Albano & Gusciora Bill Aims to Promote Fish & Wildlife Management

(Trenton) - Assembly Democrats Nelson Albano and Reed Gusciora are sponsoring legislation that would promote voluntary donations to help New Jersey fish and wildlife conservation management.

The bill (A-4039) establishes the "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Management Fund" and provides for a designation on the state income tax return that will permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to support efforts and initiatives administered by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection.

"New Jersey's economy relies heavily on a healthy environment, tourism and proper conservation management," said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). "Our heritage as the Garden State will erode if we don't do more to manage fish and wildlife conservation, and I'm confident New Jerseyans agree. With this bill, they'll be able to help out if they choose to do so."

"We need strong fish and wildlife conservation if we're to build a strong future for our state," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "New Jerseyans know that communities from Cape May to Mercer County to Bergen County rely on a strong environment, and I think they'd be more willing to help that effort. This bill simply aims to make that help easier to give."

The bill was recently released by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee chaired by Albano and is expected to get a Wednesday vote by the full Assembly.