Brief Description: Providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Sponsors: Senators Oke, Doumit, T. Sheldon, Jacobsen, Swecker, Kohl-Welles and Esser; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hearing Date: 3/21/03

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

I. Watchable Wildlife

"Watchable wildlife" is a term that refers to non-consumptive wildlife activities. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) manages both the state's consumptive game species, such as deer and elk, and the state's non-game, or "watchable" species, such as songbirds, frogs, and butterflies.

Management of both game and non-game species is generally funded by the General Fund and the State Wildlife Fund. The monies collected by the DFW from the sale of various licenses, fees, and properties are deposited into the State Wildlife Fund (RCW 77.12.170). In addition, the State Wildlife Fund receives the revenue collected by the Department of Licensing (Licensing) from the sale of personalized license plates. The money that is collected by Licensing must be used for the preservation, protection, perpetuation, and enhancement of non-game species of wildlife (RCW 46.16.605).

II. Lands Access/Conservation Patrons

Any individual who wishes to enter or use land owned and improved by the DFW must display a current vehicle use permit (RCW 77.32.380). An annual permit can be purchased for $10 and may be transferred between two vehicles. One vehicle use permit is provided without charge to an individual purchasing an annual hunting, fishing, or trapping license.

In addition to license purchasers, any person opting to become a "conservation patron" also receives a vehicle use permit free of charge. Conservation patrons are individuals who donate money to the DFW for the sound stewardship of fish and wildlife (RCW 77.32.380). A minimum donation of $20 is required to qualify for the complimentary vehicle use permit.

Money collected by the sale of the vehicle use permits must be used for the maintenance and stewardship of DFW improved access facilities (RCW 77.32.380).

Summary of Bill:

In place of the "conservation patrons" program, the DFW is authorized to sell watchable wildlife decals. The minimum price for a decal must be set in rule; however, a customer may voluntarily pay more than the minimum price. Individuals purchasing a decal will also receive a vehicle use permit at no additional cost. Proceeds from the sale of the decals must be deposited into the State Wildlife Fund and be used exclusively for the DFW's watchable wildlife activities. Permissible use of the funds include:

      •    Initiating partnerships with local communities to develop wildlife watching projects and to assist with conducting wildlife watching events;

      •    Building infrastructure to assist wildlife viewing;

      •    Developing wildlife viewing destinations and tourism materials;

      •    Offering grants to rural communities to help them locate and identify key wildlife attractions; and

      •    Marketing the decal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.