SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6387

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

Brief Description:  Providing for grizzly bear management.

SPONSORS: Senators Owen, Morton, Oke, Sellar, Hargrove, M. Rasmussen and Haugen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6387 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar, Snyder and Spanel.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: February 2, 1994; February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Grizzly bears are an endangered species that exist in very small populations in remote areas of the state.

Some persons are concerned that only native bears shall be managed, and that introduced grizzlies could be a threat to human safety.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Wildlife shall not transplant or introduce grizzly bears into the state.  Only native grizzly bears may be managed by the department in areas with suitable habitat.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Department of Wildlife grizzly bear management shall only apply to public lands.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Grizzly bears can cause injury or death to humans and imported bears pose an unknown risk.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

All management tools should be utilized for grizzly bear recovery.

TESTIFIED:  Rich Wagner, Backcountry Horsemen (pro); Loren McGovern, Backcountry Horsemen (pro); Matt Norton, Greater Ecosystem Alliance (con); Joe Scott, Greater Ecosystem Alliance (con); Ken Lebsack, WA Cattlemen's Assn. (pro); Pat McCourt; Harriet Allen, WA Dept. of Wildlife; Eddie Armstrong, WA State Horse Council (con)