6731-S2

6731-S2.E AMH NR H5022.1

By Representative Ericksen

E2SSB 6731 - H COMM AMD ADOPTED 3-1-00

By Committee on Natural Resources

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The Lake Whatcom landscape management pilot project is created.

The department of natural resources shall develop a landscape plan regarding state-owned forest lands in the Lake Whatcom watershed area. Where appropriate, the department will consult with other major forest landowners in the watershed and shall involve watershed residents in management activities. The department shall consult with the Lake Whatcom management committee on proposed timber harvest and road management activities. The department shall establish an interjurisdictional committee for the development of the landscape plan, to review the site-specific activities and make recommendations. The interjurisdictional committee shall include two members of the public who have an interest in these activities. The landscape plan shall address at least the following topics:

(1) Establishing riparian management zones along all streams, as classified under chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. The department shall manage lands within such zones to protect water quality and riparian habitat. The interjurisdictional committee may recommend to the department restrictions upon timber harvest and yarding activities on a case-by-case basis;

(2) Harvest and road construction upon potentially unstable slopes shall be carefully regulated;

(3) On unstable slopes, new road construction shall be prohibited and old road reconstruction shall be limited;

(4) A sustained yield model specific to the Lake Whatcom watershed that encompasses the revised management standards and that is consistent with the sustained yield established by the board of natural resources shall be created and implemented;

(5) The department should build on the existing draft Lake Whatcom landscape plan and incorporate both new information from the community and new scientific information when available; and

(6) The development of a road management plan for the watershed.

The landscape plan shall be completed and implementation initiated by June 30, 2001. Timber harvest and all road construction in the watershed on state land shall be delayed until the plan is completed."

Correct the title.