SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6282

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Natural Resources & Parks, January 29, 1998

Title:  An act relating to federally listed threatened and endangered species.

Brief Description:  Planning for the impact of federally listed threatened and endangered species.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker, Oke and Schow.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/27/98, 1/29/98 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6282 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Rossi, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Jacobsen, Morton, Prentice, Snyder, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  The listing of threatened or endangered fish under the Endangered Species Act will require the development of a recovery plan for each listing.  Recovery plans frequently consist of measures that prevent the take of a species, and improve or protect the habitat necessary for the well being of a species.  Washington State currently has four listings of threatened or endangered fish species and more are expected in the near future.

A mechanism is needed for making funding decisions for endangered species habitat improvement or protection projects.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A 20-member salmon restoration funding task force is created.  It consists of representatives from the Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Transportation, Ecology, Natural Resources, Community, Trade, and Economic Development, the Conservation Commission, and treaty tribes, cities, counties, a business organization, an environmental organization, an agricultural organization, regional fisheries enhancement groups, and three scientists from research universities, in addition to four legislative members.

The task force must develop recommendations on a funding process for salmonid restoration projects, including a standard methodology, prioritization, statewide data base, assessment of the role of conservation easements, and project applications.  The task force is instructed to address all issues for salmon restoration except for fish passage projects.  A preliminary report is due to the Legislature by August 1, 1998, with a final report by December 1, 1998.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Four additional members are added to the task force representing the Conservation Commission, an agricultural organization, and scientists from research universities.  The task force must make recommendations on all salmon restoration funding issues except for fish passage issues.  The task force must consider the use of conservation easements as a salmon recovery strategy.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 20, 1998.

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

Testimony For:  There needs to be a consistent policy for making funding decisions on salmon restoration projects.  The Legislature needs recommendations on how to best accomplish salmon restoration objectives.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Don Stuart, Washington Association of Conservation Districts (pro); Amy Bell, Washington Department of Natural Resources; Bruce Wishart, People for Puget Sound (pro); Rachel Smith, Washington Environmental Council; Karla Kay Fullerton, Washington Cattlemen=s Association; John Rosapepe, Sierra Club; Paul Parker, Washington State Association of Counties (pro).