IFW reports progress on voluntary "Make Change for Wildlife" contributions; no legislative action recommended

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife told the committee it is continuing to develop a voluntary point-of-sale contribution program that would allow customers to donate to the Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund.

Nate Webb, IFW's wildlife director, briefed the committee on LD 1241 and said the department has been working with Maine Audubon and a few businesses to design the program. "This program is intended to be a voluntary program, that would allow voluntary customer contributions at the point of sale to the department's nongame and endangered wildlife fund," Webb said.

Webb said the department plans to launch later this year after additional conversations with stakeholders and does not recommend additional legislation now. He invited committee questions; members offered none that required new action from the department.