Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1838

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

Spirit Lake is located in the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, which is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS). The lake is well within the blast zone of the volcano and was significantly affected by the eruption. Prior to the eruption, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) managed a rainbow trout fishery in Spirit Lake. Today, both the USFS and WDFW conduct annual monitoring of rainbow trout that have returned to the lake.

The WDFW conducts raffles as a way to grant permission to hunt big game and turkeys during certain limited seasons. Licensed hunters may purchase a raffle ticket, but only raffle winners are permitted to participate in the limited season. Raffle tickets may not exceed $25.

Summary of Bill:

The WDFW is authorized to establish a recreational rainbow trout fishery in Spirit Lake. The fishery must be limited in nature with permission to access the fishery based on a raffle distribution. The WDFW must establish procedures and requirements for the management of the fishery. These decisions include whether the fishery is to be catch-and-release only, what gear will be allowed, the open days for the fishery, catch reporting requirements designed to assist with population monitoring, and restrictions on transportation to and on Spirit Lake. The WDFW must coordinate with the USFS in designing, monitoring, and implementing the fishery.

The cost for entering the raffle is to be set by the Fish and Wildlife Commission, but may not exceed $25. Revenue generated from the raffle must be used first to reimburse the costs of conducting the raffle, followed by paying for the fishery itself and purchasing or renting any equipment necessary to facilitate the fishery. Any remaining revenue must be deposited into the State Wildlife Account.