50 



economic and ecological benefits of nature-based tourism to local economies should not be 

 underestimated .^nd. Teaming with Wildlife can make it all happen 



3) Other potential project in our state that would benefit fi-om TWW funding include the 

 development of an interpretive program along the Cedar Creek Water Trail in Ocean 

 County that would allow canoeists to identify cultural and natural areas of interest 



4) In Monmouth County fijnding is needed to purchase privately held lands that connect with 

 public lands along the proposed 13-mile Bayshore Trail that when completed will provide 

 hiker access to the Sandy Hook National Recreation Area 



In summary, TWW fiands will be applied to projects in these three general areas: 



1 Fish and Wildlife Conservation ~ includes preventative management for non-game species 

 which allows the use of voluntary non-regulatory, incentive focused conservation efiforts 

 with landowners to address species needs before their status requires listing as threatened 

 or endangered 



2 Fish and Wildlife Related Recreation ~ the increasing human population demands more 

 quality outdoor recreation TWW will provide for these appropriate outdoor recreational 

 opportunities 



3 . Conservation Education ~ our children are our future; we must pass on to them a strong 

 conservation ethic through various programs for which TWW will provide fiinds 



In conclusion, Mr Chairman, the 50 State fish and wildlife agencies, with the support of almost 

 1,000 organizations representing about 50 million citizens fi-om the broad conservation 

 community, strongly believe the time has come to act on TWW. The need is both meritorious 

 and great, the support fi-om the consumer and much of industry is there, and there is no other 

 credible source of funds on the horizon. TWW is built on a tremendously successful model, it 

 will be responsive to the resource users and enthusiasts, and it will secure healthy and 

 sustainable fish and wildlife populations for outdoor recreation for our children and their 

 children. Let's make this happen now. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity and I would be pleased to r-^^spo^d to any 

 questions. 



gt^wovxfc^gary^njtww 



