FACT SHEET WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

Nature-related tourism is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry, with wildlife viewing rated as the number-one outdoor activity in the United States. Washington ranks seventh nationally in wildlife-related expenditures, with more than $980 million being spent annually on wildlife viewing activities. Most of these opportunities exist in rural communities and provide a major economic stimulus.

In 2001, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) held a series of "Director's Roundtables" across the state to survey constituent concerns. Representatives from a wide variety of interests, including agriculture, business, education and local government, attended.

Participants consistently expressed the need for a mechanism to allow wildlife enthusiasts to contribute to WDFW's watchable wildlife activities. This legislation creates that mechanism by allowing individuals to purchase an attractive wildlife design decal. By purchasing a decal, non-hunting/fishing constituents will be contributing to WDFW's watchable wildlife activities, and creating and directing a revenue source for WDFW to develop watchable wildlife opportunities in cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations. The decal would be discretionary, but would be accompanied by a parking permit to utilize the agency's improved access sites.

In addition, the Department is excited to develop a strategic marketing plan to better sell the wildlife-related opportunities provided by the Department and boost license sales. The Governor's proposed 2003-05 Operating Budget provides $150,000 for this effort. The watchable wildlife decal would allow a broader marketing strategy to include non-consumptive wildlife enthusiasts. Under the proposed legislation, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission would have the authority to set the cost of the decal.