Fellow outdoorsmen and women

The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation is a partnership effort with the States and national conservation organizations, and has become one of the most important sources of information on fish and wildlife recreation in the United States. It is a useful tool that quantifies the economic impact of wildlife-based recreation. Federal, State, and private organizations use this detailed information to manage wildlife, market products, and look for trends. The 2006 Survey is the eleventh in a series of surveys conducted about every 5 years that began in 1955.

According to the 2006 National Survey (4,305 KB PDF) 87.5 million U.S. residents fished, hunted, or watched wildlife in 2006. They spent over $122 billion pursuing their recreational activities, contributing to millions of jobs in industries and businesses that support wildlife-related recreation. Funds generated by licenses and taxes on hunting and fishing equipment pay for many of the conservation efforts in this country and provide many hours of fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation. There are also 2006 individualized state reports available.

Sure is a lot of money to see campgrounds closed and public access lost.. I know it doesn't all go to State and federal funds but somewhere along the line this money has got to be misallocated..