SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5004

                    As of February 1, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the collection, conservation, and appreciation of diversified horticultural plant species.

Brief Description:  Providing for the collection, conservation, and appreciation of diversified horticultural plant species.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Gaspard, Newhouse, Snyder, Sellar, Bauer, Winsley and C. Anderson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ecology & Parks:  1/11/95; 2/2/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Staff:  Cathy Baker (786-7708)

Background:  Washington State has a variety of designations symbolizing the uniqueness of the state.  Some of these include the state flag, state tree (western hemlock), state grass (bluebunch wheatgrass), state flower (rhododendron), state fruit (apple), state bird (willow goldfinch), state fish (steelhead trout), state song ("Washington My Home"), state folk song ("Roll on Columbia"), state dance (square dance), and the state seal.

The Washington Park Arboretum, formerly known as the University of Washington Arboretum, is a 200-acre arboretum run by the city of Seattle and the University of Washington.  In addition to being an area dedicated to preserving and displaying woody plant species from around the world that can thrive in the Northwest, it is a center for botanical and gardening information. 

Summary of Bill:  Findings are made regarding the importance of arboreta to the state.  The Washington Park Arboretum is declared an official arboretum of the state of Washington.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.