207 



This is not true in the case of Teaming With Wildlife, where the funds 

 collected from paddlers and hikers are likely to be spent on a variety of 

 projects and items that would not primarily benefit the individuals who are 

 paying the tax. Historically, the various fish and game management agencies 

 have been unresponsive to those interests and users pursuing non-game or 

 interests. It poses a significant problem for our participants that little of the 

 moneys that would be raised by the proposed tax would be spent on issues of 

 value to our constituency. Additionally, this proposal does nothing for other 

 agencies and non-profits groups such as the National Parks, local and state 

 parks. Forest Service that play a major part in managing and protecHng public 

 lands and trusts. Tax proponents have chosen to benefit only their 

 constituency and failed to demonstrate to our members that their proposal 

 would significantly expand their programs to include our constituency. 



• Effectiveness 



The members of the lAPWA claim that this proposal will solve the 

 myriad of financial and organizahonal problems facing the state fish and 

 wildlife management agencies. Instead, it would contribute significantly to 

 the cost of our goods, threaten our economic competitiveness, raise 

 significant barriers to our efforts to increase participation and sales of our 

 products and services, fail to benefit either our members or our customers, 

 and to address the real needs of the myriad of agencies managing our public 

 lands and waterways. 



Thank you for your time and attention. Please contact the Association Offices 

 if you require additional information on the Association, our mission for the 

 paddlesports industry and programs. 



Neil Wiesner-Hanks 



Executive Director 



The North American Paddlesports Association 



12455 North Wauwatosa Road 



Mequon, WI 



53097-2711 



414/242-5228 



fax 414/242^428 



