The Habitat Annual Report 2000
Legislative Autho
rity
In 1995, the Utah Legislature made a long-term commitment to fish and wildlife conservation in Utah with the passage of legislation establishing the Wildlife Habitat Program. The bill established a separate account within the Division of Wildlife Resources and directed the Division to use the funds to benefit wildlife habitat and improve public access for hunting and fishing. Funding was provided through the sale of Habitat Authorizations; special certificates that hunters, anglers and other wildlife enthusiasts would be required to purchase along with their licenses, permits, stamps, certificates of registration, and Wildlife Heritage certificates. In addition, the Habitat Council was created to provide guidance to the Division in the use of Wildlife Habitat Account monies. The council is comprised of four DWR program administrators and four citizen representatives, and it meets regularly to review project proposals.
Legislation passed during the 2000 General Session will eliminate the requirement to purchase a separate authorization (effective 1/1/01), but funding for the program will continue. Beginning January 1, 2001, a portion of the revenue received from the sale of each license, permit, stamp, certificate of registration and Wildlife Heritage certificate will be placed in the Wildlife Habitat Account. The licence/permit fee schedule was adjusted by the Legislature to maintain annual account revenues at about $2,150,000.
