Where Are The Wardens?

[OzarkFishman]

Just so everyone knows. Fine $$ goes to the county schools fund ... I don't think that $$$ should be taken (at least the hunting fines, I can check on the fishing fines ... I would think it would be the same).

The parking ideas is a pretty good one, but it would stop some people with less $$$ from going to those parks. No perfect solution, but I like the idea.

[Feathers and Fins]

Interesting, i would have thought that wildlife fines should go back into wildlife protection, Dont we pay property taxes and others that are for funding schools?

[Chief Grey Bear]

All fines go to schools. Like F&F, I think they should go back to the MDC.

[ozark trout fisher]

All fines go to schools. Like F&F, I think they should go back to the MDC.

Um, I'm all for as much money going to the MDC as possible. But funding that is currently going to schools is NOT where it should be coming from. Most of them are at least as cash strapped, if not more so. I like the idea that some have brought up about charging a small fee to park at river accesses. Considering the amount of money we all spend on lures, gas, food etc for a day on the river, I think we can deal with an extra $5.

[OzarksRiverman]

As awful as it may sound, I would advocate a $5 per day parking (maybe $7 on weekends) for all or most of the State Parks. I mean, if 50 cars park there a day during a 6 month season that would be ($5 x 50) x 180 days = $45,000. Multiply by the four trout parks for starters and you're at $180,000. Add in the other parks like Table Rock, Pomme, etc... and you could probably cover those salaries.

It would be unpopular, no doubt, but if you want the enforcement, you should have to pay. I would even consider a $3 - $5 day parking pass at some of the more popular boat launches if you want to put in.

So it's completely doable, and not horribly expensive, and even at those prices the recreation would be the best deal in town.

[Feathers and Fins]

OTF, If the Funding from the schools is not comming from where it should then that is an issue that should be dealt with through the State and laws. Maybe its high time that the people start forcing accountability to the elected officials to get money to go where it should and stop robbing peter to pay paul. I know its a old story but still true none the less.

[Greasy B]

I think the intent of not have fines going directly to the department who issues them is to avoid opportunities or accusations of corruption.

[Feathers and Fins]

I think the intent of not have fines going directly to the department who issues them is to avoid opportunities or accusations of corruption.

Then where does MDC get its money from State Troopers? Im serious I would like to really know I had never gave it much thought before.

[awhuber]

Then where does MDC get its money from State Troopers? Im serious I would like to really know I had never gave it much thought before.

1/8th of 1% sales tax

[OzarkFishman]

Greasy B,

You are exactly correct. I speak on that point when teaching Hunter Education.