Inside this issue: By Mark Taylor, Trout Unlimited Hunting Film Tour

JULY
2015
Affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation
Inside
this issue:
Page 2
Drainage of Prairie
Potholes
Page 3
Presidents Column
Executive Director’s
Update
Page 4
Conservation Awards
&Action Auction
Aquatic Invasive Species
Page 5
Summer Convention
Schedule
Boat Ramps Pierre
Page 7
Collin O’mara
Page 8
Bipartisan Sportsman
Conservation House
Bill
By Mark Taylor, Trout Unlimited
A new survey of hunters and anglers is yet more evidence
that sportsmen are overwhelmingly supportive of sensible
protections for the nation’s smaller streams and wetlands.
The bipartisan survey of 1,000 registered voters who hunt
and fish found that 83 percent believe the Environmental
Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act protections should
apply to smaller headwaters and wetlands, including some
streams that may run only part of the year.
Those waters gained such protection from the recently adopted Clean Water Rule, released by the EPA and Army
Corps of Engineers on May 27.
Passed in 1972, the Clean Water Act included protections to
such waters. But two controversial Supreme Court rulings in
the 2000s muddied those protections. In the wake of the split
court decisions, the EPA was charged with proving a clear
scientific nexus between headwaters and wetlands, and the
larger streams they feed.
Having done that -- including preparing a summary report
of more than 1,000 peer-reviewed studies that proved the
connection -- the EPA announced a draft Clean Water Rule
in 2014.
During the public comment period on the draft of the rule,
the proposal drew more than a million public comments, with
more than 800,000 in support of the rule.
Irrigation systems, ponds and many ditches are specifically
excluded, and the rule reaffirms existing exemptions for normal forestry, farming and ranching practices.
Despite the overwhelming public support, Congress is considering legislation that would undermine or even nullify the
rule.
The new poll results shows that support for Clean Water
Rule protections is bipartisan.
Of the sportsmen surveyed, 38 percent identified themselves
as Republicans while 28 percent were Democrats. Fortynine percent said they support the Tea Party movement.
“It would be hard to find a more conservative group than the
hunters and anglers we polled,” said Lori Weigel, a partner at
the Republican polling firm Public Opinion Strategies. “And
yet their support of this policy is broad?based and widespread, cutting across partisan and ideological divisions.
And it endures after hearing the arguments against it.”
VOLUME 55, NUMBER 4
Three-quarters of those polled said they believe adding
Clean Water Act protections to headwaters and wetlands is
more of a safeguard than a burdensome regulation.
Two-thirds said they would have a more favorable opinion of
a Senator for upholding the Clean Water Rule, while only 11
percent would feel less favorable.
More than four in five -- 82 percent -- said they believe that
U.S. can protect water quality and protect clean water at the
same time.
Separate polls in certain states, such as Virginia where key
Congressmen remain on the fence regarding the legislative
attacks on the Clean Water Rule aligned closely with the national poll results.
For example, of 299 Virginia sportsmen polled, 82 percent
approve of applying Clean Water Act protections to headwaters, with 49 percent strongly supportive. Only 16 percent
oppose such protections.
Congressional opposition to the rule frustrates Jim Martin,
conservation director at the Berkley Conservation Institute, a
branch of Pure Fishing, one of the largest tackle manufacturers in the sportfishing industry.
“If the support is so widespread why are politicians not voting
to support the rule?” Martin wonders. “This poll quite clearly
shows what the public supports. Now, it is up to the political leaders to determine if they support the interests of their
constituents or special interests on the issue of protecting
watersheds.”
Hunters and anglers have been outspoken in their support
of the sensible and necessary Clean Water Rule protections.
They fully understand, from their time afield, the importance
of headwaters on the overall health of watersheds. Further
armed with data from these polls, they need to continue to
send a strong message to Washington: Support clean water,
not special interests.
Mark Taylor is Trout Unlimited’s eastern communications
director. The connection between headwaters and larger
streams was first driven home to him when he was a boy
growing up alongside the South Umpqua River in Southern
Oregon. Having thrown a stick in an ephemeral creek running alongside a neighborhood road, he followed along in
wonder as the toy “boat” eventually made it all the way to the
big river.
Hunting Film Tour Set to Visit Sioux Falls
Fair chase adventure films provide hefty stoke in advance of upcoming hunting season.
Barcoded Flats
(Sioux Falls, SD) The South Dakota Wildlife Federation - Camo Coalition is pleased to announce the first
showing of the Hunting Film Tour in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, September 15! The Hunting Film Tour (HFT) is
a traveling film festival that allows outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy exciting, story-driven content from
hunting adventures around the globe, all of which will be shown on the big screen in crisp high definition.
The SD Wildlife Federation - Camo Coalition is dedicated to the preservation of wild lands and wild life in
South Dakota. With membership of over 3,000 committed hunters and anglers, in 16 affiliated clubs across
the state, the Camo Coalition is committed to protecting the wildlife management and outdoor recreation
interests of South Dakota for future generations. continued on page 2
Rapid City
Sioux Falls
Tuesday, September 15
Wednesday, October 14
7:15 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
West
Mall 7 Theater, 2101 West 41st Street
Elks Theatre, 512 6th Street
Pierre
Thursday, September 17
7:15 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
State Theatre, 123 West Capital
Farmers- need a tax deduction this year? Consider donating some grain or land to the SDWF.
You will get a tax break and your support of the SDWF will help protect the land and wildlife you love.
Out Of Doors
2
JULY 2015
continued from page 1
The Hunting Film Tour began in 2013, and 2014 was a year of
substantial growth for the Tour, not only in terms of the Tour’s geographic reach, but also the support offered by industry corporations
and conservation organizations that have chosen to align with the
Tour. The 2014 Hunting Film Tour featured 68 shows in 55 cities
on 3 continents including expansion into Canada, Australia and
Europe. Groups like the South Dakota Wildlife Federation – Camo
Coalition have leveraged the HFT platform and utilize events as
core fund raising tools to further their mission in protecting fish &
game, lands and waters, public access, and the ability to enjoy our
hunting and fishing heritage for this and future generations.
With screenings planned for Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Rapid City,
more than 50 tour stops are scheduled for 2015, making the HFT
the largest cinematic event of its kind in the hunting industry. Theaters across the country will host fun live events that provide the
perfect place for attendees to gather, swap stories, enjoy fun raffles and silent auctions, and get fired up for the upcoming season.
“Last year, we hosted a very successful Hunting Film Tour event in
Brookings,” said Mark Widman, Vice President of the South Dakota Wildlife Federation. “People came out to enjoy a unique event,
something different from your standard fundraising banquet. We
had a lot of families in attendance, and everyone had a great time
watching some incredible high-quality hunting adventures on the
big screen. Due to last year’s success, we’re holding three screenings across the state in 2015.” Hunting Film Tour events will be
held in
•
Sioux Falls – Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the West Mall 7 Theaters
•
Pierre – Thursday, Sept. 17 at the State Theater
•
Rapid City – Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Elks Theater
“Our vision is becoming a reality, and it is proving to be a very exciting and rewarding experience building the Tour” said Gary Gillett,
owner of the Hunting Film Tour. “From all perspectives there is a
tidal wave coming; the quality of content continues to be amped up
as film makers enhance their skills and equipment arsenal, industry
corporate support continues to increase, we have aligned with all
key Conservation organizations and fan base awareness is rapidly
growing, it is a very exciting revolution taking place in the outdoor
media space!”
For a full tour schedule, film trailers, and to purchase tickets, visit
huntingfilmtour.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Widman --- sdwfcamoevents@gmail.
com --- (605) 310-6347
Drainage of Prairie Pothole Wetlands Can Increase Flooding and Degrade Ecosystems
The drainage of small wetlands can decrease wildlife habitat
and may contribute to flooding in the Prairie Pothole Region
(PPR), according to a recent U.S. Geological Survey study. USGS scientists analyzed data on 141 large PPR wetlands in North
Dakota from the 1930s through 2010, and found that they have
increased significantly in size. Most of the increases in surface
water were due to drainage of smaller wetlands, likely for more
efficient agricultural production. This drainage moves surface
water into fewer wetlands, making them larger and degrading
their abilities to reduce regional flooding and provide productive habitat for animals.
Small wetlands in the PPR are economically and environmentally important because they help recharge local and regional
groundwater. They also provide habitat for 50 to 80 percent of
North American ducks.
While the loss of small wetlands has its own effect on the ecosystem, consolidation of their water into larger wetlands can
fundamentally change valuable ecosystems in the PPR, said Michael Anteau, a USGS scientist and an author of the paper. Our
findings are relevant to policy makers and managers making
wetland conservation decisions.
The study is published in the journal Ecosphere.
The scientists used historical aerial photographs to measure and
compare the water surface area of wetlands during the study
period. They found that current water surface areas were an av-
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P.O. Box 1046, 306 S. Coteau, Pierre, SD 57501
Subscription Rate - $10.00 per year or with
membership in SDWF Individual members
devote approximately 40 cents of their annual
dues for each copy of the newspaper.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Pierre, SD 57501
and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
South Dakota Wildlife Federation,
208 Linell, Pierre, SD 57501.
USPS 503-320
ISSN 0883-6809
OUT OF DOORS EDITOR
Chris Hesla
Box 7075 • Pierre, SD 57501
Phone 605-224-7524
South Dakota Wildlife Federation OUT OF DOORS,
printed monthly, except for January, April, July and
November. The Out Of Doors is the official publication
of the South Dakota Wildlife Federation (SDWF), a
private, non-profit statewide organization of affiliated
organizations and individuals incorporated under South
Dakota laws. Subscription to this publication is through
membership in the SDWF or direct contact with the SDWF,
PO Box 7075, Pierre, SD 57501. All communications
regarding advertising, editorial, circulation and SDWF
matters may be sent to SDWF OUT OF DOORS, PO Box
7075, Pierre, South Dakota 57501. Permission to reprint
articles normally given providing proper credit is given
the publication and author. Views expressed by free lance
writers are their own and do not necessarily express those
of the publication or the SDWF.
Mr. Chris Hesla
Executive-Director (Hired)
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
P.O. Box 7075
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
(605) 224-7524 - office
(605) 222-1002 - cell
Fax: (605) 224-7524
[email protected]
Mr. Rich Widman - President
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
929 8th Avenue
Brookings, South Dakota 57006
[email protected]
Mr. Mark Widman
1st Vice-President
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
2315 N. Devon Ave
Tea, South Dakota 57064
[email protected]
Bob Bucholz
2nd Vice-President
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
3208 Cypruss ST N
Aberdeen, SD 57401
[email protected]
Mr. Terry Mayes
3rd Vice-President
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
3203 Meadowbrook Drive
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
[email protected]
erage of 86 percent greater than they were historically, and that
the increase could not be attributed to climate change. Wetlands in highly drained watersheds had nearly three times greater
water surface area than those in areas with little drainage.
This work supports the idea that drainage of small wetlands can
cause local and regional flooding because as wetlands grow,
their likelihood of spillover increases. In contrast, less drained areas with many small wetlands help store water from snowmelt
or precipitation, where it evaporates or seeps into the ground.
Understanding what’s needed to restore natural water-level dynamics can help protect property or public infrastructure that
may become threatened by rising water in large wetlands, Anteau said.
Other effects include loss of habitat for animals that depend on
smaller and dynamic wetlands. These now consolidated wetlands historically dried out during droughts, making stored nutrients available in the sediment. Nutrient surges provide food for
aquatic plants and invertebrates after wetlands fill up with water again. Amphibians and waterfowl, including migrating ducks,
feed on these plants and invertebrates. Foraging habitat in larger
and deeper wetlands is less suitable for these wildlife populations.
The Plains and Prairie Potholes Landscape Conservation Cooperative provided research funding. For more information about
wetland research in the PPR, please visit the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center website.
Mr. Norman Buxcel
Director District 2
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
25602 236th Street
Okaton, South Dakota 57562
Mr. Kenneth A. Schroeder, Jr.
Director District 3
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
23697 Mulligan Mile
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
[email protected]
Mr. Tom Putzier
Director District 4
(Term: Aug 2008 to Aug 2012)
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
6329 Country Lane
Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401
[email protected]
Mr. Allan Johnson
Director-at-Large
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
Box 97
Hecla, South Dakota 57446
[email protected]
Mr. Harvey Malon
Director-at-Large
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
635 Westwind Drive
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
[email protected]
Leon Fenhaus
15227 Caputa Loop
Rapid City, South Dakota 57703
Mr. Forrest “Mick” Stanton
Director District 5
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
1001 37th St NW
Watertown, SD 57201-7226
[email protected]
Mr. John Pollmann
Director-at-Large (Appointed Aug 2010
to Aug 2012)
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
405 E 15th Street
Dell Rapids, South Dakota 57022
[email protected]
Mr. Charles Dieter
Director District 6
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
47135 203rd Street
Brookings, South Dakota 57006
[email protected]
Mr. Jeff Albrecht
Past President and Board of Directors
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
131 58th Avenue
Brookings, South Dakota 57006
[email protected]
