The Capital Journal-Senator Tim Johnson

April 23, 2009

Families need wildlife legislation

U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson

Engrained in all South Dakotans is a deep appreciation for our sportsman tradition.

Nearly all of us have spent time hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors at one of the many recreational sites our state is blessed with. This way of life is an important part of who we are.

As a father, I am proud to have passed down these traditions to my own children, and want to make sure that families can do the same for years to come. That’s why I have introduced the Teaming with Wildlife Act to help ensure we can pass on our South Dakota way of life to future generations.

If signed into law, this bill would create a first of its kind program with a dedicated funding source to help all states protect game and nongame fish and wildlife habitat while also funding recreation programs.

By directing a small portion of the royalties collected from onshore and offshore public land oil and gas production, we have a chance to fund practical conservation initiatives.

To ensure these funds are wisely spent, the legislation requires the funds be used to assist the implementation of each state’s comprehensive wildlife restoration plan. Throughout the past decade, every state has formed a Wildlife Action Plan to spell out the species in the greatest need of conservation. Together with a broad array of partners, state fish and wildlife agencies take a hard look at area wildlife and what steps need to be taken to protect the wildlife. Here at home, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks would receive a minimum of $3.5 million annually, or $17.5 million over five years if this bill becomes law.

We all know that money is hard to come by these days, and this bill will help our producers and private landowners save hard-earned dollars as well. My legislation would fund efforts to conserve at-risk fish and wildlife and prevent costly requirements and frustrating delays that stem from recovering a species when its habitat is threatened.

By solving the recovery problem on the front end, this bill takes some of the politics out of protecting fish and wildlife. I’ve worked hard to craft a bill that is based in good, common sense and not ideology. We all have a responsibility to protect our way of life for future generations, including providing our children with the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed. The Teaming with Wildlife Act does just that, and is something Republicans and Democrats can agree on.

As a senior member of the Energy Committee, I know firsthand the many important issues we face. From enhancing the health of our National Forests to crafting strong legislation that finally breaks the grip overseas nations have had on our energy supply for too long, the committee has a lot on its plate. As we prepare to address those matters in the weeks ahead, my bill is something we can do now to allow kids to enjoy our traditions for generations.