Wildlife Park funds returned
Joe Jones led effort to restore funds
By Elizabeth Prata

Augusta--Rep. Susan Austin (R-Gray) reported Tuesday that the funds removed from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife dedicated to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray have been restored.

Photo Caption: Rep. Mark Bryant (Windham and Gray) in tan jacket and Chair of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee Sen. Bruce Bryant (Oxford County) left, are pictured outside a meeting of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee consulting with Joe Jones, President of the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park in gray sweater, and Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Paul Jacques (right). Rep. Bryant had recommended to exempt the Maine Wildlife Park and other Windham and Gray conservation facilities from future funding diversions in the state budget. Bryant also hopes to get some of the money taken in the past returned to the Maine Wildlife Park.

"It was announced at caucus in Augusta Tuesday morning by Rep. Millett of the Appropriations Committee, that the money that had been transferred from the Wildlife Park's dedicated funds was now returned," Rep. Austin said. "I was thrilled when I heard the news. I called Joe Jones right away. Mr. Jones is President of the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park and also a volunteer. Mr. Jones had advocated strongly for the money to be returned.
A total of $20,787 was transferred from the Wildlife Park account to the State of Maine General Fund. Rep. Austin contacted Assistant Commissioner Paul Jacques to confirm the details. During the last several weeks, Mr. Jones and Rep. Austin, and also recently Rep. Mark Bryant (D-Windham) had worked to express their concerns to their fellow legislators and the IF&W Commissioner that the money should not have been removed from the Park's dedicated fund and should now be restored. Rep. Austin met with Governor Baldacci to advocate oh behalf of the Wildlife Park. Right, Rep. Susan Austin, (R-Gray)

"I am happy that everyone worked together and I was absolutely thrilled that it had been resolved," Rep. Austin said.