U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Grants Awarded to the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, From July 1, 2014, Through June 30, 2016

We audited the costs claimed by the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, under grants awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. The audit included claims totaling $50.9 million on 35 grants that were open during the State fiscal years that ended June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2016. The audit also covered the Division’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and FWS guidelines, including those related to collecting and using hunting and fishing license revenue and reporting program income. We found that the Division generally complied with applicable grant accounting and regulatory requirements, but did not (1) report losing control of real property purchased with grant funds and license revenue, (2) submit Federal financial reports (SF-425s) in a timely manner, (3) properly manage its personal equipment inventory, or (4) provide adequate support for the in-kind hours claimed as a portion of the grant match requirement. Both the FWS and the Department agreed with our six recommendations, and they will work together to implement corrective actions.