1531-S AMH CHAP HATF 092

SHB 1531 - H AMD 186

By Representative Chapman

ADOPTED 03/02/2017

    On page 7, beginning on line 6, after "(11)" strike all material through "strategy" on line 17, and insert:  "The legislature finds that the overall societal benefits of economically viable working forests are multiple, and include the protection of clean, cold water, the provision of wildlife habitat, the sheltering of cultural resources from development, and the natural carbon storage potential of growing trees.  As such, working forests and the forest riparian easement program may be part of the state's overall carbon sequestration strategy.  If the state creates a climate strategy, the department must share information regarding the carbon sequestration benefits of the forest riparian easement program with other state programs using methods and protocols established in the state climate strategy that attempt to quantify carbon storage or account for carbon emissions.  The department must promote the expansion of funding for the forest riparian easement program and the ecosystem services supported by the program based on the findings stated in RCW 76.13.100.  Nothing in this subsection allows a landowner to be reimbursed by the state more than once for the same forest riparian easement application"

EFFECT:  Directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in the event that the state adopts a climate strategy, to share information regarding the carbon sequestration benefits of the forest riparian easement program using methods and protocols established in the state climate strategy that attempt to quantify carbon storage or account for carbon emissions.  Directs the DNR to promote the expansion of funding for the forest riparian easement program and the ecosystem services supported by the program.  Prohibits the state from reimbursing a landowner more than once for the same riparian easement application.      

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