More resources will be available for wildlife enhancement in coming years with an increase in the Wildlife Conservation Fund Licence. At the same time, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said the province is looking at options to have conservation groups take a more active role in setting enhancement priorities and managing the fund.
The Wildlife Conservation Fund was introduced in 1998 to assist community-led projects which support wildlife and wildlife habitat, and support the Cardigan Fish Hatchery in its production of trout and salmon for public fisheries. Since its inception, the fund has contributed close to $1 million to enhance wildlife resources in Prince Edward Island. Projects have ranged from stream enhancement work, tree planting and erosion control, to support for youth fishing, watershed planning and wildlife research and monitoring.
Money for the fund comes from a contribution that is made once a year by each licensed angler, hunter and trapper. This year, the fee has increased to $20 (GST included) in response to concerns expressed by several community-based angling groups over the future of the enhancement program at the Cardigan Fish Hatchery and declining annual revenue available for community-led projects. The increase could result in an additional $75,000 funding each year.
“During the public discussion over the future of the hatchery, community groups made it clear that they see a need for increased enhancement. The Wildlife Conservation Fund is the best avenue to provide additional support because it ensures the dollars contributed by anglers, hunters and trappers go directly back to enhance the resource which they value so much,” said Minister Ballem.
Of the money collected in the Wildlife Conservation Fund each year, $60,000 has been allocated to the Cardigan Fish Hatchery. The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry distributes the balance to wildlife conservation projects on the recommendation of an advisory committee with representation from each of the following groups: Ducks Unlimited Canada, Island Nature Trust, PEI Salmon Federation, PEI Trappers Association, Morell River Management Co-op, PEI Wildlife Federation, Natural History Society of Prince Edward Island, the department, and a community watershed group.
In the short term, Minister Ballem said he expects $60,000 will continue to be allocated to stock enhancement. However, the Minister said he wants the advisory committee, in consultation with community groups, to set priorities for enhancement and future funding.
“The Wildlife Conservation Fund has made a tremendous contribution to protecting and enhancing our natural environment in Prince Edward Island, and the advisory committee has done an excellent job in reviewing applications and making funding recommendations,” said Minister Ballem. “However, I believe we have an opportunity to strengthen the fund by having conservation groups take a more active role in setting priorities and possibly even managing the fund. I have asked staff to explore potential options to move administration of the Wildlife Conservation Fund outside the department and into the hands of the people who are directly contributing to the fund.”
In other licensing changes this year, Minister Ballem said the licence exemption for farmers and commercial fishers has been eliminated. The Minister noted this has been a longstanding request of licensed anglers. The cost of a trout licence for Island residents remains at $10 (GST included). Youth under age 16 do not need a licence to fish, and anglers 65 years of age and older are issued a courtesy licence at no cost.
Angling licences for the spring 2005 season will be available at vendors across the province in the next few weeks. Copies of the Wildlife Conservation Fund 2004/2005 Annual Report will be available at all licence vendors and is online at http://www.gov.pe.ca/go/wcf