Mr. Ross Jensen
Director District
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
605 Wisconsin Avenue N.W.
Huron, South Dakota 57350
[email protected]
Scott Hed
District #9
713 S Holt
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57103
[email protected]
Bill Antonides
Immediate Past President
SD Camo Coalition President
514 N. Arch St.
Mr. Jerry Lulewicz
Aberedeen, South Dakota 57401-2951
Director District 8
[email protected]
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
20 Arrowhead Pass
Mr. Paul Vinatieri
Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
Director District 1
[email protected]
Saouth Wildlife Federation
1995 Sammis Trail
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
[email protected]
OTHER NAMES OF IMPORTANCE:
Mr. Robert J. Jacobson
Sec-Treasurer Re-appointed
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
P.O. Box 297
Garretson, South Dakota 57030
[email protected]
Mr. Mike McKernan
Youth Camp Director (Non-Board
Member)
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
612 S. Garfield
Murdo, South Dakota 57559
[email protected]
Mr. David Dittloff
NWF Regional Representative for SD
National Wildlife Federation
240 N. Higgins
Missoula, Montana 59802
[email protected]
Mr. Brian Bashore
NWF Region Nine Director
National Wildlife Federation
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
[email protected]
Out Of Doors
3
JULY 2015
President’s Column
President,
Rich Widman
By the time you get this, SDWF and the Beadle County
Sportsmen will be preparing for our annual state convention in Huron August 21-23. Now, if I’m correct, this will
be our 70th year in existence (1945-2015). And to help us
celebrate, Colin O’Mara, CEO of the National Wildlife
Federation, will be our keynote speaker at the Saturday
night banquet and auction. I hope you can make it!
It’s amazing how long we’ve been around, and it shows
how important we are to South Dakota. I am proud to
have spent the past three years leading this great nonprofit organization in protecting and defending our
South Dakota outdoors legacy. But none of this work
would be possible without our members. Thank you all!
Because of my position in SDWF, I’ve had the privilege
of meeting with our state’s Congressional delegation
four times to lobby for various conservation issues. I
recently spent three hot, humid July days in Washington, D.C. meeting with Senators John Thune and Mike
Rounds and Representative Kristi Noem asking for their
support to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It was an honor to meet with them and their
staff members, and I really appreciated how we were
cared for and listened to by them. Senator Thune has
been a supporter all along, and we thank him for that!
I was one of many concerned citizens from across the
country who took vacation days to fly in and speak
with their Congressional delegations. I had a steep
learning curve because I—like most people I’ve talked to—didn’t know a lot about LWCF, but I had help
from Isis Starks of the Nature Conservancy, along with
Eric Lindstrom and Jeff Heidelbauer from Ducks Unlimited. They’re all great people who do great things!
Created in 1965, the LWCF is the product of a bipartisan commitment to invest in natural areas, water
resources and our cultural heritage, as well as to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. LWCF
is not funded by taxpayer dollars. Instead, it uses royalties paid to the government by energy companies
extracting one natural resource that belongs to all
Americans—offshore oil and gas—to support the conservation of other precious resources—our land and
water. LWCF has created outdoor recreation opportunities in every state and in 98% of counties across
the U.S. by opening up key areas for hunting, fishing,
and other recreational access. It also supports working forests and ranches and promotes the acquisition
and protection of critical lands in national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, Civil War battlefields and
other federal areas. Every year, $900 million in royalties is put into this fund, yet nearly every year Congress
breaks its own promise to the American people and
diverts much of the funding to other uses.
Another important thing the LWCF does is to help
ranchers and farmers, forest owners, and other private landowners stay on their land by providing funding for perpetual conservation easements. More than
12,000 South Dakotans have used this tool to protect
their family farms or other lands for future generations.
In fact, almost all of the wetlands that are left in South
Dakota have been protected by easements. And,
we have many folks waiting to do the same for their
land when the funding is available. Something like
85% of sportsmen and women support these easements (not to mention the Clean Water Act, which
is another issue on which our delegation really needs
to hear our voices). Senator Thune is a strong proponent of easements, and Representative Noem actually has an easement for her family’s farm land, but
Senator Rounds says he is personally against them.
Hopefully he will put his personal feelings aside and
represent the majority of people in South Dakota who
believe perpetual conservation easements are vital
to maintaining our private property rights and saving
our lands for future generations.
Here are a few more facts to keep in mind:
•
LWCF provides matching grants to states for
state and local parks, ensuring close-to-home access
to recreation, protection of natural resources and
support for local economic growth.
•
Hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor
activities contribute $646 billion to the economy while
supporting 6.1 million jobs.
•
Combined with broader conservation, outdoor
recreation and historic preservation sectors, the economic contribution rises to $1.06 trillion annually while supporting 9.4 million jobs (one in every 15 jobs in the U.S.).
•
Every single county in South Dakota has received money from this fund. Every single one! Just
think what could have been done with full funding!
While we were still in Washington, we received the
good news that our efforts had paid off and there
was already bipartisan support for re-authorizing the
LWCF. Wow! Action usually doesn’t happen that
quickly in Congress!
A little closer to home, Governor Dennis Daugaard
recently announced a $24 million surplus in the state’s
budget. Now, you might remember that the South
Dakota Conservation Fund, which he proposed and
we supported, was badly underfunded by the legislature last session. Now we have plenty of money
to get the SDCF up and running! Please contact the
governor and your state senators and representatives
and tell them to put at least $10 million into the fund.
Financially speaking, when you look at the economic
impact sportsmen/women bring to this state, we actually need about $50 million to adequately run the
program. South Dakota in turn, makes around six times
return on our investment, so it’s a win-win!
We are always looking for new ways to get our name
out, bring in new members, and fund SDWF and Camo
Coalition. Last year Brookings was our testing ground
for a new opportunity called the Hunting Film Tour. The
event was a great success, so this year we decided to
expand it to Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre. Please
read more about it in this issue and plan on attending if
possible. We’d like to add Aberdeen, Watertown, Huron and other cities later and make this a yearly event.
Finally, remember to take a kid outdoors, ask “JUST
ONE” of your buddies to join SDWF, become a legacy
member, and like us on Facebook!
Executive Director’s Update by Chris Hesla
Executive Director
Chris Hesla
Mark your calendars for the dates of August 21-23 for the
SDWF 70th Annual Convention to be held in Huron, Beadle County Sportsmen will be our hosts. See the schedule
printed in this Out-of-Doors for times and planned activities.
We will be honoring four Conservation leaders from South
Dakota on Saturday night at our dinner/auction. All members and anyone interested in our work and positions are
welcome and encouraged to attend.
SDWF is very honored to have a very special guest speaker Saturday night is NWF’s CEO and new leader Collin
O’Mara. Collin will address our convention. In the 25 years
or so that I have been involved in SDWF, I do not remember
at any time NWF’s CEO speaking to us at a Convention.
