SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5887

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1993

Brief Description:  Regulating fish and wildlife.

SPONSORS: Senators Owen, Oke, Hargrove, Spanel, Haugen, Sellar, Snyder, Franklin, Erwin and Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: March 1, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Wildlife was created by the initiative process in 1933.  Since that time, the state of Washington has operated with a Department of Wildlife to regulate wildlife and game fish and a Department of Fisheries to regulate food fish and shellfish.

There is interest in merging the two agencies to cut costs and increase management efficiency.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Wildlife and the Department of Fisheries are combined into a new agency, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, effective July 1, 1993.  The Wildlife Commission is renamed the Fish and Wildlife Commission and retains its rule-making powers over hunting, trapping, and fishing seasons for game fish.  The wildlife fund is retained and its funds are utilized for wildlife and game fish programs.  Steelhead trout shall be managed as solely a recreational fishery for non-Indian fishermen.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 23, 1993

Effective Date:  July 1, 1993