Keep fee hikes modest, maximize boots on the ground in state fish, wildlife budget The H&N View Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for answers to the budget dilemma that it faces. We hope it finds it, but raising fees always comes with the risk of reducing the number of those who fish and hunt and the amount of revenue they produce. Included in its budget proposal is a 26 percent increase in fishing and hunting fees to be phased in during the next five years, primarily forced by a long decline in the number of people who hunt and fish. The increases aren’t certain and are subject to hearings throughout the state including one from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 29 in the Mt. Bailey Room at the College Union Building at Oregon Tech. The financial issue isn’t new. It includes a pattern familiar to any organization that depends to a degree on self-generated revenue, whether its public or private. The ODF&W relies on money from fees for licenses that produce about 50 percent of its revenue. The fewer people hunting, fishing and paying fees, the higher the fees have to be to generate the same revenue. The higher the fees, they less inclination there is for people to pay them and continue to hunt and fish. In a private business, it might be called a “death spiral” with “prices” substituted for “fees.” Higher fees might even encourage poaching. The multi-year structure of the fees is a way of phasing them in smaller increments instead of a much bigger single one later on. Another worrisome part of the proposed budget is the cut of 50 positions statewide. Klamath County, and its massive interaction between wildlife and people has a major need for ODF&W help and expertise. But it’s in a remote and less-populated part of the state that can make it an easy target when cuts come. The state agency also operates the Klamath Wildlife Area, which has major recreation and wildlife importance to the area. It was established in 1958 in four parts totaling 3,412 acres. The biggest and best- known parcel is on the Klamath River just off Highway 97 six miles south of Klamath Falls. The main goals are to improve the area for waterfowl and provide public hunting opportunities, and it looks like its been a successful marriage of two goals that are sometimes uneasy companions. Both goals are important, and so are a lot of other things, such as outdoor recreation’s major economic impact. We don’t doubt that the agency is in need, but we hope it can keep the fees modest enough to encourage participation and when cuts come, concentrate on leaving as many ODF&W “boots on the ground” as possible in the hinterlands. — The H&N view represents the opinion of the Herald and News editorial board: Publisher Heidi Wright, Editor Gerry O’Brien and Forum Editor Pat Bushey, who wrote this editorial. Community advisers to the board are Tracey Liskey, Jeff Ball, Chip Massie and Ernie Palmer.
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 15:45:13 +0000
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