Everyone is welcome to come listen to Collin, he is a very
vibrant speaker.
During the Convention, we will be drawing the winners for
JUST ONE
by Rich Widman
the 2015 Pheasant Hunt and the 2014-2015 Buffalo Shoot.
Good luck and a big THANK YOU to all of you that purchased chances on both of these exciting hunts.
Yesterday morning I drove by some public hunting lands
that border Lake Oahe here in Sully County. I counted
10 different broods of pheasant chicks on the road eating
gravel. It looks like the pheasant hatch is very good in this
area. I know there are some areas where flooding or hail
has been hard on pheasants this year. The first week of
August I believe GF&P starts their brood counting routes.
At this time next month, we should be close to having the
actual count and population estimates statewide. I predict
SD is in for a very good fall pheasant season, but the future is still in question due to changing farming practices
and the lack of better conservation programs in the current
Farm Bill. We can and do make a difference
Out Of Doors
4
JULY 2015
Summer Convention, Conservation Awards, & Action Auction Aug 21 to 23 in Huron
SDWF’s 70th Annual Summer Convention is scheduled for
Aug. 21-23, 2015 hosted by the Beadle County Sportsmen.
The business of the convention is going to be held at the
BCSC Clubhouse located on the lake in NE Huron. The
Sportsmen’s Club will also be the site of the Action Auction
and Conservation Awards dinner on Saturday evening. This
year’s Convention has no official business happening on Friday the 21; A complete Convention Schedule is in this Out-ofDoors. SDWF’s Convention is open to all members and the
public is more than welcome.
Saturday morning the delegates from our affiliates and guests
will be welcomed by Huron Mayor and SDWF member Paul
Alward and Kelly Hepler. Mr. Hepler, the new GFP Secretary,
is our guest speaker along with a full schedule of speakers
and activities for Saturday afternoon is planned. We have a
very important guest speaker during the evening’s fundraiser
and action auction: NWF’s new CEO Collin Omara for the first time will address the members of
SDWF during Saturday’s night festivities. Saturday night the Action Auction, combined with the
Conservation Award presentations and the banquet will be held at the clubhouse and is open to
the public.
Sunday will be a business meeting with Resolutions and SDWF business to be discussed. The
entire schedule is available in this issue.
NWF CEO Collin
O’Mara will be our
guest speaker at our Action Auction, Banquet and
Conservation Awards banquet, Aug. 22 in Huron.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Much talk has revolved around the topic of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in South Dakota since the discovery of quagga mussel
veligers in Angostura Reservoir and an adult zebra mussel in Lewis
and Clark Lake last fall. It became clear that if we were going to try
to control the spread of invasive species we were going to need to
make some significant changes. The department brought forward
new rule proposals to the Commission in January and they were
finalized in March. The new regulations that require drain plugs to
be removed from transported boats and restrict anglers from transporting bait or fish in lake water went into effect on May 11.
* CO’s, AIS interns, parks volunteers and other staff are meeting
Department staff have been actively meeting with boaters and
anglers about the changes, with mixed reports regarding compliance. Some conservation officers have mentioned anglers appear
to be more aware of the new regulations than recreational boaters. Discussions are underway to improve communication and outreach to recreational boaters. Staff have taken several approaches to outreach through open house meetings, press articles, radio
interviews, one on one conversations and correspondence, digital
references and more which are outlined below.
* Posters were developed for placement at bait shops with the
message to move the bait, not the water and encouraging
folks to think ahead when purchasing bait so they have a plan
to only use domestic water to transport their bait when leaving
the lake.
* Signs were ordered for public water access areas and are currently being installed.
with anglers and boaters to continue to spread the word about
AIS in SD and the new rules.
* http://sdleastwanted.com/ launched in early April to help convey the information and assist in the outreach efforts.
* Rack cards were distributed to license agents, conservation
officers, park and recreational areas and to regional offices.
They will be placed on windshields in boat ramp parking lots or
distributed when CO’s are conducting boat inspections.
Thank you all for your tireless efforts to help inform the public of
the changes. It has truly been a team effort across the entire department. We are making good progress towards educating the
public of the concerns of AIS in South Dakota and will continue to
strive for the goal of voluntary compliance with these new rules.
JUST ONE
Out Of Doors
5
JULY 2015
SUMMER CONVENTION - August 21 – 23, 2015 Schedule of Events
Hosted by the Beadle Co. Sportsmen; with all meetings and SDWF business held at their clubhouse in NE Huron. Most attendees will be staying at the
Crossroads Convention Center.
Friday – August 21nd - Fun Night – Come out to the BCSC clubhouse
At 5:00 P.M., enjoy beverages and camaraderie, with a variety of
games and fun that will be available to anyone who
wants to have a relaxing evening. We will have rides to
and from the motel if you wish to partake in adult beverages.
Come hungry: Snacks and beverages will be available
Sunday – August 24th -
The Sunday Morning Session will be held at the BCSC Clubhouse
* 8:30 AM Registration for newcomers
* 9:00 AM: CALL TO ORDER
* Invocation and Prayer
* Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge
* Seating of the delegates
* Affiliate reports and updates
* Committee Reports:
> Youth Conservation Camp (including Endowment
Fund update)
> Any other updates
* David Dittloff, NWF Regional Representative and Outreach Coordinator
* Report from Dave Nauman and Chris Hesla on lobbying efforts/current issues
* Report on Camo Coalition
* Short Break
* Approval of last year’s financial statement
* Further discussion on and adoption of the budget
* Bids for 2016 Annual Convention
* Any further business
* Elections for open positions
* Oath of Office induction for newly elected directors
and officers
* Any further resolutions- Bob Jacobson
* 12:00 Noon lunch break if needed, lunch on your own
* 2:00 PM: Adjourn
2:00 PM ~ SDWF Board of Directors Post-Convention Meeting (To
include new officers.)
* Call to Order
* Consideration of Approval of Absence from meeting
for any absent Officer or Director.
* Review and approve any Executive Committee action
taken between meetings.
* Appointment of the Secretary-Treasurer and Approval
by the Governing Board.
* Approval of the Bond for the Secretary-Treasurer.
* Approval of employment contracts for Executive Directors and Secretary/Treasurer
* President: appoint or reappoint Directors-at-Large with
Approval of the Governing Board
* Act on any Application of a Past President within the
last 10 years if received.
* Committee Appointments:
> Resolution Committee - consists of 8 members
> Articles and By-Laws Committee - consists of 5
members
> Endowment Fund Committee - consists of 5 members
> Nominating Committee - consists of 5 members
> National Affairs Committee - consists of 5 members
> Budget and Finance Committee - consists of 5
members
> Credentials Committee - consists of 5 members
* Appointment of the Legislative Lobbyists
* Appointment of delegate and alternate delegate to the
NWF annual convention
* Set the fall meeting date, place and time.
