HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS
HB 1871
Title: An act relating to salmon stamps.
Brief Description: Creating the salmon stamp programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Linville, Ericksen, Regala, Reardon, Buck, Cooper, Clements and G. Chandler.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL
RESOURCES
Meeting Date:February 24, 1999
Bill Analysis Prepared by: Carole Richmond, Analyst (786-7114)
Background:
Fish and wildlife stamp programs can serve multiple purposes. One way these stamps are used is to require fishers and hunters to purchase them as part of their license in order to protect and acquire habitat. Another way they are used is to provide voluntary opportunities for people to support fish and wildlife habitat. In Washington, there is no salmon stamp program, but there is a migratory bird stamp program. The stamps are required to be purchased by bird hunters, in addition to a basic hunting license. The stamps cost $6. The stamps may also be purchased by non-hunters who often collect them in sheets or blocks. The revenue from the sale of migratory bird stamps is used to support the migratory bird program.
The Washington program is modeled on the federal Duck Stamp program started in 1934. The idea for the duck stamp program was conceived by a wildlife artist who was concerned about dwindling waterfowl populations in his state. That stamp must be purchased by hunters, and may be purchased by anyone else. The revenues from the sale of federal Duck Stamps is used to buy and lease waterfowl habitat. Since 1934, duck stamp dollars have contributed to preserving over 4 million acres of wetland habitat in the National Wildlife refuge System. Federal duck stamps are collectors= items and have appreciated in value over the years.
Several stocks of Pacific salmonids are about to be listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Recovery of these stocks requires funding, as well as public awareness.