SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8011

                    As of February 2, 1995

Brief Description:  Requesting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture assist in restoring burned forests.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Owen, Snyder, Bauer, Deccio, Morton, A. Anderson and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  2/10/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  Major forest fires in Washington consumed over 280,000 acres of private, state and federal forest, grass and rangeland.  That area contains over 700 million board feet of timber, but will lose commercial value if not harvested within a two-year period. 

Summary of Bill:  The United States Department of Agriculture is requested to participate in efforts to ensure the long-term health of Washington's natural resources.  The Department of Agriculture is specifically asked to (1) conduct salvage logging on all forest lands burned by the wild fires in 1994 or before, (2) to take steps to control diseases and insects, and (3) to reseed and replant seedlings in burned areas. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.