HB 1953 - DIGEST

     Finds that:  (1) Streamside buffers are essential for the protection and restoration of salmon and shellfish habitat, other fisheries resources, and water quality;

     (2) in their natural state, streamside buffers provide many valuable social and ecological services, including controlling erosion, flooding, and storm water runoff, protecting water resources by filtering pollutants, providing for ground water recharge, and providing a habitat for many species of fish, shellfish, and wildlife;

     (3) streamside protection is currently provided on forestry and urban lands through the forest practices and growth management acts, whereas past and current farm and agricultural land use practices continue to destroy or severely impact natural streamside buffers, salmon habitat, water quality, and fisheries resources; and

     (4) buffers adjacent to waters of the state are essential to protect and restore the productive capacity of salmon and shellfish habitat and for the survival of fisheries resources.