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Department of Natural Resources seeks fee increases for fishing licenses and trout stamp; anglers, nonprofits largely support
Summary
The Department of Natural Resources told the Environment and Transportation Committee that fees for several recreational fishing licenses and the trout stamp have not been adjusted for decades and that the proposed increases in House Bill 40 are needed to keep fisheries funds solvent.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urged the Environment and Transportation Committee to support House Bill 40, which raises certain recreational fishing-license and trout-stamp fees to stabilize fisheries funds and support programs including hatcheries, invasive-species control and youth outreach.
Dylan Baylor, DNR’s legislative director, said some fees have not been adjusted since 1992 (trout stamp) or 2007 (other fees) and that fund levels are projected to be depleted by fiscal year 2027 without changes. Baylor said the department used an advisory work group to recommend “fair and reasonable fees” and framed the proposal as a user-pay model that returns revenue to fisheries management and access.
Multiple recreational-angler organizations and volunteers testified in favor: Emily Mendenhall (resident and license-holder), Roger Traegesser (Maryland Bass Nation), Randy Dwyer (Mid-Atlantic Council of Trout Unlimited) and David Sikorsky (Coastal Conservation Association Maryland) all said they support fee increases to maintain hatcheries, stocking programs and fisheries management. Sikorsky and others highlighted economic benefits: DNR cited a 2015 estimate that freshwater fishing expenditures contribute roughly $400 million to the state economy.
A virtual witness, Francis Palasentrino, testified unfavorably, saying the proposed senior consolidated license changes would impose a disproportionate cost on Maryland seniors and asking the committee to exclude senior residents from the larger fee increases or provide relief.
DNR staff Tony Perchaska clarified that the senior consolidated license revenues are split between tidal and non-tidal fisheries funds.
Ending — Next steps: DNR requested a favorable report. The bill drew sustained supportive testimony from angler organizations and some objections from a senior resident; no committee vote was recorded at the hearing.
