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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 3, 2016 09:49 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative David M. Maloney, Sr. |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Wildlife Management and Accountability |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to improve wildlife management and recreational hunting in this Commonwealth. The proposal aims to address the concerns raised by parties who have been involved in the game management issue, including sportsmen, foresters, environmentalists, camp owners, as well as outdoor-related family business owners. Hunting is an activity that is valued and enjoyed by numerous Pennsylvanians, however, without sufficient oversight and accountability, we will continue to see the alarming reduction in the Commonwealth’s wildlife population including our State Bird the Ruffed Grouse and the associated loss of sportsmen and family businesses throughout our rural communities. Among other provisions, my proposal would allow us to return to traditional separate buck and doe seasons and a maximum sustained yield method of deer management. The maximum sustained population will be determined by a newly established and independent Forest and Wildlife Advisory Council, which will scientifically determine the health of the forest and its capacity to sustain wildlife for both sport hunting and recreational activities of the public. This advisory council will work in cooperation with the Game Commission and DCNR to initiate a new habitat enhancement program that will increase the multiple-use recreational, scientific, social, and economic benefits of public and private forestlands throughout the Commonwealth. These changes would come at a critical time especially for businesses in the outdoor industry which rely heavily on ample deer and wildlife populations for their success. It is estimated that this legislation could generate up to $400 million per year in jobs and economic activity that is impacting rural communities because of the lack of deer, providing an annual return of $1,600,000 for every $10,000 invested by the Commonwealth. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. |
Introduced as HB2083