For more than two decades, the Fishing Is Fun (FIF) Program has proven to be an important and effective cooperative effort to enhance Colorado's fishing resources. This unique program involves local communities in a three-way partnership with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act Program. $21 million has been awarded through the Fishing Is Fun program to more than 270 projects in nearly every county in the state. Grants have ranged in size from $1000 to $400,000. Fishing Is Fun projects have helped increase annual angler recreation days in Colorado by an estimated 1,800,000 days.
Fishing Is Fun program funds come from federal excise taxes collected on the purchase of fishing equipment, boats, and motor boat fuels. Those funds are then distributed back to the states for sport fish programs. States determine how those funds will be used on angling programs, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service assures the funds are administered properly. The Division of Wildlife has found that the Fishing Is Fun program is an excellent investment of a portion of the sport fishing dollars.
Eligible applicants compete for financial assistance for angling projects as outlined in the guidelines. For 2009, up to $900,000 is available for angling projects. Applicants must match a Fishing Is Fun award with non-federal cash or in kind services. Fishing Is Fun proposals are assessed along a number of factors, including their contribution to new or improved opportunities for anglers, improved fish habitat, cost-effectiveness, cost-sharing and others. A short presentation before an independent review panel is also part of the process. A final list of projects is based on the panel’s recommendations.
Division of Wildlife staff will be pleased to work with you to develop a proposal for your community’s project, and potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local Division of Wildlife office early in the process. Best of luck on your application.