On December 15, the FY2016 Omnibus bill was released, and includes funding for several actions important to America’s sportsmen and women.
The bill includes a permanent tax incentive for donations of conservation easements. Landowners who donate a conservation easement can claim a federal income tax deduction, which is an incentive that encourages private, voluntary land conservation. This language is similar to H.R. 641, introduced by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Members Congressmen Mike Kelly (PA) and Mike Thompson (CA), and S. 330, introduced by CSC Members Senators Dean Heller (NV) and Debbie Stabenow (MI).
The recreational fishing community also benefitted from the package. A provision led by CSC Member Senator Richard Shelby (AL) addresses issues with Gulf of Mexico red snapper management. The bill extends federal red snapper fishery boundaries, giving more management responsibilities to the Gulf States’ fisheries managers. Specifically, the bill provides $5 million for independent stock assessments for fish including red snapper, and directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to increase allocation of red snapper to recreational anglers if the allowable catch increases.
Finally, the Land and Water Conservation Fund was reauthorized for three years within the omnibus bill, including $450 million for 2016, which includes $8 million for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to improve recreational access for hunting, angling and other outdoor recreational activities.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
