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