As the 7th largest state in land mass, Nevada's extensive wildlands support a broad and diverse assemblage of plant and animal communities. This diversity of wildlife and habitats is amplified by the geographic and climatic character of the Great Basin in the north and Mohave Desert in the south. Also, because Nevada is the driest state, water is even more critical to wildlife distribution and abundance. A wide variety of topographic features from low river valleys to 13,000 foot alpine peaks offers habitat to Nevada's wildlife, resulting in an astounding ecological diversity.
Managing this broadly diverse assemblage of animals and plants presents many unique and formidable challenges. While some species such as mule deer and rainbow trout have broad distributions across Nevada, other species such as the Palmers chipmunk and the Amargosa toad exist only in very localized landscapes. All are worthy of attention, though, and therein lies the management challenge to the Division. As the smallest wildlife agency in the nation, the Nevada Division of Wildlife is constantly faced with the difficult task of allocating limited resources to the preservation, protection, management and restoration of ail elements of this vast and diverse wildlife resource.
The prioritization of management activities by the Division has historically been largely a function of economics. The wildlife receiving primary emphasis in Division management programs are those species for which there is a consistent and adequate funding source. For years hunters and fishermen who support the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sportfish Restoration Act by paying excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment have paid for the majority of wildlife management programs in Nevada. In addition, the matching funds required to capture these trust funds are provided by these same sportsmen in the form of license and tag fees. Hence, the wildlife species that have for years received priority funding are those that are hunted and fished.
These extensive management programs funded by Nevada's sportsmen can boast significant success in the conservation of wildlife in the state. The big game management program in Nevada is second to none. Trapping and transplant projects for species such as bighorn sheep, antelope and elk have resulted in record animal numbers and distributions throughout the state. The variety and abundance of fish species available to anglers is impressive. Upland game species including exotics such as the chukar partridge are pervasive. Nevada is renowned in the west as a high quality hunting and fishing destination. It is obvious that consistently funded, collaborative programs can represent Nevada wildlife well.
It is important to note, however, that though management efforts have been concentrated on sport wildlife, those species typically not hunted or fished have not been summarily ignored. Good habitat management fostered by successful game and sport fish programs ultimately benefits all wildlife species. In addition, consistent, albeit small, non-sportsman funded annual appropriations are dedicated to non-hunted or fished species.
But we have been aware for some time that those species which do not receive program emphasis because they lack dedicated funding deserve more than they are getting from project "spin-off" or residual funding. While our history of successful management of game wildlife and protection of habitat provides a good model for the conservation of Nevada's "other wildlife," these species that are not sought for sport or recreational purposes deserve more. Reliance on reactionary and often "last ditch" tools such as the Endangered Species Act is not productive. We see a profound need to be proactive in the management of all Nevada wildlife.
What is essential for Nevada's wildlife diversity is sustained funding to apply to already proven management techniques. Some recent Congressional appropriations will help when they eventually reach us, but we need long-term legislation that provides an uninterrupted flow of funds for Nevada's "other wildlife". We came close to this goal with the near passage of Title 111 of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act in the 106th Congress, which would have provided consistent and sustained funding for non game wildlife conservation. Nevada's "other wildlife" deserves this degree of attention.
Senator Reid, I have always appreciated your dedication to the wildlife resources of our beautiful state. I applaud your present efforts to make a consistent and adequate funding source for Nevada's "other wildlife" a reality. I pledge my agency's support in this endeavor. Securing a reliable funding source for Nevada's "other wildlife," when combined with Pittman-Robertson and Wallop-Breaux funds that exist for game wildlife and sport fish would put a third leg on the conservation stool and better balance Nevada's wildlife conservation effort.
Thank you.