BILL REQ. #:  S-3901.1 

Read first time 01/14/08.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

     AN ACT Relating to watchable wildlife; amending RCW 77.32.560; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the purchase of a watchable wildlife decal offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to voluntarily contribute to the enhancement of the habitat, infrastructure, trails, corridors, and communities that provide wildlife viewing opportunities in this state. In addition to improving wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, watchable wildlife programs also significantly contribute to the economic vitality of Washington's rural areas.
     The legislature finds that Washington has made great strides to enhance watchable wildlife activities and tourism while also protecting the wildlife resources that attract the viewers. However, the legislature also finds that additional investments in the watchable wildlife program are needed and will further benefit Washington's wildlife and rural communities, and increase wildlife viewing and other recreational opportunities in the state. Therefore, the legislature intends to use creative measures in an effort to increase the number of individuals who voluntarily purchase watchable wildlife decals.

Sec. 2   RCW 77.32.560 and 2003 c 317 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department may sell watchable wildlife decals. Proceeds from the sale of the decal must be deposited into the state wildlife ((fund)) account created in RCW 77.12.170 and must be dedicated to the support of the department's watchable wildlife activities. The department may also use proceeds from the sale of the decal for marketing the decal and for marketing watchable wildlife activities in the state.
     (2) The term "watchable wildlife activities" includes but is not limited to: Initiating partnerships with communities to jointly develop watchable wildlife projects, building infrastructure to serve wildlife viewers, assisting and training communities in conducting wildlife watching events, developing destination wildlife viewing corridors and trails, tours, maps, brochures, and travel aides, and offering grants to assist rural communities in identifying key wildlife attractions and ways to protect and promote them.
     (3) The commission must adopt by rule the cost of the watchable wildlife decal. A person may, at their discretion, contribute more than the cost as set by the commission by rule for the watchable wildlife decal in order to support watchable wildlife activities. A person who purchases a watchable wildlife decal must be issued one vehicle use permit free of charge.
     (4)(a) Until December 1, 2010, the department shall carry out a watchable wildlife raffle pilot project.
     (b) The pilot project must consist of no fewer than three separate watchable wildlife raffles and associated tours. The department shall select raffle winners from the pool of watchable wildlife decal holders. The department shall provide raffle winners with a wildlife viewing tour on department owned or managed lands. The tour should provide participants with a desirable, high quality, and rare wildlife viewing experience. The department shall seek to publicize the raffles and tours, including the tour destinations, to increase public awareness of the department's watchable wildlife program, watchable wildlife decals, and the pilot project.
     (c) During the pilot project, the department is encouraged to use other creative measures in an effort to increase the number of individuals who voluntarily purchase watchable wildlife decals.
     (d) The department shall provide the appropriate committees of the legislature with a brief summary of the pilot project and relevant policy recommendations, if any, by December 1, 2010.
     (5) This section expires January 1, 2011.