FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSB 5421

C 420 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating the Columbia river recreational salmon and steelhead pilot stamp program.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette, Jacobsen, Rockefeller, Swecker, Hargrove, Shin and Marr).

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background: Role of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) serves as manager of the state's fish and wildlife resources. Among other duties, DFW must classify wildlife and establish the basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.

Fishing Licenses. All individuals 15 years old and older are required to purchase a personal use fishing license prior to recreationally fishing for or possessing fish. There are a number of personal use fishing licenses available, including a freshwater license, saltwater license, and combination license.

Stamp, Permit, and Surcharge Programs. In various instances, the Legislature has provided a dedicated funding source for specific fish and wildlife management activities by requiring stamps, permits, or surcharges in addition to a hunting or fishing license. For example, generally a hunter must purchase a small game license as well as a migratory bird validation to hunt for migratory birds. Revenues from the migratory bird validation are then used for various purposes including migratory bird protection and habitat improvement.

Summary: DFW must create a Columbia River Recreational Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Stamp Program (Program). The stated purpose of the Program is to supplement the resources available to DFW to carry out those activities necessary to provide recreational salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities on the Columbia River and its tributaries.

Program funding comes from a $7.50 stamp or endorsement required for persons fishing recreationally for salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River and its tributaries. A person must obtain a stamp or endorsement in addition to a fishing license. DFW must determine whether to issue stamps or endorsements based on which will result in the least administrative costs. Stamp revenues go into a dedicated nonappropriated account used to fund Program activities.

DFW must administer the Program in consultation with an advisory body representing the geographic areas and established recreational fishing organizations of the Columbia River. In selecting advisory body members, DFW must solicit recommendations from recreational fishing organizations of the Columbia River and give deference to those recommendations. The advisory body must make annual recommendations regarding Program expenditures, and DFW must provide an explanation for any expenditures that substantially differ from such recommendations.

The term "Columbia River" is defined. By September 1, 2009, DFW must develop a list of tributaries to the Columbia where a stamp is required to fish recreationally and must determine whether it will issue stamps or endorsements.

By December 1, 2014, DFW and the advisory body must recommend to the Legislature whether the Program should be continued. The Program expires June 30, 2016.

Votes on Final Passage: