Why increase the Trout Stamp Fee?
Every year, trout anglers pay an extra fee on their fishing license for a Trout Stamp, the funds from which go directly into habitat work that makes trout fishing better. Most anglers happily support paying the fee, because they see the benefits when they're out on the water. However, the Trout Stamp Fee has not been increased since 2006, while project costs have steadily increased. Wisconsin TU supports a moderate increase in the fee from $10 to $15, provided it continues to be managed in a segregated account that directly funds trout stream habitat work.
We need our senators, assembly representatives, and the governor to know that we as anglers and conservationists are serious about improving trout fishing in Wisconsin.
The legislature is about to begin holding public hearings on the budget. This is when the state budget really begins to take shape. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and the Trout Stamp Fee needs champions in the legislature to ensure that these program do not get lost in the noise of partisan debates about state spending.
Here at Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, we're hard at work visiting legislators, empowering our grassroots members around the state to speak up for Stewardship and our Trout Stamp, and telling anyone who will listen about the importance of Knowles-Nelson and the habitat work we do.
Together, we'll ensure that the Stewardship Program and Trout Stamp continue to work for Wisconsin's water, outdoor economy, and our way of life.