Committee: House Appropriations
THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME FISH AND PARKS
Mr. David Becker, LRC, provided budget information for the committee (Document#1)
Mr. John Cooper, Secretary, Department of Game Fish and Parks, introduced members of his staff
and gave an overview of the structure of the department. Also introduced was Mr. Mark Yonke,
Vice Chairman of the Game, Fish and Parks Commissioners.
Secretary Cooper briefed the committee with an overview of the proposed budget (Document #2).
He pointed out that there was an overall increase of $1,546.229 and an increase of 5.5 FTE for
seasonal employment.
Ken Anderson, Administrative, explained the largest increase in this budget was for postage, printing
and contractual services. Mr. Anderson said the large increase in postage was related to mailing
various hunting licenses to the counties.
Custer State Park - Mr. Rollie Noem, Director, informed the committee that the lower prices paid for bison at the last auction has resulted in a loss of revenue for the 2000 budget. He attributed the
$400,000 shortfall to lack of large volume buyers and realizing that the prices received in previous
years was too high for the industry to sustain.
Mr. Noem said the $250,000 from CSP funds was to allow for the completion of a project currently
being worked on.
In the discussion that followed on the sale of the concession leases, Mr. Noem advised the committee
that there had been no buyer, therefore the current operator would continue with the lease agreement.
Parks and Recreation - Mr. Doug Hofer, Director, Parks and Recreation, told the committee that the
four major revenue sources came from park entrance fees, camping permits, service fees and motor
boat fuel funds.
Representative Richter posed the question of rate of occupancy for the campgrounds and Mr. Hofer
will provide that information.
The committee recessed at 10:20 and reconvened at 10:40 a.m.
Division of Wildlife - Mr. Doug Hansen, Director, Wildlife Division, reported the projected revenue
for 2000-2001 to be $26,585,155 (Document #3), and commented that the division was expecting
a strong revenue producing year.
Representative Cerny questioned Mr. Hansen about the amount of land that has been purchased and
Mr. Hansen will provide that information.
When questioned about control of noxious weeds on GFP land, Mr. Hansen responded they spend
between $350,000 to $400,000 yearly on spraying weeds, utilizing either the department's
own personnel or contracting with the local county weed board.
Mr. Andersen responded to questions from the committee on the capital outlay increase saying this
would be used to purchase new vehicles. He explained that the vehicles are owned by the
Department but were managed by Fleet Management.
A brief discussion followed on the $150,000 needed for the repair of dams. Mr. Hansen explained
that the $150,000 was federal funds and would be matched with a 25% match with fees from the sale
of licenses. He reiterated that there will always be a need for repairs to dams.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Moved by:
Representative Putnam
Jeanette Black __________________________________
Committee Secretary Mitch Richter, Chair