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New Jersey

The Commission:

  • Name: New Jersey Fish and Game Council
  • Regulatory or advisory: Regulatory
  • Number of voting members: 11
  • Term length: 4 years
  • How selected: Appointed by Governor; six members are required to be sportsmen recommended by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportmen’s Clubs
  • Senate confirmation required: Yes
  • Selection criteria per statute

Three of such members shall be farmers, recommended to the Governor for appointment to the council by the agricultural convention…six of such members shall be sportsmen, recommended to the Governor for appointment to the council by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs; one of such members shall be the chairman of the committee established pursuant to section 7 of the ‘Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act,’ and one of such members shall be a person knowledgeable in land use management and soil conservation practices. One of such farmer representatives and two of such sportsmen representatives in the council shall be chosen from among residents of any of the following counties–Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren; one of such farmer representatives and two of such sportsmen representatives in the council shall be chosen from among residents of any of the following counties–Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union; and one of such farmer representatives and two of such sportsmen representatives shall be chosen from among residents of any of the following counties–Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem”

“The Legislature has empowered the Fish and Game Council with the independent responsibility to adopt a Fish and Game Code for the purpose of providing a system for the protection and conservation of fish and game.”

The Agency:

  • Name: New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife
  • Type: Subagency within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
  • Title of Agency Director: Director
  • Selection process: Appointed by the Fish and Game Council, subject to Governor’s approval
  • Mission statement from agency website

“Fish and Wildlife’s mission is to protect and manage the State’s wildlife resources to maximize their long-term biological, recreational, and economic values for all New Jerseyans.”

Revenue for New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife (2023)

Other: Lease revenue (2.8%), Endangered species revenue- license plates and tax checkoff (0.8%), Waterfowl stamp revenue (0.3%), Miscellaneous dedicated account revenue (0.8%)

Source: New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife FY2023 Annual Report

America’s Wildlife Values was an extensive 2018 nationwide survey led by Colorado State University of public attitudes towards wildlife. Findings were compared with a 2004 survey to identify trends. Researchers also surveyed personnel at state wildlife agencies. Reports are available for national, state and agency results. (Some state agencies did not participate.)

State Report

National Report