HB 2570 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Amends RCW 77.85.190 to extend the time period for federal assurances related to the forests and fish report.

     Declares that it is expressly understood that the state will pursue a rule delineating federal assurances under 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1533(d) and may concurrently develop a Sec. 10(a) habitat conservation plan by June 2005.  The department of natural resources must report regularly to the house of representatives and senate natural resources committees on the progress of the program, and on any technical or legal issues that may arise.

     Declares that the forest and fish agreement as embodied in chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. and this chapter, the rules adopted by the forest practices board to implement this chapter, and all protections for small forest landowners, are reaffirmed as part of the extension of time granted in this act and will be collectively included in the federal assurances sought by the state of Washington.