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California Launches Fish and Wildlife “Strategic Vision” Effort
COHA Asked to Present to Executive Committee

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA --(Ammoland.com)- In June, the California Resources Agency launched the implementation of the “California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision”.

The effort, mandated by AB 2376 (Huffman) which passed in 2010, is intended to reevaluate the long-term mission and priorities of the Department of Fish and Game and the California Fish and Game Commission.

Among other things, AB 2376 required the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to convene an Executive Committee (EC) made up of specified representatives, and for the EC to appoint a Blue Ribbon Citizen Commission (BRCC) charged with assisting the EC and working with a Stakeholder Advisory Group to develop the Strategic Vision.

California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Logo

Nearly one month later, on July 21st, the BRCC held its first public meeting to gather input from agency and other experts in the fish and wildlife field. At the request of “Vision” staff, COHA President, Bill Gaines, gave a presentation to the Commission regarding the importance of considering the needs of hunters and anglers when outlining the future of the State’s fish and wildlife management.

During the 2010 Legislative Session, COHA successfully sought amendments that require the Strategic Vision process to consider recreational and commercial harvest of fish and wildlife and ensure that hunters and anglers have a seat at the table. The Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Executive Committee will hold its next public meeting on August 10, 2011 at the State Capitol. COHA staff will again be in attendance.

For more information on the Strategic Vision process, including information on its upcoming meetings, visit www.vision.ca.gov

About:
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the preservation of our hunting rights in California. COHA is a 501(c)4 Political Advocacy organization dedicated solely to influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policy decisions which promote wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage. For more information about COHA, visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

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California Department Of Fish & Game Receives Federal Grant to Support SHARE Program

California Department Of Fish And Game

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) secured a $500,000 federal grant to support the creation of additional public hunting and fishing opportunities.

The grant, through California’s Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Program, will allow public access for wildlife-dependent recreation on private lands.

“This significant grant funding is the shot in the arm that the SHARE Program needs to finally expand beyond a mere pilot or regional program,” stated Mark Hennelly, Vice President of the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA). “Many new and exciting hunting opportunities will be made available to the public as a direct result of the department’s successful efforts to secure federal funds.

DFG will use the federal funds, which were originally authorized through the “Open Fields” provision of the 2008 Farm Bill, to compensate participating landowners and nonprofit organizations helping to administer the SHARE hunts. Hunters participating in SHARE will still remain a key funding source for the SHARE Program, along with hunting licenses, stamp and tag funds.

“DFG should be praised and congratulated for their efforts in securing these funds, which will increase public hunting opportunities on private lands in California,” stated John Carlson Jr., President of California Waterfowl. “In most instances, the properties enrolled in the SHARE Program have never been available for public use. Now, private land in Californiawill be made available for current and future generations.”

The SHARE Program was created by California Waterfowl-sponsored state legislation in 2003 to encourage private landowners to voluntarily open their properties to hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation. The bill was authored by then Assembly Member Tom Harman. Due to limited funding, for the last several years, the SHARE Program has relied heavily on the assistance of nonprofit conservation groups like California Waterfowl and COHA, and has focused mostly on waterfowl and upland game bird hunts in select areas of the state. However, DFG has recently been able to secure several wild pig and elk hunts.

Programs similar to SHARE have opened up millions of acres of land to public access across at least 18 other states. These programs have been well received by both hunters and landowners alike, and have fostered improved relations between sportsmen and the agricultural and ranching communities.

“We are excited for this opportunity to expand the SHARE program,” said John McCamman, Director of DFG. “This funding will allow us to create public access to additional lands for wildlife-dependent recreational activities.”

With the new funding, the SHARE Program is expected to expand over time into a statewide program with a wide variety of game bird and big game hunting opportunities. In particular, the program should provide improved hunter access to wild pig and wild turkey populations, two species for which there are currently only limited public hunting opportunities available.

California Waterfowl is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve California’s waterfowl, wetland, and our hunting heritage. For more information, visit www.calwaterfowl.org.

The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance(COHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting hunting and promoting wildlife conservation. For more information, visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

The Mission of the Department of Fish and Game is to manage California‘s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

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