Resources Chairman James V. Hansen's Remarks for 02-16-02 Grand Island, NE Hearing

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The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is granted general authority under Nebraska statutes, which state, "the commission shall have sole charge of the state's parks, game and fish, recreational grounds, and all things pertaining thereto." With that broad authority comes great responsibility towards those resources. Nebraska's wildlife is owned by all citizens and the Commission is charged with the welfare of our state's flora and fauna. The Nebraska Legislature has also enacted the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. The Mission statement of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is, "Stewardship of the state's fish, wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation resources in the best long -term interests of the people and those resources." If future generations are to enjoy those resources, we must perpetuate and enhance all fish, wildlife, and park resources for recreational, aesthetic, educational, and scientific use by Nebraska citizens and their visitors. One of the Commission's goals is to conserve ecosystems upon which Nebraska Nongame resources depend. To attain that goal, we have established five objectives. 1. Conserve the land and water base that support nongame resources. 2. Increase the appreciation and awareness of nongame resources. 3. Attain the knowledge necessary for conservation of nongame resources. 4. Conserve viable populations of nongame resources. 5. Secure funding and the work force needed to carry out conservation activities for nongame resources. "Through Statute the Nebraska Legislature finds and declares: (1) That it is the policy of this state to conserve species of wildlife for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes, and to insure their perpetuation as viable components of their ecosystems; (2) That species of wildlife and wild plants normally occurring within this state which, may be found to be threatened or endangered within this state shall be accorded such protection as is necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers; (3) That this state shall assist in the protection of species of wildlife and wild plants which are determined to be threatened or endangered elsewhere pursuant to the Endangered Species Act by prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, exportation from this state, processing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment within this state of such endangered species and by carefully regulating such activities with regard to such threatened species. Exceptions to such prohibitions, for the purpose of enhancing the conservation of such species, may be permitted as set forth in the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act; and (4) That any funding for the conservation of nongame, threatened, and endangered. species shall be made available to the commission from General Fund appropriations, the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Fund, or other sources of revenue not deposited in the State Game- Fund."