The idea of a salmon and steelhead stamp was first introduced to a local recreational fishery group by Irv Conner, of Cashmere, a couple of years ago. With the budgetary challenges facing the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the time was ripe to see if they idea could be put forward. The concept was to create a funding source for the department in the event that enough steelhead or salmon returned to the upper Columbia or its tributaries to open a season, but required monitoring. The cost of fish checking, not anticipated or budgeted, could prevent a sport fishing season. Rollie Schmitten, of Lake Wenatchee, got the concept drafted in bill form and presented it to Linda Parlette, the state senator for our district. Schmitten helped with the language on the drafting of the bill, and Bob Stroup of Leavenworth got the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited on board to push it. Thanks to the tenacity of Senator Parlette, the bill passed and the new salmon and steelhead stamp could raise as much as six million dollars over the next few years to support selective fisheries.