HB 1985-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Requires that, until December 31, 2000, the department in cooperation with the department of fish and wildlife, and the department of ecology when relating to water quality protection, is granted authority to select not more than seven pilot projects for the purpose of developing individual landowner multispecies landscape management plans.

     Provides that the management plans must be submitted to the department and the department of fish and wildlife, and the department of ecology when the landowner elects to cover water quality in the plan, no later than March 1, 2000.  The department shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposed plan.

     Provides that the department together with the department of fish and wildlife, and the department of ecology relating to water quality protection, shall develop a suitable process to permit landowners to secure all permits required for the conduct of forest practices in a single multiyear permit to be jointly issued by the departments and the departments shall report their findings to the legislature not later than December 31, 2000.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1985-S

                   May 9, 1997

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 6, Substitute House Bill No. 1985 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to forest practices landscape management plan pilot projects;"

     Section 6 of SHB 1985 contains a "null and void" clause, making this bill contingent upon funding being provided in the budget.  The budget does contain full funding for implementation of this bill.  However, approximately 65% of the funding requested by the agencies is provided in the budget.  I believe that with good, efficient work, the majority of the important pilot projects authorized by this legislation can be completed with the limited funding.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 6 of Substitute House Bill No. 1985.

     With the exception of section 6, I am approving Substitute House Bill No. 1985.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor