Establishing resident and nonresident wildlife viewing stamps
Summary
Senate Bill 752 would create two new wildlife viewing stamps in West Virginia: a Class WV stamp for residents and a Class WVV stamp for nonresidents. These stamps would be tied to a Class Q hunting permit holder and would authorize wildlife viewing on state-owned property and roads in all counties, subject to rules set by the Division of Natural Resources (DNR). The bill specifically allows viewing from regularly licensed vehicles on certain roads, including fire roads, select access roads, and roads that are normally gated, while excluding UTVs and ATVs regardless of street-legal registration status.
The bill also authorizes the DNR to propose the stamp fees through the legislative rulemaking process and directs that revenue from stamp sales be deposited into the State Treasury and credited to the DNR for wildlife resource program expenses. The stamps would be in addition to a hunting or fishing license or Class Q permit, and the purchaser would need the appropriate base license before participating in the activity. The bill states that it would not apply to Coopers Rock State Forest or Kanawha State Forest.
Impact
SB752 would amend West Virginia Code by adding a new section to Article 2 of Chapter 20, creating a new licensing and revenue mechanism for wildlife viewing. It would expand the DNR’s authority to regulate wildlife viewing access and set related rules, while also creating a dedicated funding stream for wildlife resource programs from stamp sales. The bill affects hunters, anglers, wildlife viewers, and nonresidents who would need the new stamp in addition to existing licenses or permits to use the authorized viewing privileges.
Sentiment
The available context shows no recorded committee debate or votes, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction and referral. Based on the bill text, the measure appears framed as a wildlife access and funding proposal rather than a controversial regulatory change, but the absence of transcripts or vote history means overall sentiment cannot be measured directly. The stated purpose suggests a policy interest in promoting wildlife viewing while generating revenue for conservation-related expenses.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the added cost and licensing requirements, the distinction between residents and nonresidents, and the limits on where and how wildlife may be viewed. The bill gives the DNR broad discretion to set fees and define appropriate uses by rule, which could draw concern from users who want clearer statutory limits. The explicit exclusion of UTVs and ATVs, even if street legal, and the carve-out for Coopers Rock State Forest and Kanawha State Forest may also be disputed by recreational users or local stakeholders.