2007 NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Budget 

John S. Watson, Jr.

Deputy Commissioner, Natural and Historic Resources,New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

 (from Jersey Coast Anglers Association May 2006 Newsletter)

TRENTON—On March 21, Governor Corzine delivered a sobering message to New Jerseyans projecting a $4.8 billion budget shortfall for 2007.

The proposed $30.9 billion budget includes $2.5 billion in cuts and constrained growth. Total state spending growth has been constrained to $2.6 billion and the use of one-time revenue sources has been reduced by 80 percent compared to the average of the previous four fiscal years.

Even in this extremely challenging budget, Governor Corzine remains committed to providing $4.2 million in supplemental funding to the hunters and anglers account, enabling the NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife to carry on its important work.

By this budget item, Governor Corzine has firmly established his commitment to the work of the Division and recognizes the benefits of wildlife management and the recreational value and economic importance fishing in our State.

The Division’s overall appropriation is reduced by $1.2 million, which reflects the expected revenue from the future sale of hunting and fishing licenses and permits.

While DEP faces $9 million in cuts to its Fiscal Year 2007 budget, total spending on environmental issues will increase 37 percent, from $321.2 million to $439.7 million, an increase of $118.5 million.  These increases include $40 million for capital improvements for parks, forests, wildlife management areas and historic sites.  Many, if not all, of these cuts are operating budget reductions that will be achieved through attrition.

While this budget provides supplemental funding to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, we must recognize a trend that has continued over the past few years— decreasing revenue in the sale of hunting and fishing licenses that support the Fish and Wildlife Program. The Division must be diligent in exploring ways to cut costs, while still providing exceptional service to our constituents, and managing the many species in its charge.

Already this year, program improvements have helped make purchasing licenses easier. Beginning in January 2006, the Division began offering online licensing for Fishing Licenses, Trout Stamps, Boat Ramp Permits, Horseback Riding Permits and Rifle Permits.

This spring, the Department is stocking the state’s public waters with approximately 570,000 trout.  On April 8, opening day of the season, the Department stocked approximately 181,000 trout in the state's freshwater streams, lakes, ponds and impoundments.  Additionally, pre-season stocking included 4,000 to 6,000 surplus broodstock weighing 3 to 5 pounds each and ranging from 14 to 22 inches. Many of these fish remain available all season, awaiting anglers.

We encourage all of the Jersey Coast Anglers membership to consider purchasing a freshwater fishing license and trout stamp this year.  Spending a little time on our many lakes and streams is a good way to get your fishing started this season and helps the many programs that are supported through these license sales. 

Information about NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, is available online at  http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/index.htm or by calling 609-292-2965.

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