46 



for aquatic resource education programs. 



"Wallop-Breaux" has revolutionized the Sport Fish Restoration Act in its scope and the 

 potential it liolds for fisheries restoration well into the next century. Its provisions have 

 iransformed the Spurt Fish Restoration Act from a program amounting to roughly S40 million 

 annually to one five times tliat size • over S197 million in 1996 This significant infusion of 

 new money bodes well for the future of sport fish restoration for many years to come. 



"Wallop-Brcaux" was also expanded in 1991. Reventjcs derived from "small engine" fuel 

 excise taxes support Coastal Wetlands Restoration. These grants to State agencies have 

 nnproved nursery' areas for marine sport fish and helped to preserve one of our more liinited 

 ecosystems. 



Mr Chairman, a iireliminniy leview of the "Tcnining With Wildlife" proposal indicates great 

 potential to build on the winning P-K/l)-,l model. Pittjnan-Roherison, DingcU-Johnson and 

 the Teaming With Wildlife Program should be compatible. Likewise the direct and indirect 

 benefits of the proposed program should Mippori P-R and D-J eiTorls. Multiple use and 

 sustainable use of these resources is more imponant today than ever before. 



The Service agrees with the States that there is a growning need to accommodate increasing 

 numbers of nonconsumptive wildlife resotjrce users. Wildlife populations arc dwindling due 

 to the fragmentation of forest habitat, changing of land use and farming practices. Certain 

 nongame species, such as neotropical birds, have declined drastically. With respect to 

 numerous other species, there is inadequate information to determine whether these 

 populations are expanding or decreasing. The changing public atliludes toward nun- 

 consumptive recreational opportunities require fish and wildlife agencies to expand their 

 programs to meet the needs of a more sophisticated public A generation of cluldrcn has 

 grown up watching nature programs on public television, becoming more knowledgeable and 

 interested in their natural enviroruncnt. For example, in 1991, 24.7 million people took 

 trips away from home to observe, feed, or photograph birds This illustrated a growing need 

 to provide better services for birders, such as trails, boardwalks, observation towers, viewing 

 blinds, checklists and rare bird sighting news. 



Over $18 billion is currently being spent on nongame recreational activities According to the 

 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, approximately 76 

 million citi/-ens, or .'^9 percent of the US papulation \6 years of age or older, enjoyed 

 nongame recreational activities in 1991. While the Administration is not in a position to 

 endorse this proposal at this time, the concept of funding wildlife conservation from taxes on 

 certain merchandise is a wcll-dem<.msirated success under Pittman-Robertson and Wallop- 

 Breuux. 



i appreciate the opportunity to comment on this matter. 



