339,467 $ 112,251 $ 1,217,010 $ 549,840 $ 963,769 $ 224,368 $ 548,966 $ 3,959,200 Total Expenditures $ 3,330,878 $ 5,587,891 $ 1,914,046 $ 7,147,077 $ 4,387,752 $ 6,485,995 $ 1,771,916 $ 4,490,951 $ 35,116,506 Less Internal Cost Allocations $ (3,959,200) NDOW Net Expenditures $ 31,157,306 Permanent Positions (FTEs)

17 FY 2012 NDOW FINANCIAL SUMMARY SPECIAL FUNDS (NON - EXECUTIVE) C-17 NDOW SPECIAL ACCOUNTS Habitat Wildlife Trust Wildlife Account Question 1 Enhancement Wildlife Heritage Fund NDOW (Non-Executive Budgets) Total REVENUE Beginning Cash (Reserves) 11,880, ,509 10,371,489 6,171,344 - $ 28,583,328 Other Grants - Fed - 152, $ 152,101 Sportsmen & Boating Revenue 15,804,147 $ 15,804,147 Private Funds - - 1,755, , ,336 $ 2,912,216 Other State Revenue - 1,252,093 37,383 15, $ 1,305,583 Current Year Revenue $ 15,804,147 $ 1,404,194 $ 1,793,308 $ 631,730 $ 540,668 $ 20,174,047 EXPENDITURES Transfers to Operations 13,404, $ 13,404,888 Other Transfers 867, $ 867,638 Special Projects - 1,364,955 2,569, , ,723 $ 4,619,287 Current Year Expenditures $ 14,272,525 $ 1,364,955 $ 2,569,412 $ 290,197 $ 394,723 $ 18,891,812 Balance Forward (Ending Reserves) $ 13,412,608 $ 198,748 $ 9,595,385 $ 6,512,877 $ 145,945 $ 29,865, : Sportsmen and boating fees in four reserves: sportsmen, restricted sportsmen, trout stamp and boating 1511: Habitat mitigation funds from development projects, includes Ruby Pipeline monies 4457: Sportsmen revenue derived from auction and sale of specialty hunting tags. Administered by Commission for wildlife projects 5010: NDOW gift account for voluntary contributions from any source (primarily sportsmen) for any purpose consistent with NDOW's mission 17

18 WILDLIFE ACCOUNT RESERVES WILDLIFE ACCOUNT FY 2012 FYE RESERVE DETAIL TOTAL CASH 13,412,608 C-18 RESERVES: TROUT STAMP 3,240,493 BOATING 643,001 RESTRICTED SPORTSMEN 5,971,692 SPORTSMEN 3,557,422 Purposes: Trout Stamp - Hatchery Refurbishments, Bond Payments Boating - Boating Safety and Education Programs Restricted Sportsmen - various fees restricted by NRS mostly for projects: Habitat Conservation Fee, Upland Game Stamp, Duck Stamp, Predator Fee, Application Fee, etc. Sportsmen - general wildlife management 18

19 QUESTION 1 o Approved by Nevada Legislature 2001 and voters in 2002 o o o NDOW allocation $27.5 million Purpose property acquisitions, facilities, habitat improvements Current Status: $24.5 million bonds sold $22.3 million awarded to projects $20.6 million spent since FY 2004 C-19 NDOW Q1 Financial Summary as of 12/31/12 Project Type Award Amount Expenditures Remaining Balance Hatcheries 7,647,754 7,504, ,000 Habitat Restoration 5,545,310 5,106, ,858 Property Acquisitions 4,510,806 4,510,806 - Urban Ponds 1,357,773 1,114, ,210 Wildlife Management Areas 2,576,205 2,032, ,786 Offices 430, , ,386 SB146 Coordinator 222, ,592 - Total 22,291,309 20,660,069 1,631,240 19

20 RUBY PIPELINE FUNDS o $8.8 million received from Ruby Pipeline LLC in October 2010 C-20 o o o o Purpose Sage-grouse and Pygmy Rabbit Conservation Cooperative Conservation Agreement signed by BLM, NDOW, and Ruby Pipeline LLC Must be spent in the three regional BLM districts (Surprise, Winnemucca and Elko) impacted by Ruby Project Includes portions of Elko, Humboldt, and Washoe Counties Only to be used to protect habitat, enhance habitat, conduct research, or purchase property exemptions require BLM State Director and NDOW Director approval Funds must be spent within 5 years, with annual extensions thereafter Project proposals approved jointly by BLM and NDOW Anyone can propose a project, mostly come from BLM and NDOW Project review by committee of two agencies NDOW administers funds through sub-grants and contracts $4 million awarded, $4.8 million remaining Funds are being matched approx. 2 to 1 from other sources 20

