SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5076

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

              Natural Resources, January 24, 1995

Title:  An act relating to wildlife habitat corridors.

Brief Description:  Developing wildlife habitat corridors.

Sponsors:  Senators Oke, Owen and Drew.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  1/10/95, 1/24/95 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5076 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

  Signed by Senators Drew, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Haugen, Morton, Oke, Owen, Strannigan and Swecker.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  The abundance of some species of wildlife in Washington State may be restricted due to lack of suitable habitat corridors that would allow for freedom of movement and full colonization and utilization of habitat.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Conservation Commission is required to institute a program for wildlife habitat corridors.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife assists the commission.  The program involves private landowners through a system of incentives.  The corridor program must be cooperative with other governmental agencies and native American tribes.  Particular emphasis is placed on corridors for protection of endangered species.  Corridors may not be used specifically to enhance species that harm humans.  Public contributions to the program are encouraged.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The authority to implement corridor planning is given to the Conservation Commission, rather than to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The planning is voluntary for private landowners, and the commission will be the lead agency to coordinate state, federal and private volunteer habitat improvement programs.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 3, 1995.

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

Testimony For:  This type of coordination and wildlife corridor planning is vital to improvement of habitat for wildlife.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife doesn't want to be the lead agency for this program.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Cyreis Schmitt, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Ted Bottiger, WA Conservation Commission; Kent Lebsack, Cattlemen's Assoc.