FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 2351

                         C 163 L 94

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying provisions relating to recovery of stray logs.

By House Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Shin, Patterson, Campbell, Finkbeiner, Forner, Appelwick, J. Kohl and Johanson).

House Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Background:  Transportation of logs and log raft storage were once commonplace on the waters of Washington.  Licensed log patrols recovered logs that escaped from their owners and drifted or became stranded or submerged.  Log patrols were licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.  Only a log's owner, the owner's agent, or a licensed log patrol could recover stray logs.

While water transportation of logs is no longer commonplace, the occasional stray log can pose a threat to navigation, safety and property.  The requirement that only a log's owner or a licensed log patrol may recover stray logs remains.  The Department of Natural Resources also retains the responsibility for managing a log patrol licensing program for an ever-decreasing number of licensees.  Currently there are three log patrol license holders in the state. 

Summary:  The existing log patrol statutes are repealed, and references to log patrols found elsewhere in statute are deleted.

The Department of Natural Resources is directed to convene a discussion among interested parties to review issues related to stray log recovery.  By October 31, 1994, the department is to report proposed guidelines for the recovery of adrift stray logs.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  92 0

Senate 34 0 (Senate amended)

House  93 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  June 9, 1994