Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke stopped at the Bass Pro Shop in Hooksett Tuesday afternoon, appearing with Governor Chris Sonunu and State Fish and Game Executive Director Glenn Normandeau.
Standing in front of a giant fish tank, his podium flanked by a stuffed racoon, Zinke signed a ceremonial $1.1 billion check for fish and wildlife conservation programs. These funds are distributed to states each year. In New Hampshire, they make up about a quarter of the Fish and Game department's budget.
A handful of protestors greeted Zinke outside the store. They said they oppose his recommendation this week to shrink Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, and they're concerned he'll recommend scaling back federal land protections in the northeast as well.
Zinke will tour Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine on Wednesday.
