SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8016

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

    Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, February 2, 2000

Brief Description:  Requesting support to combat Douglas fir bark beetles.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Jacobsen, Rasmussen, Rossi, Sellar, Hochstatter, Hargrove, McCaslin, Honeyford, Winsley, Sheahan and Stevens.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/2/2000 [DP].

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:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  There has been a serious outbreak of Douglas Fir bark beetles in central and eastern Washington.  It is the largest outbreak since the 1950's and particularly affects the Colville National Forest.  The outbreak has been going on for 10 to 12 years with very little action to control or manage the outbreak.

Summary of Bill:  The Forest Service is asked to develop an aggressive policy for managing dead and dying timber in the area of the Douglas Fir bark beetle infestation.  Since the Forest Service estimates several hundred thousand acres of timber are infested in the Clearwater National Forest, the Forest Service is directed to begin the National Environmental Policy Act process for controlling the insect and disease problems.  The Legislature supports activities to reduce the risk of further spreading of insects and disease on national forest lands and on private lands.  The Forest Service is encouraged to consider current market conditions and economic viability of timber sales when choosing harvest methods in order to provide protection for fish, wildlife, and water quality, as well as to protect the remaining economic value of the dead and dying timber.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.