Save-A-Warden Update

[Don Wittenberger]

I received the following letter today from WDFW Deputy Director Joe Stohr:

"Dear Mr. Wittenberger:

Thank you very much for your recent donation. The money is being deposited into the State Wildlife Fund (the Department's dedicated account) under a special revenue code we can track called the 'Save a Game Warden' fund. So far, we have received four donations totaling $95.

"The legislature is currently considering two bills, HB 1778 and HB 1972 which contain new fee proposals or temporary increases to existing fees which could provide over $10 million for the next biennium. These funds would support new activities and existing functions including our Enforcement Program. We are hopeful that these bills will be approved by the legislation.

"Thank you again for your support."

The letter is dated April 8, but probably was drafted some time ago, so the letters and donations probably are more now. To everyone who has written a letter and/or sent money, thank you! This shows our support for the enforcement officers (game wardens).

HB 1778 contains the 2-pole authorization. The fee will be $10 ($5 for resident seniors), and must be spent "for enhancing game fish fisheries." This bill (as amended) passed the House on a 96-1 vote and is in the Senate. HB 1972 pertains to WDFW vehicle permit fees; the bill raising fishing and hunting license fees is SB6084, which appears to have made scant progress. If you're interested, you can read legislative bills and track their status here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/search. ... &year=2009

WDFW still hasn't responded to Craig Bukowski's suggestion of soliciting donations from fishing license purchasers with a check off system similar to the presidential campaign fund check off on federal tax forms. Interestingly, the Legislature is talking about doing exactly the same thing with vehicle license renewals to raise money for state parks. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/l ... ng30m.html Apparently, WDFW would rather depend on fee increases than donations. They should do both, because even if the legislature approves the fee increases, they'll still need additional money to maintain wildlife enforcement at current FTE levels.

Note, if SB6084 passes, a resident combination saltwater/freshwater fishing license will go from $36 to $43, and a freshwater license will go from $20 to $24.

WDFW hasn't raised fishing license fees for a long time, and even with the increase, the cost of a fishing license will be very modest compared to the other expenses of going fishing. The fee increase deserves our support, and the extra money will help prevent budget cuts that will harm the management of our fisheries. We've already seen the impact of this when WDFW postponed a planned study of the Pend Oreilles River pike fishery, which will delay the development of a management plan and adoption of regulations for this fishery.

Your letters and donations to the Save-A-Warden Fund demonstrate to WDFW and legislators that the sporting public supports the fee increases because we understand that it takes money to hire staff and run programs. Our license fees don't go for general government expenses; they're used only to protect and enhance our state's fish and game resources, and when we pay these fees, we're investing in quality fishing for the future. Without Craig's check off system, there's no way we'll raise enough donations to save the 10 or 11 game warden FTEs slated for elimination, but at the very least, I hope WDFW will use our Save-A-Warden letters and donations to help convince legislators to pass the fee increases they're requesting and desperately need. So, please, let's keep the Save-A-Warden campaign on the front burner and keep those letters and donations coming.

[Anonymous]

I received my letter Friday, from WDFW Deputy Director Joe Stohr, too.
Nice personal touch.

[Ski]

Thanks again Don!

I have requested the support of Representative Blake - he is the Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. I forwarded my idea of thge "box check" on licenses that Don referred to. I hope this gets the ball rolling and again Don, sorry about shortening your last name (Wittenberg) in the letter.

Everyone please continue to push this issue. It is not just for us fisherman, but hunters, campers, hikers, etc. Let the state know we support this measure - email Representative Blake or your local State Representative and let them know!

Thanks!