S-1835               _______________________________________________

                                          SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 8014

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Senators Benitz, Metcalf, Moore, Barr and Vognild

Read first time 2/16/89 and referred to Committee on Environment & Natural Resources.

TO THE HONORABLE GEORGE BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED:

          We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:

          WHEREAS, Fishing for steelhead and other trout has traditionally been a major source of recreation available to citizens of many states but particularly appreciated in Washington state; and

          WHEREAS, The special significance of steelhead trout to Washington citizens is reflected in its historical protection as a game fish and designation as the official state fish; and

          WHEREAS, Hunting for deer and elk is a major recreational activity available to citizens of many states; and

          WHEREAS, Steelhead and other trout, deer, and elk all provide a food resource for all Washington citizens; and

          WHEREAS, It has been recognized across the nation that the commercial sale of these recreational resources should be prohibited.  The commercialization of these resources, as population increases, results in pressure on these resources beyond levels the resources can bear.  Additionally, it has become recognized that the economic value of these resources to the state and citizens is far greater if they are reserved for recreational and personal consumption use;

          NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the United States Congress pass federal laws guaranteeing the decommercialization of steelhead and other trout, elk, and deer while allowing the sale only from licensed fish and game production facilities.

          BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Legislature fully supports our congressional delegation as they take on the task of securing the passage of such legislation;

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable George Bush, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.