S-3871.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6449
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State of Washington 56th Legislature 2000 Regular Session
By Senator Jacobsen
Read first time 01/17/2000. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation.
AN ACT Relating to master wildlife-viewing guides; and adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 77.12 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The department is authorized to work with wildlife and ecotourism guides to identify professional practices and competencies, to implement a program of recognizing master wildlife guides, and to support wildlife-viewing tour operators as ambassadors for Washington's fish and wildlife.
(2) Program elements that may be addressed include but are not limited to:
(a) Working with guides and tour operators to develop best management practices for viewing wildlife and to create a code of ethics for tour operators that sustains and promotes wildlife resources;
(b) Developing a program to recognize professional competence for designation as a master wildlife guide;
(c) Developing a nature tourism enterprise training workshop, to assist individuals and businesses engaged in wildlife tours and as guides; and
(d) Providing training materials, decals recognizing master wildlife guides, publications on wildlife tour best management practices and code of ethics, and other publications promoting the wildlife viewing industry.
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