Days which include snow and sleet filled cold weather keep most folks indoors this month, even those who enjoy the outdoors all year long. While we daydream of an early Spring, cat fishing the river or listening for that first treetop gobble of the year, our elected legislatures are staying particularly busy. The floor of Virginia’s General Assembly has been an especially tense and challenging locale this “Legislative Season”, as the Commonwealth reels from a historic budget crisis. None of the decisions about program funding cuts have been or will be, easy. Each State Delegate or Senator has constituents in their districts who first and foremost expect elected representatives to support programs which benefit their Region. Thus, competing priorities as well as district politics add to the difficult work facing the Commonwealth. We all have a stake and concern in the decisions being made in Richmond. Those who enjoy the outdoors should pay particular interest to the manner in which the Legislature decreases, eliminates or proportions Virginia’s available funding. 

     The State Delegates and Senators we expect to defend funding which supports the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) have a fiduciary argument to offer. The Programs and benefits which these organizations provide are a revenue base which generates millions of dollars in benefit of Virginia’s economy. People spend money to enjoy the outdoors which is used to maintain, purchase and enhance public lands and access points to enjoy the woods, water and mountains. Parks, wildlife management areas, hiking trails, boat ramps, fish hatcheries, artificial fish reefs and even birding trails are among the many benefits which those in or visiting Virginia can enjoy.

     There is another level of service which the Commonwealth must account for and protect. Elected legislators should not, especially in these times, undercut the abilities of law enforcement members who are charged with protecting and safekeeping public lands and waterways. State Game Wardens, Marine Patrol Officers and Park Rangers are there to provide a safe and law abiding environment for those who enjoy the outdoors. Since September 11, 2001, State game Wardens, Marine Patrol Officers and Park Rangers have been tasked with yet more responsibilities. The areas they patrol and are responsible for could very well be a point of entry or staging operation for terrorist activities. These officers work and coordinate with State Police, local Sheriffs Department and Federal law enforcement on a wide range of threats and investigations. Poaching, the willful and wasteful destruction of game animals and birds, occurs on both public and private lands. Some cases under investigation involve multiple offenses which would continue and increase if not for the investigation and arrests made by Virginia’s State Game Wardens. Statements have been made by more than one elected official this “legislative season” that public safety cannot be compromised by the current fiscal crisis. Thus, any cuts to law enforcement within the DGIF, VMRC or DCR budgets should be avoided and considered unacceptable.

     The budget and legislative activity within Virginia’s General Assembly continues. To keep up with it, visit their website; http://legis.state.va.us. Take the time to contact your State Delegate and Senator to let them know how important the Commonwealth’s outdoor environment is to you and others who enjoy it’s benefits. Information on legislation in Virginia’s General Assembly can be obtained by calling 888-892-6948 and 877-391-3228. You can even register your opinion on a particular piece of legislation by calling 800-889-0229 or (804) 698-1990. 

© 2003 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved