Equal Opportunity for Wildlife
by Betsy Ingle, DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife
How can diverse wildlife species be maintained in Indiana? Our population is growing but our land area is not. Pressures from development, from exotic species and from lack of management threaten the diversity of life found in Indiana’s natural communities. Song bird numbers have decreased and frogs and toads are threatened in certain areas. Some .species adapt very well to humans and live along side them. Red foxes thrive in the Hoosier suburbs along with raccoons, opossums, geese and ducks. When wildlife js all around, why should there be concern about the species we don't see or hear?. An argument can be made for the aesthetic quality of wildlife. Viewing wildlife enhances our outdoor experiences. Without sighting song birds, eagles and otters; without hearing frogs and toads sing in the spring; and without smelling native flowers, shrubs and trees, our experience in nature is diminished. Another reason for caring about natural systems is that humans depend on them in many ways. Insects churn garbage into soil and pollinate flowering plants. Song birds feed on insects that consume tree leaves and reduce the health of trees. Perhaps to many, the best reasons for preserving species must be based on the economic benefits of natural systems to everyone, such as the potential benefit to mankind of maintaining a variety of species for new medicines or the cleansing and retention of water by wetlands. The commercial consumption of natural resources for food, fuel, fiber and other products has enormous direct economic benefits. Indiana also has an economically viable forest products industry. The non-commercial consumption of sport fishing and hunting, mushroom gathering and using: other natural products, such as native plants for dyes, produces increasing revenue for state and local economies. Finally, an argument for maintaining biological diversity for future generations can also be made because we cannot know the future uses of this biological diversity.After the turn of the century, we faced similar decrease of wildlife in the United States. But management practices have very successfully restored once-depleted populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and striped bass. Now we have the opportunity to study and preserve diverse species that are not hunted or fished. The funding initiative known as Teaming With Wildlife has been proposed by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to provide funding for a nationwide program of conserving diverse wildlife, wildlife-related recreation and public outdoor education. A small excise tax on outdoor equipment would provide the source of funds for these programs. Now Congressmen Young, Dingell, John and Tauzin are sponsoring proposed legislation for an alternate funding source. The funding source for their proposal would be from Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas revenues. The revenues from either funding source would be distributed to the states on the basis of 2/3 population, and 1/3 area. Indiana’s share would be about $6.7 million which, when matched with 10% state funds, would yield $7.4 million per year. This permanent, dedicated fund would be administered under a special provision of the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Nationwide, a coalition of 3,000 groups support Teaming With Wildlife legislation. There are now 50 groups in the Indiana coalition. Environmental groups, conservation clubs, tourism groups and businesses are included in the coalition. To join the coalition, contact Betsy Ingle, Indiana Teaming With Wildlife coordinator at DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, Room W273, 402 W. Washington St., Indianapolis IN 46204, or call (317)232-4080 or e-mail GOTOBUTTON BM_1_ingle@DNR.state.in.us
What are the priorities in Indiana for Teaming With Wildlife Funds? The state Department of Natural Resources will provide for public meetings and appropriate citizen advisory mechanisms to have their views considered during the development, revision, implementation, and periodic review of the enhanced conservation program. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will provide coordination for the enhanced conservation program along With state park agencies, local recreational agencies and other appropriate state, county and local agencies or communities.
In Indiana, 83 rare animal species could benefit by additional research and management activities. Wildlife-related recreational facilities such as hiking trails, viewing stands and blinds could be built to serve the 2.2 million people who participate in wildlife watching activities in Indiana. New programs that involve families and wildlife education could be started and new facilities like nature centers could be built, especially near urban centers. The state would provide greater services to users such as maps, interpretive materials, handouts on the geology of each region, information on specific species and their habits and self-guided trails. Additional naturalists could be hired in high-use areas to direct wildlife education programs at DNR properties.
From the Ohio River to the Dunes on Lake Michigan, Indiana is blessed with many different natural regions. Now we have an opportunity to protect this natural heritage and pass along its secrets to all Hoosiers.