109 



The potential revenue sources identified in the study by the U.S. 

 Department of the Interior included the following: 



- Annual appropriations 



- Excise taxes on a wide range of products 



- Fees for use of lands and waters 



- Volunteer contribution by Federal Income Tax checkoff 



- Sale of semi-postal stamps 



The conceptual approach of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 

 1 980 emphasized the direct linkage between the potential tax (fee) payer and 

 participation in, or benefits from, the activities for which the funds would be 

 used. We would like to see this concept firmly imbedded in any legislative 

 effort under the "Teaming with Wildlife" funding initiative. 



The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife was required by the study 

 to provide to Congressional Committees his recommendations. His letter 

 which transmitted the study report stated as follows: 



"Given the present fiscal situation and Administration policies on 

 Federal spending and taxation, I cannot recommend either the raising 

 of new taxes or appropriations from the general fund of the Treasury 

 for financing the Nongame Act this year. The study does identify a 

 method that would encourage voluntary contributions. That method 

 would be the issuance of semipostal stamps as discussed on pp. 27, 

 28, and 1 1 5-11 7 of the report. However, the Postal Service points 

 out significant problems with that method in their enclosed letter." 



