FINAL BILL REPORT

                     SHB 1112

                                 C 107 L 91

                            Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for environmental interpretation in state parks.

By House Committee on Natural Resources & Parks. (Originally sponsored by Representatives Ferguson, Belcher, Brumsickle, R. King, Rasmussen and Miller.)

House Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Background:  Existing legislation authorizes management of state park lands to: (1) maintain and enhance ecological, aesthetic, and recreational purposes; (2) preserve and maintain mature and old growth forests which may also be used for interpretive purposes; (3) protect cultural and historic resources, locations and artifacts which may be used for interpretive purposes; (4) provide recreational opportunities to the public; (5) preserve and maintain habitat; and (6) encourage public participation in the formation and implementation of park policies and programs.

Public comments from around the state are encouraging the State Parks and Recreation Commission to increase its environmental interpretive program. During the Department of Ecology's 2010 public meetings, the department received numerous  comments regarding the need for environmental education to curb increasing pollution in our state. The Department of Ecology's final report on the 2010 process includes an entire chapter on environmental education.  One  recommendation is for public-private partnerships which promote environmental education for targeted segments of the public. 

The 1991 Puget Sound Water Quality Authority Plan recommends that the State Parks and Recreation Commission create environmental interpretation programs related to Puget Sound's water quality. The report finds that these programs are necessary components of long-term management and pollution prevention strategies for Puget Sound.

Both studies encourage increased use of state parks facilities for environmental interpretation.  State park  visitors are viewed as a clearly defined audience who could gain a better understanding and appreciation of Washington's environment through enhance park interpretive programs.

Summary:  The State Parks and Recreation Commission may provide environmental interpretation activities to visitors.  Those activities may: (1) explain ecosystems; (2) explain the relationship between human behaviors and the environment; and (3) offer information to increase citizen appreciation and stewardship of the environment.

The commission may consult with, solicit assistance from and enter into agreements with private and public entities who are interested in conserving and interpreting Washington's environment. The commission will not permit commercial advertising in state parks as a condition of an environmental interpretation contractual agreement. The commission will keep an accounting of all monetary gifts received in support of environmental interpretation.  

Votes on Final Passage:

House 96    0

Senate   46    1     (Senate amended)

House 96    0     (House concurred)

Effective:     July 28, 1991