For over 75 years, revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses has financed Virginia game management, game warden salaries, numerous conservation projects and fish hatcheries, to name a few.
But now there are fewer and fewer outdoorsmen buying licenses and many projects are in peril – including our fish hatcheries. Says Asheley Stimpson of the DWR, “Virginia has nine fish hatcheries that stock trout, striped bass, walleye, smallmouth bass, and sunfish. Most of them require significant upgrades to keep producing fish and support sport fisheries—a story that is not unique—and this article details many of the challenges. DWR is actively pursuing funding mechanisms to maintain and upgrade the hatchery system, but without additional financial support, the ability of the system to support fish production will decline significantly. Note that our hatcheries are open to visitors, and we are happy to arrange a tour for interested anglers. Please reach out to us at fisheries@dwr.virginia.gov and we will set something up!
The future of our outdoor resources is not bright, indeed.
