We audited the costs claimed by the Oregon State Department 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 approximately $77 million on 137 grants that were open during the State fiscal years that ended June 30, 2016, and June 30, 2017. The audit also covered the Department’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and FWS guidelines, including those related to the collection and use of hunting and fishing license revenues and the reporting of program income.
We found that the Department complied, in general, with applicable grant accounting and regulatory requirements. We did, however, question the Federal share of costs totaling $3,762,152, including $2,894,838 in unsupported in-kind contributions, $708,650 in unreported program income, and $158,664 in unsupported payroll expenses. We also found that the Department did not (1) adequately manage its equipment, (2) accurately report license certification data, (3) develop effective land management policies, or (4) adequately monitor subawards.
The FWS concurred with all 17 of our recommendations and will work with the Department to implement corrective actions.