Buying power: How the money is distributed . . .

Dedicated funds are those that, by law, must be spent on specific projects. More than two-thirds of department funds are dedicated.

Discretionary funds are those typically used for ongoing department costs such as salaries, benefits, goods and services, and equipment. Less than one-third of the department’s funds are discretionary.

The department’s financial status remained the same as the year before. Demands of human and fish and wildlife populations, in the meantime, have changed dramatically. While dedicated funding has increased, discretionary funding levels continue to slip. Unless alternative funding is secured, the loss of discretionary funds, coupled with inflation, will erode the department’s ability to manage future fish and wildlife needs.

For fiscal year 1997 ( July 1, 1996-June 30, 1997 ), expenditures were as follows:

Operating expenditures for FY 97 were $114,477,951, spent in 7 programs.

The capital expenditure was $16,237,142, for a total of $130,715,093.

Revenue: Where the money comes from . . .

User Fees - $41,815,001 (34.3%)
This includes all fishing and hunting license fees (commercial and recreational), federal excise tax for certain hunting gear, fishing gear and motorboat fuel, fines and forfeitures and miscellaneous revenue collected from department activities.

General Fund Revenue - $37,902,416 (31%)
This includes that portion of the state’s General Fund appropriated to the department. Funds are derived from state tax dollars and the sale of general obligation bonds.

All Other - $42,226,741 (34.6%)