This model is particularly suited to solving the environmental 

 problems that face our country today. We can no longer afford the 

 adversarial bickering that inevitably leads to the courts. The Na- 

 tional Fish and Wildlife Foundation offers a different and success- 

 ful approach from which we should all learn. 



I guess, in my own case, my comment would be ditto. 



Also, I would like to submit for the official record the statements 

 by the Honorable Jack Fields of Texas, Ranking Member, and also 

 Congressman Jim Saxton from New Jersey. Without objection, they 

 will be submitted. 



[The statements of Mr. Fields and Mr. Saxton follow:] 



Statement of Hon. Jack Fields, a U.S. Representative from Texas, and Rank- 

 ing Minority Member, Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Re- 

 sources 



Mr. Chairman, I would like to compliment you on your leadership in the reau- 

 thorization process for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment 

 Act. The legislation establishing the Foundation was considered in this Committee 

 almost a decade ago. 



The Foundation serves the valuable functions of promoting habitat conservation, 

 environmental education, and natural resources management, among other things. 

 It is an example of a true partnership between the Federal Government and State 

 and private groups, which work together to improve our country's ability to con- 

 serve our natural resources. 



I think it is important to note the success of the Foundation in combining federal- 

 ly appropriated funds with private contributions. Since its creation in 1984, the 

 Foundation has managed to achieve a match ratio of anywhere from $2 to $4 for 

 every Federal dollar appropriated. This has resulted in more than 660 grants worth 

 more than $79 million for conservation projects all over the United States and in 15 

 other countries. 



Mr. Chairman, we are all aware of the fiscal restraints the Federal Government is 

 currently operating under and the need to prioritize spending. We have a great op- 

 portunity here to reauthorize a program that is exemplary in its use of Federal 

 money. The Foundation gives the taxpayer a good return for every dollar and I 

 think the proposed legislation will allow this good investment to continue. 



I support the reauthorization of this valuable Foundation and am delighted to 

 work with you to pass this important legislation. I would urge my colleagues to add 

 their support to this bill. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Statement of Hon. H. James Saxton, a U.S. Representative from New Jersey, 

 AND Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Environment and Natural 

 Resources 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



I am pleased to be here today to review the reauthorization of one of the more 

 unique conservation programs — the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.The 

 Foundation's short history has already provided an impressive track record for de- 

 veloping creative partnerships between business and conservation organizations. It 

 has also taken on ambitious conservation problems facing natural resource manage- 

 ment. 



Beyond the conservation agenda, however, the Foundation has demonstrated that 

 the private sector is a willing ally in the stewardship of our natural resources, and 

 will prove to be a critical element for the success of future resource management 

 policy. 



As this Committee considers the various environmental laws which are up for re- 

 authorization this Congress, increased attention must be given to expanding the in- 

 volvement of the private sector in conservation efforts and providing the incentives 

 necessary for successful partnerships to be established. 



I am interested in hearing the witnesses comments today — particularly with re- 

 spect to expanding the Foundation's board. As demonstrated by many bureaucra- 

 cies, bigger is not necessarily better, and growth has a tendency to divert valuable 

 resources away from an intended mission. The entrepreneurial integrity of the 



