FISCAL IMPACT:
No impact to the General Fund. A portion of the fines collected from violations of fish and game regulations in the County is deposited in the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund (Fund), which as of July 27, 2023, had a current available balance of $575,761.97. State law defines how money in this fund may be spent. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for authorizing specific expenditures. The recommended expenditure is for the purpose of education and outreach on wildlife protection issues, which is consistent with the criteria for expenditures established by the State Law. Donations of items and time have also been obtained to help defray the cost of the Fall Forum.
BACKGROUND:
The Fish and Wildlife Committee (Committee) is charged with advising the Board of Supervisors on issues related to the enforcement of regulations protecting fish and wildlife. The Committee regularly engages in discussions with law enforcement agencies on the challenges and needs for protecting wildlife resources from illegal activities.
The annual Fall Forum, hosted by the Committee, is a successful venue for improving the coordination of enforcement issues and for providing information on the value of fish and wildlife resources in the County. The first Fall Forum was held in 1999. Past Fall Forum participants include a mix of representatives from local non-profit organizations, local jurisdictions, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and members of the public. Participants have indicated that this event is important in that it provides a forum to identify opportunities to cooperatively improve protections for fish and wildlife.
At its May 17, 2023 meeting, the Committee reviewed past events and voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that they again host the event. They determined that this is a prudent use of funds that have been dedicated to protection of wildlife resources. Should the
Board provide its authorization, the Committee intends to hold the event on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Martinez Yacht Club. Invited attendees would include representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Superior Court, Public Defender’s Office, and the East Bay Regional Park District Police. Participation by the Board of Supervisors is welcome. The event will be a public event hosted by the Fish and Wildlife Committee. Approximately 50 - 100 people have attended past Fall Forums. Any interested individuals are welcome to attend. There is no charge to attend the meeting and enjoy the meal. Each year a guest speaker is invited to present about the natural resources in the County. This year a representative from the River Otter Ecology Project will provide a feature presentation. There will also be poster presentations provided by recipients of grants from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about how the grant program operates and the types of projects that are funded.
The Director of the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) has recommended no more than $2,500 from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund be used to cover any expenses that are not covered through material donations. This expenditure is consistent with Fish and Game Code Section 13103 (a), which provides that the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund may be spent on public education relating to the scientific principles of fish and wildlife conservation. Facility rental, food, beverages and supplies will be purchased by staff and Fish and Wildlife Committee members. Their receipts will be submitted to the County Auditor for reimbursement.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Fall Forum would not be held or would be reduced in scope to require no expenditure.