OutdoorNebraska

52 2022 Annual Report • Resources is appropriated to the Commission for those operating activities that are not self-supporting, primarily operations of the state park system and nongame and endangered species activities; administrative activities general in nature, applicable to the entire agency and difficult to prorate among the various other funding sources; and activities extending beyond the statutory use of the various cash funds. GAME CASH FUND: Derives its revenues from user fees for various resident and nonresident permits, including big game hunting, small game hunting, fishing, and lifetime permits. This fund was the agency's second largest source of funding in 2022 and is the primary funding source for fish and wildlife activities. This fund is restricted to funding only those activities related to the support of fish and game, the provision of boating facilities, administration and enforcement of the State Boat Act, production of publications, administration, construction, operation and maintenance of fish hatcheries and for the distribution of fish. Transfers from this fund to the General Fund are not authorized under existing law. PARK CASH FUND: Revenue derived from user fees for park entry permits, lodging, camping, activities, equipment rentals and facility use rentals. This was the agency's largest source of funding in 2022. This fund is dedicated to the administration, improvement, maintenance and operation of the state park system comprised of state parks, recreation areas, trails and historical parks. Transfers from this fund to the General Fund are not authorized under existing law. HABITAT CASH FUNDS: Generated through user fees from habitat and migratory waterfowl stamps, primarily from the sale of the stamps tied to hunting and fishing activities. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND: This receives money via the state income tax checkoff program and from gifts and donations. The fund only can be used to pay for collection costs and to carry out the provisions of the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Transfers from this fund to the General Fund are not authorized under existing law. WILDLIFE EDUCATION FUND: Money received through the issuance and renewal of the Mountain Lion Conservation Plates. This fund supports youth education programs relating to wildlife conservation practices. Transfers from this fund to the General Fund are not authorized under existing law. FEDERAL GRANTS: They include reimbursable and direct grants. Federal grant awards are received from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and other Federal agencies. The awards define what the funding is to be used for and typically are reimbursable awards. Grant monies may reimburse a cash fund or be spent as direct federal funding. Federal grants were the agency's third largest cash funding source in 2022. NEBRASKA OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACT FUND: Revenue primarily derived from the Nebraska Tobacco Products Tax; the portion of the tax earmarked for NORDA is the equivalent of one cent on a conventional package of cigarettes. This fund is restricted to the development, operation and maintenance of areas of the state park system. This fund is critical to the development and maintenance of the state park buildings and amenities infrastructure. GAME AND PARKS CAPITAL MAINTENANCE FUND: Revenue derived from sales tax on nonfarm all-terrain vehicles and motorboats. This fund is to be used to build, repair, rehabilitate, modify, or improve any infrastructure within the statutory authority and administration of the Commission.

• Cover