WDFW funding webinar tonight

[jackelope]

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8360838542216730371

[Special T]

im going to try and listen/view this is anyone else?

[Brushcrawler]

Yes.

[Special T]

lets try and report back here on the important points we take notes on. Im certain that each of us will key in on different things.

[Brushcrawler]

There is a license fee increase in the proposed 2019-2021 budget. The two options presented were a 12-15% increase on all items or a $10 flat fee on base licenses. Probably the most important take home was that there is a survey on the state’s website on the proposal:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/budget/development/
(top right, click public feedback)

[Dhoey07]

Just finished the survey. It left me shaking my head.

[cougforester]

Just finished the survey. It left me shaking my head.

Same. There was exactly one place to submit other ideas for funding sources or alternatives beyond what they had already identified.

[Stein]

Just finished the survey. It left me shaking my head.

Yeah, tricky ones there like salmon habitat restoration - aka kill the wetlands for millions and hope a salmon swims by someday.

[Special T]

This was probably the worst point on the presentation but not covered.  The bottom point says they want to unrestricted the wildlife account.  I can only assume what this means because they didn't say anything... my guess is allowing them to spend the $ as they see fit instead of the dedicated funds specific $ come in for and goes out for.

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[Special T]

This is part of the governors Edict. The department thinks they may be able to squeeze some funds for.

Un like pikeminnow bounties, Adding a separate bag limit for Mergansers has no operational cost. It does have a time and political cost, but considering how Wa, OR, and  CA have protected salmon runs and such isn't it a win win?

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[Special T]

Future time line

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[WSU]

Here’s my 2 cents: no more money from recreational hunters and fishers without more priority. If they want more money, deliver more product. We can catch less and have less success hunting for the same price. If they want more, their main constituents ought to get more.  I’ll be delivering that message to my reps and senator.

[Special T]

Here’s my 2 cents: no more money from recreational hunters and fishers without more priority. If they want more money, deliver more product. We can catch less and have less success hunting for the same price. If they want more, their main constituents ought to get more.  I’ll be delivering that message to my reps and senator.

This is a good general point for sportsmen to hammer home. Nate Pamplin even acknowledged it's a bitter pill for sportsmen. I think the key will be pointing out increased opportunities that have a low impact to the departments budget.

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[Special T]

I didn't grab a screen shot of it, but they really push the economic impact of wildlife viewing, and as such hunting come out the looser in the triad.

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[WSU]

Wdfw has few friends in the legislature. Make sure you bend the ear of those that represent you.