* Any further discussion on budget, PR and development
* Any further business.
* Executive Session
* Adjourn
3:00 PM ~ Short Meeting of the Camo Coalition Board of Directors.
3:30 PM ~ Short meeting of the new SDWF Executive Board
Saturday – August 22rd
* 7:30 AM ~ Registration at the Beadle County Sportsmen’s clubhouse
* 8:00 AM ~ SDWF Board of Directors Pre-Convention Meeting
> Call to Order
> Consideration of Approval of Absence from meeting for
any absent Officer or Director
> Approval of the Minutes of the Spring Governing Board
Meeting
> Approval of the Treasurer’s Financial Report (see also
below)
> Review and approve any Executive Committee action
taken between meetings
> Review of any delinquent dues from affiliate clubs not
received by July 31st
and approval of seating of delegates from delinquent affiliates
> Any further business
> Adjourn
A special activity is planned for spouses who choose not to
attend the convention.
* 8:30 AM: First Session of the 70th Annual Convention Board of
Directors, Affiliate Delegates and the public.
* Call to Order
* Invocation and Prayer
* Pledge of Allegiance
* Seating of the delegates
* Welcome and opening remarks, by Huron’s mayor and
SDWF member Paul Alward
* Report from the Executive Director
* Approval of the Treasurer’s Financial Report
* Committee Reports:
> By-laws
> Resolutions
> Budget and Finance
> PR and Development
* Nominations: Open positions for Sunday’s vote.
* Short Break
* 10:30 AM ~Kelly Hepler, SD Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks, Sect.
* Quick preview of afternoon programs and other options.
* Noon ~ Burgers and Brats will be served at the Clubhouse, $10.
* 1:00 PM ~ Presentation on how rainwater and wetlands are important
on SD’s landscape, presented by NRCS.
* 2:00 PM ~ SCBC member Chuck Pyle will take all of us who want to
go to Maga Tahopi WPA located west of Huron and enjoy and
will tour the natural classroom available to all. Transportation
is provided.
* 5:30 PM ~ Social, Dinner, Conservation Awards & Auction at the
SCBC Clubhouse. We will give four awards to honor SD’s
leading conservationists
* With very special guest speaker, NWF’s CEO Collin
Omara who will address the convention at the BCSC
Clubhouse. Open to the public: bring a friend!
Boat Ramps in Northeast South Dakota Undergo Repairs PIERRE, S.D.
Two popular boat ramps in northeast South Dakota will temporarily be closed for repairs in July. The southeast boat ramp on Bitter
Lake near Waubay in Day County was damaged over the winter,
compromising the ramp. Repairs are expected to be completed
this week. Boaters can access the lake from the boat ramp on the
northwest side of the lake during construction. Dry Lake #2 near Willow Lake in Clark County will be under construction beginning July
20 to install a new double-lane boat ramp, parking lot and vault
toilet. “The new double ramp should alleviate some of the pressure at Dry Lake #2,” said Rhet Russell, wildlife biologist for the South
Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). “With just one ramp on this
busy lake, the improvements will be a welcomed addition for local
anglers.” Construction dates are subject to change. For the most
current information, contact the Watertown Regional GFP office at
605.882.5200. - See more at: http://gfp.sd.gov/news/news/july/15.
aspx#sthash.BAS6KlBc.dpuf
JUST ONE
Out Of Doors
6
JULY 2015

SD Wildlife Federation Donors

At the 2003 Winter Board Meeting, the SDWF Board created the SDWF Wildlife Legacy Council. The Council was created to allow
recognition of the people who support SDWF above and beyond their membership and raffle donations.
Thank you to the following donors for their contributions to the SDWF. Please consider becoming a member of the Wildlife Legacy
Council. SDWF is a 501(c3) non-profit, all donations are tax deductible. These tax-deductible contributions will speak volumes for the
future of the SDWF’s Wildlife Legacy Council! Please consider your donation today. Donations can be sent to SDWF, PO Box 7075,
Pierre, SD 57501.
The Legacy Council consists of five different donation levels. These donation levels were revised October 2011 to: Level V Eagle
$1,000 & above; Level IV Buffalo $501 - $999; Level III Elk $301 - $500; Level II Deer $201 - $300; and Level I Pheasant $100 $200.
March 2015
LEVEL III ELK
CARLSON Jr., HENRY - SD
OLSON, JEFF - SD
LEVEL II DEER
KAUSMANN, JAY - SD
LEVEL I PHEASANT
AKKERMAN, STEPHEN - MN
ANDRESEN, RICH - SD
BARKER, KENNETH - SD
BJORDAHL, KEVIN - SD
BOETEL, BENNIE - SD
BORMANN, DANIEL - WI
BURNS, KENDALL - CA
CAMPBELL, STUART - SD
DIVICH, DUANE - TX
DRESSING, BRIAN - SD
EVANS, RALPH - FL
HOLM, DALE - SD
KUCK, MICHAEL - SD
LARSON, SCOTT - SD
LEVISEN, ARLO - SD
LIPPINCOTT, ROB - TX
MADSON, CARL - SD
METCALF, ROBERT - MN
NIELSEN, RICHARD - SD
NORDBY, DAVID O. - NY
O'BREIN, SCOTT - FL
OLSON, RICHARD - MN
PAUL, K-LYNN - AZ
POLENZ, ALLAN - OR
POPOWSKI, JOHN - SD
RUMPCA, HAL - SD
SCOWLEY, JOHN - MO
SMOLIK, JAMES - SD
SORGDRAGER, ROGER - SD
STULTS, MARK - SD
WIMMER, DAVE - NE
WISWALL, F HERBERT - SD
ZIMMERMAN, HERB - CO
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







February 2015
No legacy donations for this month.
