SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5872

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 5, 1992

Brief Description:  Protecting the Snoqualmie river.

SPONSORS: Senator Bluechel

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means. 

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

Staff:  Gary Wilburn (786‑7453)

Hearing Dates: February 5, 1992

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786-7715)

Hearing Dates:  February 6, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The north, south and middle forks of the Snoqualmie River arise in the Cascade Mountains in east King County, converge near North Bend, and the river from there flows over Snoqualmie Falls and past the communities of Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation and Duvall.  The river converges with the Snohomish River near Monroe in Snohomish County.

In 1977 the Washington Scenic River System was established, with the inclusion of segments of the Skykomish River.  Portions of the Little Spokane River were added to the system by the Legislature in 1991; no additional rivers have since been designated.  Under the system, a committee of participating agencies is responsible for developing management policies and a management plan for the publicly-owned portions of the designated river.  Representatives of local communities serve on an expanded committee to coordinate management of publicly-owned land along the river.  The state Parks and Recreation Commission provides technical assistance, information, training and support to communities along the rivers.

Additionally, the Legislature in 1985 directed that a management plan for the Nisqually River be prepared.  The plan recommended and resulted in the creation of the Nisqually River Council, made up of citizen members and local government representatives to coordinate government and other actions within the river basin. 

In 1990 the Legislature directed that a management plan be developed for the Kettle River by Ferry and Stevens counties, acting jointly with the assistance of the state Parks and Recreation Commission.

SUMMARY:

Legislative intent is expressed as encouraging communities to join on a regional basis to implement state policy in preserving certain rivers of the state in as natural condition as practical while allowing for reasonable maintenance for flood control.

The state Parks and Recreation Commission shall adopt and implement a management program for lands along the Snoqualmie River above Snoqualmie Falls.  The commission shall work in conjunction with the King County Council, North Bend and Snoqualmie in developing the program.  Local landowners and river users shall be included in the management task force to develop the program.

The commission shall approve the program developed at the local level if it meets criteria specified in the act.  Once the plan is approved, the commission shall prepare a requested budget to assist in implementing the program, and provide technical assistance in implementation.  Following implementation of the program, the county and municipalities may request consideration of the river for scenic river designation.

Appropriation:  $40,000

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 29, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:

This will enhance a comprehensive approach for protection of the Snoqualmie River, including reasonable flood protection activities.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Senator Alan Bluechel, prime sponsor; Sandra Nelson, Northwest Rivers Council (pro); Cleve Pinnix, State Parks (pro)