Outdoor recreation bills increase access to fishing, hunting and other activities

OLYMPIA – Fishermen, birdwatchers, hunters, hikers and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts will gain more access thanks to bills passed by the Legislature this year.

"Everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors, whether they are fishing, hiking, watching wildlife or hunting," said Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen), chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, "I’ve enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors all my life, and I want children, families and everyone in the state to have more access to forests, wetlands and beaches."

Blake sponsored House Bill 2472 to create a panel to study access to state lands, with representatives from outdoor recreation, industry and the state, and deliver recommendations by December 1, 2008. The bill specifically addresses public lands now blocked by surrounding private ownership. An example is 36,000 acres of public lands near the Toutle River with very limited access.

Hunters and fishers with disabilities could have more outdoor opportunities thanks to House Bill 2540, sponsored by Rep. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake). The bill will continue a successful advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Fish and Wildlife Commission on increasing access to outdoor activities for individuals with disabilities.

Senate Bill 6260, sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor), allows the Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide additional fishing and hunting opportunities to terminally ill individuals without charge, including the transfer of special permits and the provision of licenses without charge. The department may also enter into agreements with a landowner who wants to provide a hunting opportunity for a terminally ill person.

Active duty military personnel can purchase a temporary fishing license at the resident rate, thanks to Senate Bill 6465, sponsored by Sen. Pam Roach (R-Auburn).

All the bills have been delivered to Gov. Chris Gregoire to be signed into law.

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House Bill 2472: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2472&year=2007 

House Bill 2540: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2540&year=2007 

Senate Bill 6260: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6260&year=2007 

Senate Bill 6465: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6465&year=2007 

Staff: Larry Clark, 360.786.7214, Clark.Larry@leg.wa.gov