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 June 13, 2022, had a current available balance of $108,225.27. 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:
A specific component of the Fish and Wildlife Committee’s (Committee) charge is to advise the Board of Supervisors on issues related to the enforcement of regulations protecting fish and wildlife. The Committee has participated in a number of discussions with law enforcement agencies on the challenges and needs for protecting wildlife resources from illegal activities. The annual Fall Forum event has become a successful means for improving coordination of enforcement issues and providing information on the valuable fish and wildlife resources in the County. The first Fall Forum was held in 1999. Participants have indicated these events have been helpful in providing a forum to identify opportunities for cooperatively improving the regulatory process to protect fish and wildlife. Participants see the value in the grants funded by the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund which depends on proper enforcement of regulations for wildlife protection.
The Committee believes the annual Fall Forum is a prudent use of funds that have been dedicated to protection of wildlife resources and recommends that the Fall Forum be held again this year. Should the Board provide its authorization, the Committee intends to hold the event on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at an outdoor location contingent upon Covid-19 pandemic guidelines and what is
deemed advisable in September 2022. 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 and enjoy the volunteer-cooked meal. Each year a guest speaker is invited to present about the natural resources in the County. This year Bob Simmons, Walnut Creek Watershed Council President, will provide a feature presentation regarding the problems caused by the invasive plant "Arundo" and efforts to address the problem. There will also be poster presentations provided by recipients of grants from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund.
On June 15, 2022, the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that no more than $3,000 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. All food preparation will be done by volunteers.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Fall Forum would not be held or would be reduced in scope to require no expenditure.