Md HB 664 Wildlife and Inland Fisheries Comm.

[Wirehair]

Its here, HB664 i have not had a chance to read it yet but heres the synopsis and a link.

Synopsis:
Establishing the Wildlife and Inland Fisheries Commission (WIFC) as an independent State agency; transferring specified powers, functions, and duties related to the management of wildlife, inland fisheries, and specified funds from the Department of Natural Resources and the Department's Secretary to the WIFC by July 1, 2003; specifying duties and functions for which the WIFC and the Department are jointly responsible; requiring the Governor to appoint WIFC members by October 1, 2002; etc.

http://mlis.state.md.us/2002rs/billfile/hb0664.htm

[Wirehair]

Text is now available

[DougMD]

Wirehair, what is needed for the bill to pass, and when will we find out?

[davidmil]

Well, knowing what the status of our local governor and the next governor(more than likely Townsend) are it can only mean problems for wildlife and hunters in Maryland. Our current governor has shown his true colors in the past in word and deed. Especially so with his strong anti-gun legislation and his appointment of an avowed PETA guy to the wildlife advisory council. I can already see the disasterous results his appointees would come up with. They'll throw out all scientific approaches to wildlife management and go with anti hunting propaganda and deeds. If he succeeds it'll be the end of hunting as we know it. It'll also be disaster for wildlife. I wonder where he'll get the money to fund such silly programs as birth control etc etc when everyone stops buying licenses and Pittman Robinson contributing purchases. He is such a ..... never mind. Anyway, it doesn't sound good. Thank God NY, PA and WV are close by.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

[Wirehair]

In order for this bill to pass we need everyone to call and write their delegates and tell them we want the return of the Fish and Game Commission. Tell them our national resources deserve to have people dedicated in the principles of conservation and who will make sound scientific decisions and who do not make decisions based on politics or emotions.

This bill is not and should not be presented as a hunting, fishing or trapping bill. Those three words shouldn't even be said.

We had a F&G Comm. in this state for many years until it was disband in 72. Wildlife Heritage was joined with Parks in the early 80s when they (Parks) were low on funding. Our almighty leaders in DNR knew that if they combined the two it would be easier to get at the P-R funds. As an example, if equipment broke down, and it didn't matter where, it was written up as being on a wildlife habitat project and P-R funds paid 75% repair costs.

[Wirehair]

Hearing to be on February 21 at 1PM before the House Environmental Matters Committee

[No.1gamewarden]

There is a little more to the history of the reorganization (in 1972)than the simplistic version you post here. More than wild life was reorganized. I see no good coming from the bill even if it had a snowballs chance of passing. Like I said before just a grandstanding politician trying to get back into the good graces of a constituency he abandoned with other gun and hunting legislation. DNR is already an independent agency, who do you think will make the appointments to a new one? The same one who appointed this one. Think with a new one he will change his mind and appoint any pro hunters? at least for now there is still a lot of pro hunters in DNR even though they are being silenced for now. A new organization would likely be required to use non-lethal methods as suggested by the governor now.

[Wirehair]

May I suggest you read the bill first, then we'll decuss it.

[davidmil]

Hey, this is Maryland..... Home of the Grand Foo-Baa of Pinko Liberals. I already can guess what it says.<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>