From http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Director Ryan Broddrick announced Wednesday he has appointed nine Californians to the new Bay-Delta Sport Fishing Enhancement Stamp (BDSFES) Advisory Committee.

“We were extremely pleased that many highly qualified applicants applied for this very important committee,” Broddrick said. “The nine newly appointed members have a variety of skills, experience and knowledge we believe are necessary for successfully fulfilling the objectives of this committee.”

The advisory committee, which will serve at the discretion of the Director for terms of not more than four years, will recommend projects and budgets for revenue generated by the $5 stamp. Project categories include, but are not limited to, improving public access to fishing locations, scientifically sound monitoring and research of sport fish species, public outreach, enhanced fishery and environmental enforcement, and habitat acquisition and restoration.

The stamp was created through legislation (Senate Bill 692) and superceded the Striped Bass Stamp. The DFG anticipates between $1 million to $4 million annually will be generated by stamp purchases and spent on projects beneficial to sport fish within the boundaries of the BDSFES. The BDFES boundaries include San Francisco Bay, the Delta, and the main stem Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries up to major dams.

The nine appointed committee members are: Morgan Akin, Redding; John Beuttler, Berkeley; Jim Crenshaw, Woodland; Jim Edgar, Kentfield; Carter Fickes, Scotts Valley; Ken Jones, Lodi; John Ryzanych, Castro Valley; Bob Strickland, San Jose; and Alan Wilhelmy, Walnut Creek.

The BDSFES Advisory Committee will have its first business meeting in January 2005.

“The Department looks forward to working with these knowledgeable stakeholders to improve our sport fisheries and sport fishing opportunities,” Broddrick said.

The stamp, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2004, was developed in conjunction with several stakeholder groups, including representatives from United Anglers, California Sport Fish Protection Alliance, Northern California Federation of Fly Fishers, and Recreational Fishing Alliance.