SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6330

              As Passed Senate, February 14, 2000

Title:  An act relating to nonconsumptive wildlife activities.

Brief Description:  Allowing nonconsumptive wildlife activities on public lands.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Swecker and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  1/26/2000, 1/27/2000 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/14/2000, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Rossi, Snyder, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  State lands leased for grazing or agricultural purposes are open to the public for hunting and fishing under most circumstances.

Nonconsumptive wildlife activities, otherwise known as watchable wildlife activities, are not currently included in the list of multiple use activities compatible with Department of Natural Resources trust management of public lands.

Watchable wildlife interests desire to be included in access to and management of public lands.

Summary of Bill:  Nonconsumptive wildlife activities are included as a legitimate reason for entry onto public lands leased for grazing or agricultural purposes.

Multiple use management of state trust lands must include nonconsumptive wildlife activities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Watchable wildlife interests desire the opportunity to utilize state lands leased for grazing or agriculture.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Ron Shultz, National Audubon Society; Barb Fandrick, Grays Harbor Audubon; Katrine Weihs, National Audubon Society, Tahoma Chapter.