SB 5694-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares that, while the highest and best use for trust lands is providing fiscal stability and economic gain for the trust, the highest and best use of such lands for all the people of Washington is public recreational use and enjoyment.  Both uses should be coordinated to assist programs such as watchable wildlife, horse trails, all-terrain vehicle areas, and the widespread public use of lands for family outings for all citizens of the state.

     Directs the department of natural resources to, as manager for the trust, as part of its management program, undertake a study and report back to the legislature by December 1, 2001, concerning:  (1) A review of state primary and secondary forest roads in the Cascade foothills with recommendations on how to increase the number of roads available and how to maintain such roads for future public use;

     (2) problems on public lands caused by vandalism and recommendations on how to approach the problem;

     (3) garbage and illegal dumping on public lands and recommendations on needed legislation;

     (4) a review of misuse of public resources and how the department and the legislature should address this problem;

     (5) develop recommendations on road damage and on old road failure in order to upgrade the road system to benefit both the trust and the general public; and

     (6) an analysis of road standards, public use, and the methods to ensure that roads are built to standards that will provide a greater value to the trust and a more permanent road system for the public's use and benefit.