OutdoorNebraska

2018-2022 Focus on the Future • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 9 increasing reliance on user pay funding strategy with decreasing support from General Fund dollars. Our reliance on the sale of permits and other user fees to support our work creates challenges in keeping pace to meet emerging needs and demands. When looking at the agency as a whole, one must be cognizant of the fact that the various sources of funding available all come with limitations. In reality the agency must be looked at as two halves of a whole. The fish and wildlife side is primarily funded by hunting and fishing permit fees along with federal grant dollars. The Parks side of the agency is financed by park entry permits, park activity fees (to include camping and lodging), and General Funds. The General Fund support has been concentrated for operating state parks and fish and wildlife operational activities that aren't able to be covered by license revenues (e.g. nongame, threatened and endangered species and some law enforcement activities). Because the agency is primarily dependent upon cash and federal funds for its operations, our business strategies revolve around maintaining a sustainable operation to meet the needs of the resources and Nebraskans. Many of our funding sources are tied to elements beyond our control, (e.g. weather, population fluctuations, habitat loss, disease outbreaks). The agency policy is to maintain cash fund balances of at least three months operating expenses for the most volatile and important funds (Game Cash, Park Cash and Habitat Cash). Dedicated funds generated from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses (Game Cash Fund), habitat stamps (Habitat Cash Fund and Aquatic Habitat Fund), park permits and camping and lodging fees (Park Cash Fund), and federal excise taxes on related equipment (Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funds) provide the majority of the agency's funding. However, those fiscal resources fluctuate yearly and may not keep pace with increasing business costs, the dynamic outdoor recreation industry and the deferred maintenance of our facilities. We will continue to pursue additional funding sources to sustain the agency's work, meet our mission, and meet new demands. Specific efforts to strengthen existing revenue and expand revenue sources have been targeted over the years. The agency has adjusted its permit offerings and fee structures to keep up with costs and diversify opportunities, including the creation of a nonresident park permit. Recognizing the growing deferred maintenance needs of the agency, particularly park infrastructure, the agency

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