Our 2004 fishing License will cost us 10% more associated with a new $5.00 fishing Stamp. Will these new costs prove to be beneficial is the concern. The BBAC has both good and bad news regarding these new costs.

THE BAD NEWS
It has come to our attention that during this Gray Davis term the California Fish and Game has acquired many additional Attorneys and Directors while at the same time lost, not to be replaced, about 51 Game Wardens. In fact a key Directive required by Governor Davis stated; "no negative information is to be released to the media". We our paying more for Attorneys (about 22) and additional Fish and Game Directors, while at the same time we have lost protection for our fish and game - our Wardens.

THE GOOD NEWS
After much research it appears that our newly created $5.00 Delta/Bay Stamp may be a good thing. The creation of the stamp mandates an Advisory Committee, this Committee will recommend and oversee how the stamp funds are utilized. Those serving on the Committee will be active in recommendations and informative to us in regards to what programs are in service and what future programs will be developed. The BBAC has requested a position on this Committee giving the Black Bass angler direct input to Delta Programs.

THE FUTURE - POSSIBLE GOOD NEWS
This new Stamp should be a Program not only to serve the Delta/Bay fishery, it should be reviewed to serve as an example of how the Dept. of Fish and Game can interface with anglers to develop cost effective Programs. With this said it may be our opportunity to establish additional Advisory Committees and Programs effecting all California waters. Our license fee increases must be justified, it is our responsibility to be aware of how our money is being spent and how it effects the future of our fisheries. Maybe the new Stamp will prove to be our blessing. That is not to say lets bring on more Stamps or we feel comfortable with license fee increases. The window is now open we can support this new stamp with a positive attitude or fail ourselves in not capitalizing on this opportunity.
I have spoken with a few of the potential Committee members with the same feelings. The Stamp may give us a Delta Public Ramp, and certainly more input regarding the water going south.

Please read letter to me (attached) dated August 13, 2003, from Heather McIntire, Fish and Game Environmental Scientist. This letter serves as an explanation to the Stamp's accountability and the purpose it will serve. Currently as of this BBAC Newsletter Organizations our beginning to support the Stamp and it is moving forward.