New Proposed Legislation for hunter access

[fireweed]

Sure to be more bills related to improving hunter access hit the legislature this year.  Here's the first, HB 1033--hearing set for Jan 14. You can also comment online.  http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1033&year=2015

 Looks like it wants to direct WDFW litter funds to private lands clean-up in exchange for free public access.

1) The department (WDFW) must use any moneys made available to it under RCW 70.105D.070(7) to fund a program designed to assist private landowners in mitigating the damages and expenses incurred due to allowing public access to their lands for hunting. Specifically, the department may enter into agreements with private landowners who agree to allow free access to their land, or to portions of their land, to licensed hunters in exchange for assistance in removing and disposing of litter, garbage, hazardous materials, and other items that can potentially result from allowing public access.

(2) The department may use the moneys made available to it under RCW 70.105D.070(7) in the manner deemed by the department as the most efficient in implementing the intent of this section. This may include utilizing department staff, contracting with a third party, providing cash payments to the participating landowner, or utilizing the Washington conservation corps created in chapter 43.220 RCW.

[Humptulips]

I wish it wasn't so specific to hunting. Seems like it would get more support if other user groups were included.

[huntnphool]

I wish it wasn't so specific to hunting. Seems like it would get more support if other user groups were included.

 But that's where the majority of the money comes from right? I don't often see yellow land use cards hanging from the mirrors of the Subaru's and Isuzu's at the gates/trail heads/lots.

[JimmyHoffa]

I wish it wasn't so specific to hunting. Seems like it would get more support if other user groups were included.

 But that's where the majority of the money comes from right? I don't often see yellow land use cards hanging from the mirrors of the Subaru's and Isuzu's at the gates/trail heads/lots.

No but there will be a ton of trucks pulling driftboats and sleds looking to head up to some now gated launches.

[csaaphill]

Bigtex posted something like this a while back, but ya could be a good idea. Although I don't agree with the idea that it should target more non hunter groups. Last thing I want is to have tree huggers out there with me and harrasing me while hunting.

[Humptulips]

Seems like it would give the go ahead for closing things up except during a legal hunting season.
I kind of like picking berries, mushrooms, maybe a little trout fishing or just sniffing around looking for a good place to hunt in the fall.

Not sure if it will do a lot of good anyway as I don't think any areas went to pay for access because of dumping.

[bigtex]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,166887.0.html

[csaaphill]

Seems like it would give the go ahead for closing things up except during a legal hunting season.
I kind of like picking berries, mushrooms, maybe a little trout fishing or just sniffing around looking for a good place to hunt in the fall.

Not sure if it will do a lot of good anyway as I don't think any areas went to pay for access because of dumping.

It might ya, but I've noticed signs that say feel free to hunt walk in only, but it goes on to say no scouting. so ya maybe but thinking not.