OutdoorNebraska

54 2024 Annual Report • Economic Resources (primarily operations of the state park system, law enforcement, and nongame and endangered species activities); administrative activities that are general in nature, applicable to the entire agency and diffi cult to prorate among the various other funding sources; and activities that extend beyond the statutory use of the various cash funds. GAME CASH FUND derives its revenues from user fees for various resident and nonresident permits related to game, including big game (antelope, big horn sheep, deer, elk, turkey) permits, small game hunting permits, fi shing permits, and lifetime permits. This fund was the agency's second largest source of funding in 2024 and is the primary funding source for fi sh and wildlife activities. This fund is restricted to funding only those activities related to the support of fi sh and game, the provision of boating facilities, administration and enforcement of the State Boat Act, production of publications, administration, construction, operation and maintenance of fi sh hatcheries and for the distribution of fi sh. PARK CASH FUND was the agency's largest source of funding in 2024. Revenues in this fund are derived from user fees for park entry permits, lodging, camping, activities, equipment rentals and facility use rentals. The Park Cash 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. HABITAT CASH FUNDS are generated through user fees from habitat and migratory waterfowl stamps. They are supported primarily from the sale of the stamps tied to hunting and fi shing activities, respectively. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND receives money via the state income tax checkoff program and from gifts and donations. The Wildlife Conservation Fund can only be used to pay for collection costs and to carry out the provisions of the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. WILDLIFE EDUCATION FUND receives a portion of the money from issuance and renewal of the Mountain Lion Conservation Plates. This fund supports youth education programs relating to wildlife conservation practices. FEDERAL GRANTS were the agency's 2024 third largest "cash" funding sources. 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 defi ne what the funding is to be used for and are typically reimbursable awards. Grant monies may reimburse a cash fund or be spent as direct federal funding. NEBRASKA OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACT FUND is restricted to the development, operation and maintenance of areas of the state park system. The primary source of revenue is 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 critical to the development and maintenance of the state park buildings and amenities infrastructure. GAME AND PARKS CAPITAL MAINTENANCE FUND is to be used to build, repair, rehabilitate, modify, or improve any infrastructure within the statutory authority and administration of the Commission. Revenues in this fund are derived from sales taxes on non- farm ATVs and motorboats.

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