1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Birdwatcher” means a person who engages in birdwatching.

   3. (3)

      1. (i) “Birdwatching” means identifying, studying, and recording the presence of wild birds in their natural surroundings.
      2. (ii) “Birdwatching” does not include incidental sightings of wild birds in their natural surroundings.
2. (b) The purpose of this section is to provide a special fund that shall be expended for the preservation of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species.
3. (c) There is a Birdwatcher's Fund.

4. (d)

   1. (1) All revenue that the Department derives from the issuance of birdwatcher's stamps and decals shall be credited to the Birdwatcher's Fund.
   2. (2) The Secretary shall administer the Birdwatcher's Fund.
   3. (3) Money in the Birdwatcher's Fund shall be expended only for the preservation of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species.

5. (e)

   1. (1) The fee for a birdwatcher's stamp or decal is $5.
   2. (2) Private contributions, grants and donations may be made to the Birdwatcher's Fund.
   3. (3) Any person engaged in a retail business who desires to sell birdwatcher's stamps and decals as an agent under the Department's control and supervision shall apply on forms prepared and prescribed by the Department.
   4. (4) An agent may retain 25 cents out of the birdwatcher's stamp or decal fee for each birdwatcher's stamp or decal the agent sells.
   5. (5) The Department, by regulation, shall provide procedures and forms for the sale of birdwatcher's stamps and decals.

6. (f) The purpose of this Fund is:

   1. (1) Dissemination of information pertaining to nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species conservation, management, and values;
   2. (2) Scientific investigation and survey of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species for better protection and conservation;
   3. (3) Propagation, distribution, protection, and restoration of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;
   4. (4) Research and management of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;
   5. (5) Development of habitats for nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;
   6. (6) Acquisition of habitats for nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species; and
   7. (7) Matching of funds available to the Department under federal programs for projects and activities authorized under this section.

Added by Acts 1984, c. 649. Amended by Acts 1988, c. 181.