The management of this program, as well as monetary distribution will be the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. NEVER, as in never, is that a good idea.
I agree that ODFW needs fixed, which is a lot of what this bill works to address. However, my point here is that no matter what your opinion or stance on this particular bill is, I believe that local representatives need to not only listen and respond to their constituents, but provide some explanation for the position they have decided to take. Might be a pipe dream, but I continue to hold out hope.
I believe there needs to be changes at ODFW but using the tourism tax as a Christmas tree to fund other causes is not the solution. Oregon needs its tourism revenue focused on getting people, particularly international travelers, back to the state.
Your last sentence is spot on because that's exactly what helping wildlife thrive does. Oregon's wildlife-related activities, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, contribute millions in annual spending and support more than 11,000 jobs. Nature observation alone (birding, photography, wildlife viewing) accounts for a major percentage, acting as a huge driver for tourism, particularly in rural, coastal, and natural areas. If you've ever been whale watching in the winter at the Oregon Coast, you know the significant impact it can make especially during non peak seasons
The management of this program, as well as monetary distribution will be the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. NEVER, as in never, is that a good idea.
I agree that ODFW needs fixed, which is a lot of what this bill works to address. However, my point here is that no matter what your opinion or stance on this particular bill is, I believe that local representatives need to not only listen and respond to their constituents, but provide some explanation for the position they have decided to take. Might be a pipe dream, but I continue to hold out hope.
I believe there needs to be changes at ODFW but using the tourism tax as a Christmas tree to fund other causes is not the solution. Oregon needs its tourism revenue focused on getting people, particularly international travelers, back to the state.
Your last sentence is spot on because that's exactly what helping wildlife thrive does. Oregon's wildlife-related activities, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, contribute millions in annual spending and support more than 11,000 jobs. Nature observation alone (birding, photography, wildlife viewing) accounts for a major percentage, acting as a huge driver for tourism, particularly in rural, coastal, and natural areas. If you've ever been whale watching in the winter at the Oregon Coast, you know the significant impact it can make especially during non peak seasons