FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 2541

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

The Forest Practices Board (Board) is a 13-member independent panel chaired and administered by the Commissioner of Public Lands. The main duty of the Board is to adopt and maintain the forest practices rules. The forest practices rules are the administrative rules that govern all private and state forest practice activities and establish minimum standards for forest practices. They also provide procedures for the voluntary development of management plans, establish necessary administrative provisions, and allow for the development of watershed analyses.

There are 10 stated purposes of the forest practices rules. These purposes include affording protection to forest soils, recognizing the public and private interest in profitable timber growing, avoiding unnecessary duplication of regulation, providing interagency and tribal coordination and cooperation, achieving compliance with water pollution laws, giving consideration to local planning efforts, and promoting permitting efficiency.

Summary:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is required to develop landowner conservation proposals that support forest landowners by December 31, 2011. In the development of the proposals, the DNR must consult with the Board, Indian tribes, small forest landowners, conservation groups, industrial foresters, and state, federal, and local government. The proposed initiatives, if any, must be presented to the Governor, the Legislature, the Commission of Public Lands, and the Board. The DNR must also offer to present its findings to the Washington congressional delegation, local governments, and appropriate agencies of the federal government.

The scale of the proposals developed by the DNR must be based on the resources available. The DNR may seek federal and private funds to support the development of proposals.

The School of Forest Resources at the University of Washington is required to continue to work with stakeholders concerned with the state's forest resources to help in the recruitment, training, and education of a work force that help address critical forest issues.

The purposes of the forest practices rules also include assisting landowners in accessing market capital and financing for ecosystem services.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	98
Senate	45	(Senate amended)
House	95	(House concurred)