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Alpine County Fish and Game Commission authorizes up to $12,000 for spring fish stocking
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Summary
On April 8, 2026, the Alpine County Fish and Game Commission voted to authorize expenditures through June to stock fish for the spring opener, approving a motion to permit spending up to $12,000 while noting donation restrictions and the desire to keep a modest reserve.
The Alpine County Fish and Game Commission voted April 8 to authorize expenditures through the end of the fiscal year to place fish in county waters for the spring opener, the commission’s presiding chair said.
"What we have in the account right now is $70,410," the chair reported, and noted that about $2,000 must be returned to the county and $4,400 of donations are restricted and require board direction before spending. Commissioners were told the commission’s net spendable balance was around $14,733.
Commission member John Campbell moved to authorize spending on fish stocking between now and June, with discussion about leaving a small reserve; Stephen Craig seconded the motion. After brief debate about the size of a truckload versus partial loads and concerns about diesel and delivery costs, the chair called the question and declared the motion passed. The transcript records commissioners saying "Aye" and the chair stating "Motion passes." The transcript does not include a full roll-call tally.
Supporters said stocking now is important because spring water conditions have been ahead of schedule and earlier winter stockings are spotty and do not cover all waters. "I don't see what choice we have in the matter—the money's pretty much for that purpose," Campbell said in arguing for authorizing the expenditure.
Commissioners also discussed hatchery logistics and cost control: the hatchery has been coordinating partial loads and using empty tanks headed elsewhere to reduce extra diesel expense, and commissioners said they will continue to negotiate price-per-pound with the hatchery.
The commission noted the funding constraints: a portion of the account consists of donation dollars that require board approval to spend and future state funds that have been reduced or may not be available next fiscal year. The chair said staff would pursue additional donations and discuss possible advances of funds with county administration to ensure fish are in the water for scheduled events.
Next steps: The commission authorized staff to proceed with stocking within the approved parameters; the motion as recorded in the meeting transcript allows expenditures for stocking between now and the fiscal year end. A detailed roll-call vote was not provided verbatim in the transcript.
