A press release on June 29th by HUNTER'S ALERT, Nevada Hunters Association, and Nevada State Rifle and Pistol Association revealed that Nevada Department of Wildlife was using their fax. stationery, and postage to mail newsletters for private groups. The leader of one group, Wildlife Commissioner Tina Nappe*, sent mailings from "Lahontan Wetlands Coalition" courtesy of NDOW.

In addition, "Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife", another private organization, used NDOW facsimile

machines and cover sheets to send documents to legislators and other special interest groups. NDOW Director Will Molini defended the use of Department supplies for private groups. He stated they had permission to use equipment and supplies. As the director of a state agency, he does not have the authority to give away state property. He also said that "I don't see this as a big problem." Apparently, Mr. Molini doesn't care that when one misuses state funds or property, it is against the law. It is

amazing that when a fish and game law is broken, NDOW sees it as a big problem, but when they break the law, they don't see it as a big problem.

He added Nappe had his permission to use department materials to prepare a brief newsletter. The "brief newsletter was six pages long and apparently permission had been granted for years!

It was just last December that HUNTER'S ALERT and Nevada Hunters Association exposed Nevada Department of Wildlife for the flagrant misuse of state property on other matters. These abuses would never have been exposed were it not for concerned hunting organizations. This latest finding is just another example of his inability to run a state department.

Now let's ask some questions. Why must it always be the public who always exposes the waste, illegal acts, and mismanagement in this department? What else is being covered up by the Nevada Department of Wildlife? Where are the governor and the wildlife

commissioners who arc responsible for overseeing this department when these matters are taking place? Do they approve of these continual abuses because they are continually defending Director Molini? And finally, the most logical question, how much longer must the hunters, fishermen, and taxpayers in our state endure the disgraceful way in which Will Molini heads the Department of Wildlife?

*Ed. note:

You remember Wildlife Commissioner Tina Nappe. She is the one who stated at the February, 1993 Wildlife Commission meeting, "Basically, a lot of people say that the sportsmen pay for this agency. (NDOW) In effect, they don't. The animals underwrite this agency through their death."