21 MAJOR PROGRAMS & PRIORITIES C-21 21

22 Game Management C-22 Division Sage-Grouse Management Scientific expertise vital to avoid listing under Endangered Species Act Input to USFWS, BLM, and Governor s Sagebrush Ecosystem Council Nevada Sage-grouse Habitat Categorization Map Mule Deer Management 800 deer captured, sampled, collared (including GPS) Largest investment in mule deer research ever in Nevada Gaining valuable info on disease, body condition, migratory corridors, survival rate, cause of death, DNA, habitat use Focuses conservation efforts in most effective and efficient areas possible 22

23 Wildlife Health Game Management Division - continued C-23 Disease management & research in big game populations BUDGET REQUEST: Add Biologist 3 to support Veterinarian Translocation & Restoration Projects 675 big game animals handled and processed to monitor wildlife health Record 271 bighorn sheep relocated within Nevada in FY 2012 Fundamental for restoring and conserving populations in suitable or historic habitat Landowner Programs Dear/Antelope Compensation Program 400 inquiries, 300 applications, 253 tags issued Elk Damage Program 67 landowner elk incentive tags issues, exclusionary fences built 23

24 Game Management Division - continued Big Game Recommendations & Harvest C-24 Big game season and tag quota recommendations for Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners Develop population models from harvest and survey data 2012 saw increase in most big game tags enhanced hunter opportunity Cooperative Research Activities Team with variety of university researchers primarily UNR on topics of importance to scientific game management UNR study on U.S. Hwy 93 Wildlife Overpass estimated 7,000 deer kept off highway annually Migratory Waterfowl 3,221 migratory waterfowl banded 24

25 Fisheries Management C-25 Aquatic Invasive Species Division AB Legislature AIS decal, inspection programs, penalties BUDGET REQUEST: Public Education, Partnership Building, Seasonal Inspectors Begin 2013 Boating Season o o o o AIS decal fees and AIS federal grant - $880-$890k per year Grants to partners State Parks inspection and wash stations Education and outreach Clean Drain and Dry Roving inspectors & wash stations Native Aquatics 24 species federally listed as threatened or endangered 31 subspecies state protected or identified for priority conservation BUDGET REQUEST: Wildlife Staff Specialist to coordinate conservation projects statewide 25

26 Fisheries Management C-26 Fisheries Management Division - continued 16 biologists manage over 600 lakes, ponds, reservoirs, & rivers Stream surveys of 200 miles on 29 streams in ,184 anglers, 592,613 days, captured 1,636,224 fish in 2011 Fish Stocking 1,248,964 trout, 31,851 warm water species & 2,313,00 fry planted 2012 Manage 17 urban ponds Carson City and Beatty newest additions Lake Mead Hatchery continues to be closed Angler Outreach & Incentives Angler information guides Native Fish Slam new program Trout in the Classroom 26

27 Habitat Division Sage-grouse Conservation Governor s Sagebrush Ecosystem Council & Technical Team C-27 o o o NDOW partnership with DCNR and Dept of Agriculture Coordinated state effort to manage Sage-grouse conservation and avoid federal listing Technical Team evaluate conservation proposals and development projects for Sage-grouse benefits, impacts, and potential mitigation strategies and make recommendations to the Council BUDGET REQUEST: Transfer Wildlife Staff Specialist Technical Team member from DCNR to NDOW o o Positions approved by IFC Team now in place Partnerships with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service & Pheasants Forever o o o 3 existing biologist positions to coordinate conservation efforts Private landowner outreach & habitat conservation Greater Sage-grouse & Bi-State sage-grouse populations 27

28 C-28 Habitat Division - continued Restricted Sportsmen Reserve & Other Special Funds for Habitat Projects Funding: Duck Stamp, Upland Game Stamp, Habitat Conservation Fees, Mining Assessment Fees, Question 1, Ruby Pipeline, Mitigation Example Projects 2012: Sage-grouse habitat, mule deer migration study, wildlife health database, abandoned mine claim marker removal, post fire restoration BUDGET REQUEST: Wildlife State Specialist position for statewide project evaluation, administration, and coordination Technical Guidance Section As part of federal NEPA process, review development projects for potential wildlife impacts Projects are primarily mining, alternative energy, and power transmission 537 projects reviewed, 3,288 contacts in 2012 AB Legislature cost recovery for energy project reviews BUDGET REQUEST: Biologist 3 position for Ely office 28

29 Habitat Division - continued Nevada Partners for Conservation Development C-29 Landscape scale habitat restoration initiative to improve ecology health Partnerships with land management agencies, NGOs, general public Fire rehabilitation, pinyon-juniper thinning, meadow & riparian restoration Collect pre and post treatment data to measure effectiveness Industrial Artificial Pond Permit & Mining Assessment Program Issue permits to minimize wildlife mortality Monitor permit compliance and wildlife impacts Wildlife Management Areas NDOW manages 11 designated WMAs statewide Water Development NDOW locates, installs, repairs, and maintains over 1,600 water developments (guzzlers) statewide 29

