by John Jefferson

I usually write about hunting, fishing, and unusual occurrences in the outdoors.

I’d rather be doing that this week, but something has arisen that could put somewhat of a damper on our outdoor activities. TPWD is ahead of the crisis, looking for remedies before it becomes a harder problem to handle.

A stakeholder meeting I attended in mid-November discussed a twenty-million-dollar upcoming deficit in TPWD Fund 9 revenue, and potential solutions.

Fund 9 is the Game, Fish, and Water Safety Fund. A simplified description says its revenue comes from hunting and fishing license sales (75%), permits, boat titling, fines for violations, and a few others. By statute, its revenue may only be spent on “protection, regulation and conservation … of fish and wildlife” and related support services.

Texans proudly proclaim exemplary hunting, fishing, and related activities. This upcoming need for more funding to protect our pastimes is acute.

Before any readers think I’m setting you up for an increase in license fees, NO ONE in the meeting seemed to favor that. No need to climb the wall. Yet.

And before anyone claims inefficient supervision might have led to wasteful practices, let me say TPWD closely monitors how time and resources are managed. Internal and state audits have kept close watch over that.

The Bomer Report, conducted by Elton Bomer, former state representative/consultant in 2002, targeted deficiencies which were since addressed. The shortfall instead seems to stem from additional responsibilities handed TPWD by recent legislative action.

Many are aware that the Legislature has previously withheld funds from being “appropriated to” TPWD from Fund 9. That’s been a biennial burn to plenty of us. Money received into State coffers must be legislatively appropriated to an intended State agency before the agency can spend it. They weren’t diverted to other state needs, but I am told they were withheld in order to help balance the budget. Does that make you feel any better about your unappropriated license fee money?

Me neither. I even mistakenly wrote once that hunters and anglers were rightly indignant over misuse of their license fees for uses other than game and fish conservation … like filling potholes in roads or other uses. I misspoke. But not allowing money to be made available for its intended purposes denies hunters and anglers benefits like improved fish and wildlife habitats, increased population totals, and better access to them.

So, what did this meeting accomplish?

It took no action, but at least opened the door to the need, and considered possible solutions. Four alternatives were laid out: reduce expenses, develop and increase authority to employ alternate funding sources, increase appropriation of stamp revenues, and FUTURE license price increases. As mentioned, the last one was ill-favored and ineffectual at solely providing enough relief.

Getting additional funding from the State’s General Fund received support. After all, the entire state benefits from clean water and public safety, both of which are game warden duties since being sanctioned to enforce all Texas Penal Code violations.

Additional alternatives are invited.

JJ