WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (WDFW ...

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Recently-Enacted Legislation Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5923 Brief Description: Regarding aquatic invasive species enforcement and control. Background: Invasive species are generally considered to be animal or plant species that are thriving in a geographical area to which they are not native. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has authority to manage aquatic nuisance species and is charged with tracking and proposing solutions to manage these species. The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Account and the Aquatic Invasive Species Enforcement Account were created by the Legislature in 2005. One dollar fi fty cents of each annual vessel registration fee is deposited into the Prevention Account and fi fty cents of each annual vessel registration fee is deposited into the Enforcement Account. Funds in the Prevention Account are appropriated to WDFW to develop an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program for recreational watercraft. Funds from the Enforcement Account are appropriated to the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to develop an aquatic invasive species enforcement program for recreational watercraft. Summary: Aquatic Invasive Species Enforcement and Prevention Program: Funds from the Aquatic Invasive Species Enforcement Account may also be appropriated to WDFW to develop an aquatic invasive species enforcement program for recreational and commercial watercraft. WDFW is authorized to establish random check stations and require persons transporting recreational and commercial watercraft to stop at the check stations. Persons stopped at a check station who possess watercraft or equipment that is contaminated with an aquatic invasive species are exempted from certain criminal penalties if that person complies with all WDFW directives for the proper decontamination of the watercraft or equipment. WDFW will also provide inspection outside of check stations to persons requesting inspection and provide a receipt indicating the watercraft is not contaminated. The new crime of unlawfully avoiding aquatic invasive species check stations is created. Persons who fail to obey check station signs, or who fail to stop and report at a check station if directed to do so by a uniformed fi sh and wildlife offi cer, are guilty of a gross misdemeanor. WDFW must post signs warning vessels of the threat of aquatic invasive species, the penalties associated with introduction of an invasive species, and proper contact information for obtaining a free vessel inspection. The signs must be posted at all ports of entry and at all boat launches owned or leased by WDFW. WDFW must also provide signs to all port districts, privately or publicly owned marinas, state parks, and other state agencies or political subdivisions that own or lease boat launches. WDFW is directed to develop a plan for treatment and immediate response to the introduction of prohibited aquatic invasive species into Washington waters. This plan will be reviewed under the State Environmental Policy Act. Effective: July 22, 2007 WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE •ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM• 8 of 34 2007 Annual Report
Permits & Nuisance Complaints PERMIT TYPE PERMITS PERMITS % CHANGE ISSUED 2006 ISSUED 2007 Special Trapping Permits 776 882 13.7% Timber Damage Permits 222 236 6.3% Public Safety Cougar Permits 12 14 16.7% Snag Permits 15 8 -46.7% Salvage Permits 13 5 -61.5% Special Wildlife Permits 9 4 -55.6% Nuisance Wildlife Operator Permits 12 10 -16.7% Complaints 100 50 0 Nuisance Wildlife Complaints by Region Spokane Ephrata Yakima Mill Creek Vancouver Montesano 2004 121 89 2 31 29 98 2005 101 90 10 18 85 117 2006 100 77 11 37 65 92 2007 61 43 16 41 62 113 Nuisance Wildlife is defi ned as coyote, deer, elk, raccoon, squirrel, skunk, opossum, and crow. WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE •ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM• 2007 Annual Report 9 of 34
Page 1: WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND W
Page 4 and 5: Introduction This report acknowledg
Page 6 and 7: Activity Activity 40000 35000 30000
Page 8 and 9: Special Investigations Unit Ed Volz
Page 12 and 13: Dangerous Wildlife Complaints Compl
Page 14 and 15: Year Bear Complaints 500 400 300 20
Page 16 and 17: The Hunter Education Division condu
Page 18 and 19: Challenges Region 1 - Spokane Moose
Page 20 and 21: Challenges Severe Staffi ng Shortag
Page 22 and 23: Challenges Department Owned/Control
Page 24 and 25: Challenges Region 4 - Mill Creek Fi
Page 26 and 27: Region Five Offi cer of the Year: T
Page 28 and 29: Region Six Offi cer of the Year: Ph
Page 30 and 31: Enforcement Activity 8000 7000 6000
Page 32 and 33: Signifi cant Cases Statewide Marine
Page 34 and 35: Unbecoming Conduct Closed Complaint
Page 36 and 37: Customer Satisfaction Survey Protec
Page 38: Enforcement Program 2007 Yearly Pla

WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (WDFW ...

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