HB 2992 - DIGEST

     Directs the department to commence a study of state public lands to determine the existence of, and map exact locations of, all roadless areas.  The study must also name each roadless area so identified, and describe its characteristics.  The description for each area shall include its natural features, the value of timber or other merchantable resources, exceptional ecological functions including habitat for rare and protected species, present public uses, and any department plans to sell or lease rights to any of these resources.  The department must notify interested parties of this process and solicit information and comment from the public.  The department is to report its findings to the house of representatives natural resources committee by February 2001.

     Declares that, before July, 2001, the department may not:  (1) Sell any rights nor issue any permits in roadless areas with respect to resources in roadless areas; or

     (2) permit the building of roads across such roadless areas in order to reach adjacent state public lands if other reasonable access routes exist.