SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6340

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

              Natural Resources, February 1, 1996

Title:  An act relating to state forest land that lies above a single source aquifer.

Brief Description:  Protecting single source aquifers that lie above state land.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen and Drew.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  1/25/96, 2/1/96 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6340 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  The maintenance of pure water and a steady supply of water is particularly important in the case of areas served by a single aquifer.  Developing all of the land over an aquifer will limit the ability of the aquifer to recharge.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  State agencies must maintain continuing forestry on all state forest lands on islands when those lands lie above a single source aquifer.  State-owned forest lands must not be converted to a higher use when the conversion would have a potential negative impact on a single source aquifer.  A joint House and Senate study of conversion of state lands is authorized.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The bill applies to all state lands and is limited to lands above sole source aquifers on islands.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  All lands should be allowed to continue in forestry to allow for clear air and water as well as open space.

Testimony Against:  The proposal could violate the Department of Natural Resources trust mandate.

Testified:  Dan Cantrell, WEC; Kent Lebsac, Cattlemen's Assn. (pro); Stan Biles, DNR (con).