Tweren't all that much there. Here it is.
What fee changes are proposed?
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proposing to raise most hunting or fishing license and boat fees by 20 percent. Licenses for youth and seniors would not increase.
Under the proposal, the Super Combo license would increase from $49 to $59. Resident hunting and resident fishing licenses would go up from $19 to $23. These increases would keep pace with national cost of living trends in recent years.
Also for the first time since 1996, boat registration for most vessels would increase by $10.
Why doesn't TPWD cut costs instead of raising customer fees?
TPWD has postponed a fee increase for several years by spending fund balances and cutting spending. In the 1990s, the department would end most years with money left in Fund 9, which pays for fisheries and wildlife management and enforcement. Those savings are now depleted and we can no longer use them to avoid a fee increase.
In recent years, the department has cut back significantly on operating costs. To save money this year, were keeping over 200 employee positions vacant, weve cut spending on vehicles and equipment and have made other operating cuts. So, we have tightened our own belt before asking our customers to pay more.
How much money would be raised with new fees? How would it be spent?
The fee increases would raise about $13.8 million. This would not fund new projects. It would allow TPWD to keep providing basic services.
By law, TPWD can only spend hunting and fishing license revenue on fisheries and wildlife management and law enforcement. License funds cannot be diverted to state park operations or other state government needs.
Why is TPWD proposing a fee increase?
The last increase in the cost of hunting and fishing licenses was in 1996. Since that time, inflation has increased by about the same percentage as the proposed fee increase.
Hunters, anglers and boaters get good value from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Each year TPWD stocks about 50 million fish statewide and provides more than 1 million acres of public hunting land. We protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, water quality and the ecological health of rivers, lakes and bays. Biologists and game wardens work in every Texas county. We provide boat ramps and boating safety. As TPW Commission Chairman Katharine Armstrong puts it, We do a lot for our customers and we need their support for this fee increase.
Is the fee proposal finalized?
The fee changes are proposals for public comment. TPWD is holding a series of public meetings across Texas in April and May. Anyone can also comment through the department Web site by e-mail or can make comments by telephone or regular mail.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider public input before possibly making a final decision at its May 29 meeting in Austin.
When would fee increases take effect?
If approved, license changes would take effect when new season licenses go on sale this fall. Boat fees could change sooner, depending on commission action.
How can people get details on fee proposals and make comments?
Anyone can see fee proposals and make comments on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Web site. On the bottom left side of the agency home page, look for the link to Public Comments. Dates and locations for public meetings on fee proposals will also be posted at this location.
Or, send comments in writing to:
Executive Office
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
or phone toll free (800) 792-1112.
