WHEREAS, Delaware has many fish and wildlife species with stable or expanding populations in the State and sport hunting and fishing provides a primary mechanism for the management of these species; and

WHEREAS, Delaware hunters and anglers contribute millions of dollars each year to preserve, enhance, protect and manage the State's natural resources and support the State's economy; and

WHEREAS, all of private conservation groups that manage fish and wildlife and their habitat in the State benefit from the support of hunters and anglers including Ducks Unlimited, Inc., The National Wild Turkey Federation, Delaware Wildlands, Inc., The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Bass Masters and other groups that contribute millions of dollars each year to conservation causes; and

WHEREAS, several high profile species such as bald eagles, wild turkeys, deer and striped bass are currently more abundant and dispersed throughout the State than any time in recent history due to current fish and wildlife management programs funded by hunters and anglers; and

WHEREAS, Delaware's communities, citizens and business have a vested interest in fish and wildlife management programs to provide recreation and to manage populations of fish and wildlife; and

WHEREAS, Delaware's federal, State, county and local communities have thousands of acres of land and waters in their control that can provide significant opportunities for hunting and fishing that provide recreation, economic benefits, and help manage fish and wildlife populations that may be overly abundant and causing damage.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 141^st General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the Speaker of the House of Representatives appoint by September 1, 2003 a twelve member Task Force to study the best way to conduct a one-year pilot program for raccoon and squirrel hunting during hours when the park is closed in those areas of the White Clay Creek State Park which were justified by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Recreation 2001 study as being safe and having no detriment to animal populations or other resources.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the chair of the Task Force shall be the Chair of the House of Representatives Natural Resources and Environmental Management Committee or his designee. The remaining members shall be members of the public who have demonstrated a commitment to the recreational and economic benefits of safe and controlled hunting in the State of Delaware as follows:

1. Four (4) public members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House;
2. Four (4) public members to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;
3. One (1) additional member of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
4. One (1) additional member of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; and
5. The Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control or his designee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall examine the areas and work with the two agencies which authorized the 2001 study and shall make its recommendations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by February 1, 2003.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that federal, State, County and local communities should work in partnership to eliminate barriers that prevent fishing and hunting opportunities on their lands that promote conservation goals, protect public health and safety and provide sustainable recreation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitably prepared copies of this Resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Ruth Ann Minner, Governor of the State of Delaware; Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife; Director of the Division of Parks and Recreations; the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control; and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Parks and Recreations Council.