$13 Million for Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

WASHINGTON, DC- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) will receive a grant of more than $13 million to support their nationwide campaign to recruit anglers and boaters. The grant is part of an ongoing cooperative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has shown itself capable of working with states, conservation organizations and industry to develop and implement coordinated campaigns to get kids and families on the water,” said Salazar. “The Foundation’s campaigns have helped show millions of Americans how easy it is to find fishing and boating opportunities across the nation.”

The cooperative agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and RBFF fulfills the intent of the 1998 Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act by providing financial support for implementing and managing the objectives set forth in the National Communications Plan developed by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council.

Recreational boaters and anglers provide essential funding for America’s fisheries conservation efforts through their purchase of more than $620 million annually in state fishing licenses and through excise taxes paid by manufacturers on sport fishing equipment and fuels taxes paid by recreational boaters which are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The National Outreach and Communication Program is one of several important conservation and recreation programs receiving funding from the Trust Fund.

The National Outreach and Communication Program (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 15.653) was authorized by the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 and has been funded since that time. The program was developed with significant input from the Department of Interior’s Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, a federal advisory act committee consisting of leaders from the government and private boating and fishing organizations.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

New York State Canal System Boat Sewage Ban Proposed

Boat Sewage Ban Proposed In New York State Canal System

Release date: 03/16/2010

Contact Information: Caroline Newton (212) 637-3937, newton.caroline@epa.gov

(New York, NY) In an effort to improve the water quality of upstate New York, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given preliminary approval to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) proposal to establish a “No Discharge Zone” throughout the New York State Canal System. If the proposal is approved, the discharge of sewage from boats into canal waters will be prohibited. Boat sewage discharge can contain harmful levels of bacteria and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols, and chlorine, which negatively impact water quality and impair marine life. EPA is asking the public to comment on this plan.

The New York State Canal System is 524 miles long and includes the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Champlain and Oswego canals; as well as Onondaga, Oneida and Cross Lakes. Currently, vessels operating in these waters are not restricted from discharging treated sewage from approved marine sanitation devices. When a “No Discharge” Zone is established, boats are required to use pump-out stations to dispose of waste.

A 30-day public comment period began March 15, 2010. EPA will review and respond to any comments received. Written comments must be postmarked no later than April 14, 2010 and should be addressed to: Moses Chang, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, Clean Water Regulatory Branch, 290 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, New York, 10007-1866. Telephone: (212) 637-3867. They may also be emailed to: chang.moses@epa.gov. Please include “Comments on Tentative Affirmative Decision for NYS Canal NDZ” in the subject line of the message.

For more information about No Discharge Zones, visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/regulatory/vessel_sewage/.

Region 2’s No-Discharge Zone website: http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/ndz/index.html