HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4646, by Representatives Scott, Costa, Basich, Radcliff and Sehlin

      WHEREAS, Dick Renken appeared before the Washington State Wildlife Commission in 1987, providing an eloquent plea for accessibility to the wildlife and fishing programs of the State of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, Through his leadership and with the cooperation of the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission and other citizen sportsmen and women, the Citizen Task Force for the Disabled was founded; and

      WHEREAS, This Task Force was identified as an advisory body to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife; and

      WHEREAS, This Task Force, with Dick Renken as its President, worked diligently to develop and guide House Bill No. 2010 from the 1989-90 legislative session, addressing specific statutory needs related to disabled hunting, through the legislative process; and

      WHEREAS, This legislation was signed by the Governor in May 1989, and was followed by Task Force proposals for, and subsequent adoption of implementing administrative rules by the Wildlife Commission; and

      WHEREAS, Dick Renken led efforts by task force members to work with sports clubs and other volunteer groups across the state, at their own expense, to develop cooperative projects, one of which resulted in development of the state's first wheelchair accessible fishing dock on Blackman's Lake, in Snohomish County, which included a 300-foot concrete ramp to the 155-foot dock, utilizing volunteers from the Snohomish Sportmen's Club, local businesses, and Volunteer Co-Op Program funding; and

      WHEREAS, Dick led efforts to design, build, and install 12 wheelchair-accessible water fowl viewing and hunting blinds in all regions of the state with the support and contributions of numerous sports clubs, private businesses, and individuals; and

      WHEREAS, Dick's leadership and the efforts of other task force members revealed the value of cooperation with the subsequent establishment of several opportunities recognizing the program accessibility needs of all citizens; and

      WHEREAS, While following his own desires, seeking the enjoyment of wildlife and the outdoors, while participating in an elk hunt in Eastern Washington, Dick became ill and subsequently passed away;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That Dick Renken, who was confined to a wheelchair as a result of an accident, is hereby recognized by the Washington State House of Representatives for his contributions to the enhancement and development of increased wildlife recreational opportunity for all citizens, including those with disabilities; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Cheryl Renken, Dick Renken's long-time wife and supporter, members of the Citizen Task Force for the Disabled, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Office of the Governor.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4646 adopted by the House of Representatives

                              April 6, 1995.

                     ________________________________

                      Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk