SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESB 5613

               As Passed Senate, March 15, 1999

Title:  An act relating to salmon recovery measures and planning.

Brief Description:  Identifying a state‑wide salmon recovery strategy.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Fraser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/11/99, 2/17/99 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/15/99, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Snyder, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  Salmon recovery efforts in Washington State are guided by the salmon recovery framework legislation (SHB 2496, C 246, L 98) and by the pilot project legislation for southwest Washington (ESHB 2836, C 60 L 98).  Both laws encouraged the development of strong locally based efforts for salmon habitat restoration and protection.  A salmon recovery office was created within the Office of the Governor for the purpose of coordinating a state salmon  recovery strategy.

The specifics concerning the development of a statewide salmon recovery strategy were not identified in the 1998 salmon recovery legislation.

Summary of Bill:  A statewide salmon recovery strategy must be submitted by the Governor to federal fisheries agencies by September 1, 1999.  The strategy must be developed using the following considerations:  (1) regional and local watershed initiatives; (2) collaborative and incentive-based approaches that rely on existing statutes; (3) habitat, water quality, harvest, hatchery, streamflows, and fish  passage barriers limiting factors; (4) immediate actions needed including recommending performance measures to the Legislature; (5) public involvement process; (6) best scientific information; (7) fair allocation of recovery costs; and (8) relaxation of restrictions as populations recover.

Previous actions taken for salmon recovery planning prior to the date of the act continue to be valid.

The interagency review team must consult with agriculture, fishing, timber and government interests prior to finalizing funding decisions.

Consideration for fish recovery project funding is to be given to projects that include use of side channels, off stream rearing, over wintering habitat, or acclimation ponds.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 2, 1999.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  A state recovery strategy needs to be developed and submitted to the federal fishery management agencies in a timely manner.  The strategy needs to be developed with more public involvement.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Wayne Beckwith, Olympia/Thurston Chamber of Commerce (pro); Ron Shultz, National Audubon Society (pro); Bill Clarke, Washington Association of Realtors (concerns); Steve Robinson, NW Indian Fish Commission (concerns); Dawn Vyvyan , Yakima Nation (pro); Enid Layes, Washington State Hart Cultural Association (pro); Scott Hazlegrove, AWB (pro); Kathleen Collins, Washington Water Policy Alliance (pro).