03-09-2004, 04:18 PM
RICHMOND, VA--To make licensing simpler for anglers, Virginia legislators have passed laws that will establish a special combined fishing license for those who fish in fresh- and saltwater.
Under House Bill 1452, those people who purchase the new license will not have to buy a basic state fishing license issued by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or the saltwater recreational fishing license issued by the state Marine Resources Commission.
The bill, which was introduced by Republican Del. Glenn Oder, unanimously passed the House of Delegates February 9 and unanimously passed the Senate February 25. Officials say it's expected that Gov. Mark Warner will sign the bill when it lands on his desk.
In other Virginia news, the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has added Swift Run in Greene County to the state's designated stocked trout program. Officials say the addition of this stream is primarily due to two Green County residents who obtained landowner approval for the 3.5-mile section. The stocked section of the stream is located next to Rt. 634 and is between Rt. 810 and US Rt. 33. Swift Run will be stocked twice this spring, and will be classified as a category C water.
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Under House Bill 1452, those people who purchase the new license will not have to buy a basic state fishing license issued by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or the saltwater recreational fishing license issued by the state Marine Resources Commission.
The bill, which was introduced by Republican Del. Glenn Oder, unanimously passed the House of Delegates February 9 and unanimously passed the Senate February 25. Officials say it's expected that Gov. Mark Warner will sign the bill when it lands on his desk.
In other Virginia news, the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has added Swift Run in Greene County to the state's designated stocked trout program. Officials say the addition of this stream is primarily due to two Green County residents who obtained landowner approval for the 3.5-mile section. The stocked section of the stream is located next to Rt. 634 and is between Rt. 810 and US Rt. 33. Swift Run will be stocked twice this spring, and will be classified as a category C water.
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