RENO " The Nevada Department of Wildlife will get more than $11.8 million under federal programs designed to promote fish and wildlife conservation and hunter and angler education.
The funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are the state's annual share of allocations under longstanding wildlife and sport fish restoration programs.
NDOW has used the funds for wildlife and fisheries research, wildlife restoration, land purchases, developing fish hatcheries and boating access, and fishing and hunting education programs.
Agency officials said the funds come from excise taxes and import duties on sporting firearms, ammunition, archery and fishing equipment, electric outboard motors and fuel taxes associated with motorboats.
"Few programs offer this level of support and reliability to ensure a future for fish and wildlife," said Ken Mayer, director of NDOW.
"We're not only improving our natural spaces for hunters, anglers and boaters ... but for anyone who enjoys connecting with nature," he said.
In 2009, the Wildlife Restoration Program and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration acts each will provide Nevada with $5.8 million.
The funds also have been used to preserve land in Wildlife Management Areas across the state. Nevada owns or leases over 117,000 acres of land associated with such areas.
Only 3 percent of NDOW's funding comes from the state's general fund. The rest comes from federal grants, gifts and donations.