January 2015
LEVEL IV BUFFALO
KRODINGER, LAWRENCE - MO FAST, DAVID - OH
FOXWORTHY, ROBERT - KY
LEPP, DONALD - SD
GOEDE, DAN - SD
PARCEL, KERRY - SD
LEVEL III ELK
JENSEN, GARY - SD
LEVEL I PHEASANT
BOWAR, PAT - SD
KASISCHKE, CARL - MI
BAGAUS, TERRY - MN
BRICK, RICHARD - CA
KLUTTZ, HENRY - NC
SCALET, CHUCK & GINGER - KS BEALKA, ROBERT - SD
LULEWICZ, JERRY - SD
BUCKNER, EVERETT - AR
LEVEL II DEER
MADDOX, JR, F.A. - TN
BUCKNER II, WILLIAM - AR
EISENBEISZ, DAVID - SD
MARTIN, JIM - SD
BURNS, HOWARD - SD
HALLSTROM, KEN - SD
MAYES, TERRY & LAREE - SD
DEBOER, JAY - SD
HOFTIEZER, GREG - SD
MCGUIRE, ARVID - WI
ECKERT, DENIS - SD
JACOBSON, ROBERT - SD
ZOELLNER, KENNETH - CA
MCQUEARY, PETER - TX
MEDEIROS, PAUL - CA
MILLER, LARRY - SD
MURPHY, STAN - SD
OCHOCKI, ROBERT - CA
OLSON, MURDEAN - SD
PETERS, DUANE - SD
RITER, JR., ROBERT - SD
SCHLUTER, BOB - MN
WICKSTROM, GERALD - SD
December 2014
No legacy donations for this month.
November 2014
LEVEL II DEER
SATTLER, ARNOLD - SD
LEVEL I PHEASANT
MESSERSCHMIDT, LOYAL - SD SCHLUTER, BOB - MN
MILLER, RICHARD - SD
SORNA, MICHAEL - TX
SAMPSON, TERRY - SD
BRAKEBUSH, CARL - WI
DILLON, JOHN - UT
DIVICH, DUANE - TX
GREGORY, J.T. - GA
HAY, MARY & JERRY - WI
JOHNSON, DARRELL - SD
KAUSMANN, JAY - SD
LEHMANN, JAMES - MN
LEMONDS, JIM - SD
NELSON, LAWRENCE - SD
ROMANS, JAY - NC
SCHEURENBRAND, BRUCE - CA
WILDMAN, DENNY - OH
WILMS, DALE - CA
WISWALL, BRIAN T. - SD
YONKOVICH, JACK - SD
LEVEL I PHEASANT
CARRELS, MIKE - SD
FUERST, KEVIN - SD
HALVERSON, KENNETH - SD
HASTINGS, JIM - MN
JONES, DONALD - CO
JORGENSON, N. TERRY - MN
KEELER, CHARLES - MN
KOTECKI, DAVID - MI
LUTZ, BOB - ID
PAXTON, GARY - OK
RILEY, MIKE - MO
VANCE, RANDY - SD
WHEELER, STEPHEN J. - SD
LEVEL I PHEASANT
ANDRESEN, RICH - SD
BRENEISER, THOMAS - MI
CONNELL, CRAIG - SD
DENISON, LARRY - VA
FLINT, FORREST - MN
HIX, DOUGLAS - ID
KOSKI, GARY - AZ
LINDNER, RONALD - SD
MCGUIRE, ARVID - WI
NEISSL, E.J. - AR
NOTEBOOM, DOUG E. - SD
RANDALL, KEVIN - SD
ABELSETH, BUTCH - SD
GORS, JOHN - SD
JARVIS, PETER - IA
October 2014
No legacy donations for this month.
September 2014
LEVEL V EAGLE
ROBERTS, STEVEN - MN
LEVEL I PHEASANT
ADAMS, MEL - TN
AYLER, JOHN - KS
AYLESWORTH JR., ROBERT
- CA
Love the outdoors and need a tax
deduction this year?
If you have a car, van, truck, ATV, or
boat that’s in reasonably good shape
and you aren’t using, donate it to the
SDWF. You’ll get a nice tax break and
will feel great knowing you helped
our great organization protect South
Dakota’s outdoors.
August 2014
No legacy donations for this month.
July 2014
LEVEL V EAGLE
CHAPMAN, JOHN W. - PA
LEVEL IV BUFFALO
WORDEN, JAMES - CA
June 2014
No legacy donations for this month.
May 2014
LEVEL III ELK
ZOELLNER , KENNETH - CA
LEVEL II DEER
KIEFT, LARRY - MI
April 2014

No legacy donations for this month.

888-OVERBAG

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



SDWF Membership Application
To continue our conservation efforts - we need your help! Please donate generously.
Name:______________________________________________________
Send Donation and
Address:____________________________________________________ Membership Application to:
City: _________________________State: __________Zip____________
SDWF
Phone:______________________________________________________
P.O Box 7075
e-mail_______________________________________________________
Pierre, SD 57501-0952
SDWF $20/Yr Membership Fee $___________

SDWFCamo-Coalition lobbying donation:$__________
CC____________________________EXP _______CV_____
 Check - make checks payable to SDWF
Out Of Doors
7
JULY 2015
Notes from NWF CEO Collin O’Mara on Conservation;
Coming on the heels of the Clean Water Rule announcement
(which we hosted with our DC Affiliate Earth Conservation Corps)
and the agreement among Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario to reduce
phosphorous in the Great Lakes by 40%, the biggest recent news is
the Obama Administration’s Department of Justice and the Attorneys General of the five Gulf Coast states reaching a settlement
with BP for the horrific damage caused in 2010 as more than a hundred million gallons of oil gushed into the Gulf. The settlement is for
$18 billion, with $5.5 billion for Clean Water Act violations and $7.1
billion for the Natural Resource Damage Assessment. We of course
would always like to see more, but this is a huge win for wildlife
and the biggest environmental penalty in history (by comparison
it’s more money than all Land and Water Conservation dollars since
its creation in 1965).
Our collective team has been on the front lines of this battle from
the beginning with my predecessor Larry Schweiger being among
the first national leaders on-site calling for full accountability and
restoration. Our team at the National Advocacy Center working
closely with many state affiliates, including the Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Florida Wildlife Federations, led the charge for the
passage of the RESTORE act which ensured that 80% of penalties
and fines would end up in the Gulf for restoration, rather than just
in the general U.S. Treasury. Our incomparable team in the Gulf,
led by Susan Kaderka and David Muth, has worked hard every day
since the disaster to ensure that both BP was held accountable
and that all penalties are spent on ecological restoration. Our Gulf
Coast and Mississippi River Delta teams have put out reports on the
health of the Gulf, which show that dolphins are still dying, Kemp’s
ridley sea turtles are nesting at a fraction of their pre-spill levels,
and that impacts on bird and fish continue today. Our team has
worked hard to lay out clear priorities for restoration in each of the
Gulf States—projects that can now plan for implementation once
the settlement is finalized. While there is still much more work to do, I
am so proud of all of the work across our entire Federation and with
our partners that made this all possible.
Pheasant Hunt
❖
❖
❖
❖
Winner’s Choice Of:
A four-day pheasant hunt for two hunters
A three-day pheasant hunt for three hunters
A two-day pheasant hunt for four hunters
A cash prize of $700
$10 ea.
or
3 for $25
Private land located in Central South Dakota • Drawing to be held Huron, SD, Aug. 21-23, 2015
Void where prohibited by law. Your presence or contribution not necessary to win.
