Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1983

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.

Brief Description: Concerning natural resource management activities.

Sponsors: Representatives Maycumber, Kretz and Walsh.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) to use the best available land management techniques to manage acquired lands, and requires the Department to develop mitigation actions where appropriate.

  • Allows the Department to use specific land management techniques without preparing an Environmental Impact Statement.

Hearing Date: 2/19/19

Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).

Background:

Land Management by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

As a part of its mandate to protect and preserve the state's fish and wildlife resources while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) may acquire and manage state lands. The Department currently owns or manages about 1 million acres in 33 wildlife areas, along with 700 public water-access sites.

State Environmental Policy Act.

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) establishes a review process for state and local governments to evaluate environmental impacts from project permits and other government decisions. The SEPA process involves the completion of an environmental checklist by a lead agency and coordination with other governments and agencies as applicable. Some projects may require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Information collected during the SEPA process may be used to adjust project proposals to reduce potential environmental impacts. Certain actions are exempt from the SEPA requirements to submit an environmental checklist or to prepare an EIS.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) may manage its acquired lands using the best available land management techniques. These techniques include:

Land management activities under this authority are exempt from the requirement to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement under the SEPA, and the Department has a duty to develop mitigation actions where appropriate.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.