SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESHB 1877

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                                MARCH 25, 1991

Brief Description:  Creating the Olympic natural resources center.

SPONSORS:House Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Hargrove, Belcher, Jones, Phillips, Jacobsen, Sheldon, Basich and Rasmussen).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL FACILITIES & FINANCING

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Conner, and Snyder.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates:March 25, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The Commission on Old Growth Alternatives for Washington's Forest Trust Lands, which was created in June 1988 by the Commissioner of Public Lands, recommended creation of an Olympic Natural Resources Center.  As envisioned by the commission, the purpose of the center would be to develop research and educational programs to support management of natural resources for both the production of commodities and the maintenance of ecological values.

During the 1989 session, the Legislature enacted SSB 5911 largely in response to concerns about emerging issues related to timber supply and old growth management.  At the same time there was also considerable interest and concern about the impact that exploration for oil off the Washington coast might have on coastal resources.  These concerns, in combination with others about the relationship of fisheries habitat, water quality, and timber management, prompted the creation of the Olympic Institute for Old Growth Forest and Ocean Research and Education in SSB 5911.

The institute is to be located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula and operated by the University of Washington, with joint support from the College of Forest Resources and the College of Ocean and Fishery Science.

The purpose of the institute is to demonstrate innovative management methods which integrate environmental and economic interests into pragmatic management of forest and ocean resources.  The institute is to combine research and educational opportunities with experimental forestry, oceans management, and traditional management knowledge.

The University of Washington was directed to develop a plan for the institute, based on recommendations of the Old Growth Commission.

SUMMARY:

The name of the Olympic Institute is changed to the Olympic Natural Resources Center.  In developing programs, the center is directed to include research and education on:  a broad range of ocean resource problems; forest resource management issues; interactions between marine, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems; natural resources and their social and economic implications; and alternative social and economic bases for resource-based communities.  The center is also directed to provide a neutral forum where conflicts can be addressed and resolved and to provide a range of educational opportunities.

The center is to operate under the authority of the University of Washington.  A scientific or technical committee is to be appointed by the director of the center and a policy advisory board is to be appointed by the Governor.

The bill contains a severability clause.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

The center is a response to SSB 5911 and is fully supported by the community and by the University of Washington.  Funding will be through the capital and operating budget of the University.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Lew Holcomb, Port of Port Angeles; Gordon Smith, University of Washington; Pat Harper, DNR