SDWF, PO Box 7075, Pierre, SD 57501 • (605) 224-7524
___________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Phone
Pheasant Hunt
___________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Phone
Pheasant Hunt
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
Pheasant Hunt
___________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
Pheasant Hunt
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
2015-2016 South Dakota Wildlife Federation Buffalo & Wings Shoot
Custer State Park Buffalo Shoot
Winner’s Choice Of:
❖ A guided buffalo shoot during the 2016 Fall Season.
Rifle or bow allowed for the shoot
❖ A cash prize of $1,500
$10 ea.
or
3 for $25
❖ This is a guided shoot in Custer State Park located in southwestern South Dakota ❖
These bulls average two years old ❖ Drawing to be held at Convention in August 2016
Void where prohibited by law. Your presence
or contribution not necessary to win.
___________________________________________
Phone
Buffalo Shoot
JUST ONE
___________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Phone
Buffalo Shoot
___________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
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Name
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Address
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Buffalo Shoot
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
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Phone
Buffalo Shoot
___________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
Buffalo Shoot
___________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
SDWF, PO Box 7075, Pierre, SD 57501 • (605) 224-7524
Buffalo Shoot
We are also ramping up our campaign to save pollinators, like bees
and butterflies, many of which have experienced significant population decline as a result of habitat loss, chemical use, climate impacts,
and other factors. Building upon our highly impactful Gardening
for Wildlife program, including our nearly 200,000 backyard habi-
2015 South Dakota Wildlife Federation Buffalo & Wings Shoot
Pheasant Hunt
We also achieved solid progress in controlling feral swine that are
a scourge on habitat and key species in too many places. Last
month, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) calling for
the implementation of a national program to control feral swine
populations. We have been working with several affiliates on this
issue for many years; passing a resolution on invasive feral hogs at
our 2012 Annual Meeting, submitting comments to APHIS as they
undertook the creation of the EIS, and again earlier this year submitting joint comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement. APHIS listened and followed nearly all of our science-based recommendations—a success that illustrates so perfectly the power of our
Federation! The final EIS establishes APHIS as the lead agency responsible for collaborating among government agencies. It also increases resources for implementation, assistance to states, education efforts, and research on effective control methods—and puts
into place a much needed national strategic plan and resources
to control feral swine. I’d like to thank Doug Inkley and all of the
state affiliates who were involved in making this happen.
As I continue my march to meet every affiliate in their home state
(well past the two-thirds mark!), I had the chance to visit with several affiliates over the past few weeks. I had a great time with Jamie Rhodes, Paul Beaudette, the entire Environmental Council of
Rhode Island, as well as Don Hooper and Amber Hewett. ECRI is
enjoying some great wins related to banning cesspools, strengthening resilience planning, beginning construction of nation’s first
offshore wind farm at Block Island, and the designation of a new
National Park at Blackstone River Valley. Our teams at the Minnesota Conservation Federation and the Renewable Resources
Coalition (Alaska) are deeply engaged in fighting mining operations that threaten some of America’s greatest wildlife and fisheries habitat. In Minnesota, Gary Botzek and his team are fighting a
sulfide ore copper mining operation proposed in the headwaters
of America’s first designated Wilderness Area, the Boundary Waters
Canoe Wilderness Area. Yes, that’s right, in the headwaters of the
Boundary Waters (inside the watershed but just outside current wilderness designation). Working with my friend Ted Roosevelt IV, Jason Schmidt, Malea Stenzel Gilligan and I were on hand to launch a
sportsmen and women coalition to support permanent protection
Pheasant Hunt
Another huge federal win in the past few weeks was the overwhelming House passage of reform of the Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA) by a margin of 398-1 (a Senate TSCA bill has passed
committee with strong bipartisan support and awaits the floor). The proposed changes will drastically improve the way we test and
regulate toxic chemicals in this nation. As a former state official, I
can share painful details about the many problems with this nearly
40-year old statute and how it’s allowed chemicals that the science overwhelmingly proves are unsafe to harm kids and wildlife
alike. As you can tell from the House vote, this is a hugely bipartisan effort and, though we’re still working to further strengthen the
House and Senate versions of the bill (assuming the Senate bill gets
floor time and passes, conference committee will be complicated),
I’m proud that the National Wildlife Federation was an early vocal
supporter of making progress this session and that our lobby team
led by Josh Saks is working hard in the trenches to get something
meaningful done that will improve the health of wildlife across the
nation. (Also from Congress, a series of absolutely atrocious riders
to the Interior and EPA budget bills that we’re fighting…)
tat certifications,
we are a founding partner of the
National
Pollinator Garden Network and helped
launch the Million
Pollinator Garden
Challenge
with
First Lady Michelle
Obama a few weeks ago. On Monarchs specifically (whose populations have declined by more than 90% in 15 years), we’re working with the White House and Federal Agencies (especially the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service) and more than a dozen state affiliates,
state fish/wildlife agencies, state transportation agencies, schools,
and communities to put more milkweed habitat on the landscape
and other efforts. Together, we can help save the iconic Monarch
and restore pollinator populations that are essential for more than a
third of all of the food we eat. I’m proud of the efforts of our entire
Federation (led by Mary Phillips, Julie Sibbing, Naomi Edelson, Kevin
Coyle, and Dave Mizejewski) and the leadership of state affiliates
in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Indiana, Texas, North Carolina, South
Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, the Dakotas, and I’m sure I’m forgetting many others. Let us know if you’d like to help.
Out Of Doors
of this amazing treasure. And I was up in Alaska at the Kenai for
a Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council meeting—it
was simply spectacular. In addition to addressing pressing Council
business, we floated, fished, hiked to glaciers, and watched wildlife. While there I had a chance to learn more about our affiliate of
the year, the Renewable Resources Coalition (Anders was training
fishing guides so I met with Melissa Heuer from his team; RRC is fresh
off their gigantic ballot measure win to protect Bristol Bay which
passed with huge bipartisan, tribal and sportsmen/women support
in every single part of the state). Finally, let me end with one fight that we need to win: One of the
biggest electoral wins of 2014 was the overwhelming passage of
Amendment One in Florida with 75%. Led by the Florida Wildlife
Federation and other local partners, the measure constitutionally
mandated that one-third of all realty transfer taxes be dedicated
to land conservation. So great push for dedicated funding and
huge win at the ballot box—but the story doesn’t end there. Over
the past six months, the Florida State Legislature and Governor Scott
have ignored the measure and just passed a budget that spends
only a fraction of the mandated more than $700 million on conservation and they also allowed a key conservation opportunity in the
Everglades to lapse and delayed other key conservation priorities. They are simply ignoring the law. A few weeks ago, Ron Warnken
and I were down with Manley Fuller and his whole team for their
8
JULY 2015
board meeting and annual dinner, where I assumed I would just
be lauding their huge success and preparing for implementation—
and instead was discussing battle plans for fighting back. FWF and
other partners launched their lawsuit against the legislature and
we’ll use every tool in our arsenal to ensure that the will of Floridians
is followed. We need to help them win this fight! This is all a long way of saying that we are making steady, meaningful progress across the nation. We’re bringing on fantastic talent across the Federation (folks like Dirk Sellers, new VP of Philanthropy, and Brian Kurzel new Regional Executive Director for the
Rockies) and I’m also extremely excited that my predecessor and
renown conservationist, Larry Schweiger, has been named President and CEO of PennFuture. Also, Carol Hayes is the new Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network and Georgia Wildlife Federation named Mike Worley, President and CEO. Welcome aboard!
