this caught my attention from the audit report, these benefit estimates are per year numbers:
"Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing activities make a significant impact on the economy....National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation found sportsmen and wildlife viewers
contributed an estimated $2 billion to Oregon’s economy. (Hunters $432M, Anglers $574M, Wildlife Viewers $897M)!!! Oregon’s commercial fishing industry is another contributor to the state’s economy...estimated total economic effects...
were at least $618 million for 2013. ODFW hatcheries have had more salmon return than necessary to produce the next generation of hatchery fish. Those extra salmon,
which totaled over 350,000 pounds in 2014, were donated to food banks across the state." page 6
however from the ODFW 2015-2017 budget I notice:
(remember, these are 2 year budget numbers)
total: $345M
other funds: $175M (license fees look to be about $100M of this, Figure 9)
Fed funds: $139M
state money (General and Lottery): $32M
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/budget/docs/2015-17 ODFW Budget Overview 010515.pdf
Given that ODFW is responsible with managing and protecting resources that contribute so much to the state economy, isn't it a logical conclusion that ODFW is grossly underfunded by the state? I mean, double, triple, even quadruple the money coming from the general fund and it would be running a surplus, no license fee increases would be required, and it would still be a bargain...that's my 2cents. roger