I think it would help the Fish & Wildlife Department's cause to publish
a list on its Website of the stores where one can purchase these
licenses. The retail hardware and sporting goods scene has changed
rapidly in the past few years, making it harder to know which stores
sell licenses and where they are located.

Martha Jordan wrote:
>
> Hello,
> The discussion about raising money for wildlife through a "Birder's Stamp"
> and Teaming with Wildlife Program is welcome. All are good potential
> resources of revenue.
> However, Washington State already has a program for non-hunters to support
> wildlife funding. This is the Conservation License, RCW 77.32.380(state
> law) - that requires anyone (18 years and over) using Washington Dept. of
> Fish & Wildlife owned lands to have a license- Hunting, Fishing or
> Conservation (for birder, hiker, dog walker or trainer, etc., anyone not
> having a hunting or fishing license). This includes not only the wildlife
> recreation areas but all public access areas owned by WDFW for boat or
> other watercraft launching. You must have one of the aforementioned
> licenses to be on these wildlife areas. The cost of a Conservation License
> is $10.00 and can be purchased wherever WDFW licenses are sold (such as
> sporting goods stores). It is valid for one year and good at all WDFW
> lands in the state and must be carried on your person. This is a personal
> license the same as hunting or fishing. The money goes towards wildlife
> management for all wildlife.
> Due to lack of public education, I have found that it is rare for people
> who recreate on these lands for purposes other than hunting or fishing to
> have a Conservation License. The amount of money lost to WDFW is
> substantial. In these times when demands on the resource and pressures
> from human use are increasing it is the right thing to do to help support
> wildlife habitat areas through this user fee.
> If we want to show our support for wildlife, the non-hunting community
> needs to be more financially supportive of wildlife. Please purchase a
> Conservation License and let your support be counted to balance the ledger
> for wildlife funding.
>
> Martha Jordan
> marthaj at premier1.net
--
Jane Hadley
jhadle at halcyon.com
Seattle, WA