30 Law Enforcement Division Boating Enforcement, Education, and Access C ,000 surface acres of water patrolled Investigate boating accidents and Coast Guard reporting 2 boating educators to teach public boating safety Fund boating facilities projects statewide Declines in boating activities has lead to declines in boat registrations, motorboat fuel taxes and federal Coast Guard grants. BUDGET REQUEST: Eliminate 1 boating safety warden BUDGET REQUEST: Convert 2 FTE worth of boating safety warden time to AIS education and outreach 30

31 Law Enforcement Division - continued C-31 Terrestrial Enforcement Protection of wildlife resources 32 field wardens split between terrestrial & boating enforcement 109,894 square miles patrolled General law enforcement activities coincident with wildlife patrols OHV registration inspections coincident with wildlife patrols Operation Game Thief similar to secret witness Major Wildlife Crimes investigations includes interstate & international crimes Guide Program licensing and regulation of over 300 guides and sub-guides 31

32 Law Enforcement Division - continued C-32 Community Relations Human-Wildlife conflict responses when life safety risk Commission and Citizen Advisory Board support Regulations processing Communications NDOW Dispatch Center for wardens and biologists Dispatch for federal law enforcement BLM, USFWS, USFS Statewide radio communications network narrow band compliance achieved in 2012 Recruitment & Retention POST Certification Peace Officers, Field Training Program Officer Reserve Program new program 32

33 Wildlife Diversity Division C-33 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Develop and maintain biological data in a spacial, geographical form for analysis Work with NDOW biologists, federal agencies, and developers to provide meaningful, scientific information to inform decisions Nevada Sage-grouse Habitat Categorization Map BUDGET REQUEST: Biologist 3 position to assist Wildlife Staff Specialist to enhance program Wildlife Action Plan Strategic blueprint for comprehensive wildlife conservation game and non-game species Updated drafted submitted to USFWS in

34 Wildlife Diversity Division - continued C-34 Endangered Species Act Listing Prevention NDOW provides primary active state conservation efforts for Species of Conservation Priority Keep Common Species Common Surveys and habitat restoration planning essential tools Essential to avoiding listing under Endangered Species Act Pika is a prime example of avoiding listing Endangered Species Management & Regulation Recovery work and planning for listed species Desert Tortoise Recovery Plan example Regulation of falconry and scientific collection of migratory birds 34

35 Wildlife Diversity Division - continued C-35 Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program Long term plan designed to improve environment of Lake Tahoe Nevada-Tahoe Resource Team NDOW, State Parks, State Lands, Forestry Aspen rejuvenation and natural riparian enhancement are project examples Private Lands Landowner Incentive Program Provide willing private landowners with technical and financial assistance to restore and protect important wildlife habitat Re-vegetation with native plants, invasive plant control, restoration of riparian zones & springs are project examples 35

36 Conservation Education C-36 Division Public Information & Media Communication Press releases, radio programs, television segments (150, 100, 200 last biennium, respectively) Website Administration website redesign nearing completion list serves new system for customer contacts Social Media aggressive use of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube BUDGET REQUEST: Eliminate Marketing Coordinator position Outdoor Education Basic and Advanced Hunter Education Angler Education Volunteer Coordination Last biennium 9,000 hours, 171,000 miles, $724,000 value 36

37 Conservation Education Division - continued General Wildlife Education C-37 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Clark County School District success! BUDGET REQUEST: Conservation Educator position to facilitate statewide expansion of NASP and bowhunting through local parks & recreation departments Project Wild certifies 80 teachers per year on wildlife education Trout in the Classroom hands on conservation for students Oxbow and Verdi Nature Center sites in Reno 5,000 students annually Events & Shows Promotion of NDOW and Nevada wildlife resources 37

38 Operations Division C-38 Nevada Wildlife Data System (NWDS) System for sportsmen licenses, hunting and fishing privileges (stamps) and boat registration/titles 156,000 licensing privileges and 51,000 boats processed in 2012 Support for 160 license agents Application Hunt System (AHS) System for processing hunting tag applications and annual tag draws Nevada Dream Tag AB Legislature approved created new special tag program Raffle administered by Community Foundation of Western Nevada $434,152 generated for wildlife conservation in FY

39 Operations Division - continued C-39 Air Operations 2 helicopters, 1 fixed-wing, 2 pilots Essential for wildlife survey activity Other Functions: Engineering & Facilities Information Technology 39

40 Director s Office Department Administration Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners Support County Advisory Board Support Fiscal Services Section C-40 Personnel Services Centralized Costs Statewide cost allocation plan Attorney General Assessments Department Vehicle Expenses Uniform Allowances 40

41 Questions C-41????? 41