REDEFINING IF&W

Perhaps only a Green representative would introduce a bill to “promote fairness and democracy in wildlife management.” Despite its idealistic-sounding title,

a bill sponsored by John Eder, a Green from Portland, is worth discussion.

Contrary to its title, the bill would not encourage animals to vote. Rather it is an attempt to make the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife more responsive to more of Maine. The department has long been criticized for only following the wishes of hunters and fishermen, a small and declining segment of the population. This perception was heightened last fall when IF&W personnel advocated against a referendum to ban the baiting, hounding and trapping of bears. Many felt that the department overstepped its bounds by taking a side on the issue.

Rep. Eder is right to want to remedy this situation, but LD 303, which is the subject of a public hearing Tuesday before the Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, takes the wrong approach. The bill would remove requirements in the law that the IF&W commissioner be versed in wildlife management and have experience in hunting, fishing or trapping. What’s needed aren’t fewer skills but more. The same is true for the qualifications for the deputy commissioner.

The Maine woods are a draw for tourists and potential new residents and businesses, which should be reflected in the qualifications of the IF&W commissioner. In addition to wildlife management, knowledge of ecotourism management would also be helpful. This would include exposure to boating, bird watching, hiking and other non-consumptive activities.

Of course, putting these qualifications into law and finding someone who possesses them are two different things. More than determining what a future commissioner should know and have experienced, this bill should prompt further discussions about what Maine wants from its IF&W department. Does it want wildlife managed for hunting? For wildlife viewing? Should lakes be managed to maximize boating opportunities or

to boost fish populations or both?

If LD 303 furthers that debate, it has been a useful bill.