1565-S AMC CONF S3335.1

SHB 1565 - CONF REPT

By Conference Committee

                                                   ADOPTED 4/26/97

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that small scale prospecting and mining:  (1) Is an important part of the heritage of the state; (2) provides economic benefits to the state; and (3) can be conducted in a manner that is beneficial to fish habitat and fish propagation.  Now, therefore, the legislature declares that small scale prospecting and mining shall be regulated in the least burdensome manner that is consistent with the state's fish management objectives and the federal endangered species act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 75.20 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) Small scale prospecting and mining shall not require written approval under this chapter if the prospecting is conducted in accordance with provisions established by the department.

    (2) By December 31, 1998, the department shall adopt rules applicable to small scale prospecting and mining activities subject to this section.  The department shall develop the rules in cooperation with the recreational mining community and other interested parties.

    (3) Within two months of adoption of the rules, the department shall distribute an updated gold and fish pamphlet that describes methods of mineral prospecting that are consistent with the department's rule.  The pamphlet shall be written to clearly indicate the prospecting methods that require written approval under this chapter and the prospecting methods that require compliance with the pamphlet.  To the extent possible, the department shall use the provisions of the gold and fish pamphlet to minimize the number of specific provisions of a written approval issued under this chapter.

    (4) For the purposes of this chapter, "small scale prospecting and mining" means only the use of the following methods:  Pans, nonmotorized sluice boxes, concentrators, and minirocker boxes for the discovery and recovery of minerals."

SHB 1565 - CONF REPT

By Conference Committee

                                                   ADOPTED 4/27/97

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "mining;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 75.20 RCW; and creating a new section."

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