HB 2504-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that, beginning in 1999, the governor shall submit an annual state of the salmon report to the legislature during the first week of the regular legislative session.

     Creates the salmon recovery office within the office of the governor for the purpose of having a coordinated state strategy to allow for salmon recovery to healthy sustainable population levels with productive commercial and recreational fisheries.

     Authorizes the creation of, and establishes the boundaries for, up to four new regional fisheries enhancement groups in the state.  Up to three of the new groups may be located in eastern Washington and one new group may be located in western Washington.

     Provides that critical pathways methodology shall be used to develop a habitat work plan that ensures habitat restoration activities within each region will be prioritized and implemented in a logical sequential manner that restores healthy populations of salmon.

     Creates an independent science panel consisting of five scientists appointed by the governor.

     Declares it is the policy of the state to include any recovery plan developed under the federal endangered species act into the Puget Sound water quality management plan.

     Revises the membership of the Puget Sound action team.

     Makes an appropriation of an unspecified amount to carry out the purposes of the act.