H-1015.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1448
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State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1991 Regular Session
By Representatives Jacobsen, Anderson, Rust, Brekke, Prentice, Valle, Phillips, Heavey, Appelwick, Locke, H. Sommers, Belcher, Nelson, Hine, Fraser and Wineberry.
Read first time January 29, 1991. Referred to Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife.
AN ACT Relating to urban wildlife management areas; adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that areas of the state of Washington hold significant importance for wildlife habitat, study, and recreation. Those areas located near major urban areas and important research institutions possess unique potential for study and research into the development, management, and use of natural systems in urban environments.
It is the policy of the state of Washington to protect and enhance these areas for the following purposes:
(1) Use as wildlife habitat;
(2) Application of rational practices for the management of biological systems in urban environments;
(3) Biological, environmental, and landscape architectural research and teaching;
(4) Passive recreational enjoyment of natura; and
(5) Protection from development or construction other than that necessary to accomplish the purposes listed in this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 77.12 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The Union Bay portion of Lake Washington is recognized as a prime wetland area that is of significant importance for wildlife habitat, study, and recreation. It is also situated near an important research institution, the University of Washington.
The Union Bay wildlife habitat management area is established, and in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, the department of wildlife shall identify the specific boundaries of the area as that area located east of the Lake Washington ship canal.
(2) The department of wildlife shall manage the activities on, and uses of, the following property located within the Union Bay wetland management area:
(a) All property owned by the state and a state agency or local government in consultation with the various property managers; and
(b) Privately owned property that the owner or owners have entered into an agreement with the department of wildlife transferring management responsibility over the land to the department.
(3) The department of wildlife may establish an advisory group representing landowner, local community, neighborhood, or other groups to provide input to the development, management, and evaluation of plans and objectives for the management area.