SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 1112

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                                MARCH 21, 1991

Brief Description:  Providing for environmental interpretation in state parks.

SPONSORS: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

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Conner, Owen, Patterson, Snyder, and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Gabrielle Horner (786‑7717)

Hearing Dates:March 21, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Current state law provides for the management of state park lands to:  (1) maintain and enhance ecological, aesthetic, and recreational purposes; (2) preserve, maintain, and interpret natural and historic resources; (3) provide recreational opportunities; and (4) encourage public participation in park program development.

Public comments from around the state have encouraged the State Parks and Recreation Commission to increase environmental education programs.  Environmental education programs continue to be in high public demand, and are often cited as the best long-range and cost effective methods to minimize human impacts on the environment. 

The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC), predicts "interpretive center visits" to be one of the state's fastest growing recreational activities.  The 1991 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan finds that public education programs are necessary components of long-term management and pollution prevention strategies for a clean Puget Sound.  Furthermore, the primary goal of the Department of Ecology's Environment 2010 project is for a citizenry that is the most environmentally enlightened and responsible in the country.

SUMMARY:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission is given the authority to provide environmental interpretive activities for visitors to state parks that:  (1) explain ecosystems; (2) explain the effect of human needs, behaviors, and attitudes on the environment; and (3) increase citizen appreciation and stewardship of the environment and its multiple uses. 

The commission may consult and enter into agreements with private and governmental entities in order to conserve and interpret Washington's environment.

Appropriation:  none 

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The commission shall not permit commercial advertising in state parks as a condition of any agreements related to interpretive activities.  The commission shall maintain an accounting of all monetary gifts.  Expenditures of monetary gifts cannot be used to increase the commission's personnel.

The legislative intent is codified.

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill responds to public requests for increased interpretive programs in state parks.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Ray Ferguson, prime sponsor; Terry Wright, Hood Canal Detectorists; Chris Hedrick, Puget Sound Water Quality Authority (pro)