>From restoring habitat and cleaning up waterways to defending
public lands and connecting kids with nature, we are making a
difference in every corner of America—now we just need to keep
growing our conservation army! So let’s enjoy these victories and
saddle up for the next battles! Thank you for all that you all do for
our Federation—and for wildlife and all outdoor enthusiasts
Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Conservation Package Introduced in the House
Sportsmen’s Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Enhancement Act is
purely positive move to reauthorize or implement critical conservation programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the four House leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Reps. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.),
Gene Green (D-Texas), and Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), introduced the bipartisan “Sportsmen’s Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Enhancement
Act,” or SCORE Act (HR 3173), in the 114th Congress. Combined with the
previously introduced SHARE Act (HR 2406), these bills constitute a major
victory for fish and wildlife habitat, and improved access for America’s hunters and anglers.
Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Ron Kind (DWis.), all past chairs of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, are also
supporting SCORE.
“The sportsmen’s community can stand squarely behind this bill as a great
step forward in protecting our ability to fund and implement the conservation of at-risk habitats, species, and access,” said Whit Fosburgh, president
and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “It’s a good
example of bipartisan legislation that addresses the needs of America’s
hunters and anglers, and we’d like to see a lot more of that consensus.”
The bill contains seven provisions to reauthorize or implement legislation
that helps fund conservation programs on federal and private lands, which
boosts sportsmen’s access to quality hunting and fishing, including reauthorization of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA). Prior
to its expiration in 2011, FLTFA had leveraged strategic federal land sales
to fund 39 priority conservation projects, including many that expanded
sportsmen’s access to world-class hunting and fishing opportunities.
“There is a lot to like in this legislation,” said Kameran Onley, director of
U.S. government relations for The Nature Conservancy. “It shows a significant bipartisan commitment to conservation and wildlife habitat protection, as well as sportsmen’s access and recreational opportunities that help
grow our economy. We’re encouraged to see the bill include so many effective, fiscally-sound programs that provide both economic and conservation
benefits.”
The Act would reauthorize two conservation grant programs with matcheddollar incentives: the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. Each federal dollar
invested in these grant programs is matched, on average, three times over
by non-federal dollars that have major on-the-ground impacts for the conservation of wetlands, waterfowl, and other wildlife. “Conserving and protecting our nation’s wetlands is at the core of Ducks Unlimited,” said DU’s
Chief Policy Officer Margaret Everson. “NAWCA funding is a critical component for DU to carry out our mission of conserving, restoring, and managing
wetlands and habitats for North America’s waterfowl. We’re pleased this
legislation calls for the reauthorization of these programs and appreciate
the continued support for our community from Representatives Wittman,
Walz, Duncan, and Green.”
A provision often referred to as Making Public Lands Public, which has garnered significant bipartisan support as a standalone piece of legislation, is
also a part of the package. It requires that 1.5 percent of annual Land and
Water Conservation Fund monies be made available to establish and expand recreational access to federal public lands. “We are thrilled to see bipartisan support for the SCORE Act, and we are particularly excited to see
the ‘Making Public Lands Public’ provision included,” said Land Tawney, executive director for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA). “Public lands are
the cornerstone of our sporting heritage and public access to these lands is
a priority for BHA. We look forward to swift action and ultimate passage of
the SCORE Act. The steak has sizzled on the grill long enough—it’s time to
set the table and pass a sportsmen’s package.” SCORE includes a sense of Congressional support for the National Fish
Habitat Conservation Act, which was previously introduced in Congress in
2014 to improve fish habitat through partnerships that foster conservation
projects or enhance recreational fishing opportunities. These partnerships
would “support the economic significance of fish habitat resources and the
recreational, subsistence, and commercial fishing linked to these resources
in the United States.”
“The recreational fishing industry strongly supports and, in fact, depends on
healthy fish habitat that provides abundant fish stocks, which are enjoyed
by our nation’s 60 million anglers,” said Mike Leonard, ocean resource
policy director for the American Sportfishing Association and National Fish
Habitat Partnership board member. “In addition to the other public access
and habitat improvement provisions in this bill, we strongly support the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act and hope to see it advance in this
Congress as part of a broader sportsmen’s package.”
Finally, SCORE would reauthorize the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a congressionally-chartered grant-making organization that works with
public and private stakeholders, and Partners for Fish and Wildlife, which
assists private landowners in preserving habitat for federally-managed species. “It’s vitally important that Congress now pass the SCORE Act, so that
these important conservation measures can continue and the investments
the American public has made in wildlife conservation programs can reap
rewards for years to come,” said David Houghton, president of the National
Wildlife Refuge Association. “We’re particularly pleased to see reauthorization of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, because this important
program helps private landowners keep working lands working.”
The National Wild Turkey Federation also supports this legislation, which
pairs well with their ‘Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt’ initiative. “This bill
helps us protect habitat that supports wildlife and hunting access, thus protecting our hunting heritage for millions of Americans to enjoy,” said Becky
Humphries, chief conservation officer for NWTF.
SHARE, which has also been supported by sportsmen’s groups, assures
access for hunters and anglers, while SCORE seeks to improve habitat.
Together, these bills assure a bright future for American sportsmen and
women.
“The SCORE Act has major implications for wildlife habitat conservation in
the United States and provides vital funding for partnership efforts to preserve and safeguard America’s outdoor traditions,” said Howard Vincent,
president and CEO of Pheasants Forever, Inc. “Pheasants Forever and its
members urge Congress to swiftly pass this bipartisan legislation for our
nation’s wild places, wildlife, and all who enjoy it.”
Sportsmen/women- Want to help fund SDWF and the Youth Conservation Camp plus reduce your taxes this year? Donate stocks and land to the SDWF. You not only won’t have to pay
taxes on those assets, you will pay less tax because of your generosity!
JUST ONE