OLYMPIA…Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, has introduced a bill aimed at protecting recreational fishing opportunities in North Central Washington.

Senate Bill 5421 would create the Upper Columbia River Recreational Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Stamp Program. Program funding would come from a $15 stamp required for people fishing in the area. Stamp revenues would go into a dedicated account used to fund additional salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities in the Upper Columbia River and its tributaries. The bill has bipartisan support and comes on the heels of a survey showing people want these services and are willing to pay for them.   

“Recreational fishing is both a source of entertainment to our residents and a big tourism draw for North Central Washington,” Parlette said. “The economic boost to the region due to fishing is real! The pilot stamp program will provide the funding needed for monitoring this selective fishery.”  

As a result of budget cuts at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, recreational anglers in the Upper Columbia region can no longer depend on adequate state funding to continue selective recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries in the Upper Columbia River and its tributaries. Recently, local fishing enthusiasts were surveyed and said they would be willing to pay into a fund used for expanded fishing opportunities in the area. Local sportsman groups brought this information to Parlette and requested that she translate it into legislation. 

“Much of the legislation I sponsor comes via requests from North Central Washington residents,” said Parlette.  “I know that protecting our ability to fish is important to the people in our local communities. This legislation meets that goal.”

If passed, SB 5421 would create an advisory group, consisting of representatives from established recreational fishing organizations of the Upper Columbia River, to work with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to administer the program.  The advisory body must make annual recommendations regarding how program funds are spent. In 2015, the state and the advisory group would recommend whether to continue the program.

SB 5421 has been referred to the Senate Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation Committee.  A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2. The hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Cherberg Building, Senate Hearing Room 2, on the Capitol Campus. 

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