Urban Recreational Fishing-Sources of Funding

Author: Gene Gilliland

Traditional and alternative/innovative sources of funding urban and community fishing programs are compared and contrasted.  By far the most common source of revenue is to use state fishing license dollars and matching funds from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program.  Two states tap in to special sales tax revenues earmarked for conservation programs.  A small number of states use special urban fishing licenses that pay for all or part of their programs.  Some states receive regular legislative appropriations for community assistance programs while others request occasional special appropriations.  Some programs are also funded through renewable grants from other state or federal agencies.  Many states require local communities to pay fees (usually on a per-acre of water managed basis) while others utilize in-kind contributions of cities either for direct support of the programs or as in-kind match for SRF dollars.  A growing number of states are utilizing a percentage of the proceeds from state-run lotteries or Indian gaming operations to finance pond renovation and urban fishing programs.  Donations and grants from individuals, corporations or non-profit foundations are widely used but make up a significant portion of program revenue in only a few states.