SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5020

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As of January 24, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the closure of rivers and streams for protection of threatened or endangered salmon.

Brief Description:  Permitting the closure of rivers to protect salmon.

Sponsors:  Senator Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:

______________________________________________________________________________SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  Threatened or endangered salmon are particularly vulnerable to harm under abnormally low streamflow conditions, high water temperatures, presence of waterborne pathogens, degraded water quality, or other abnormal conditions which cause stress or otherwise reduce their ability to survive.

Human activities that disturb salmon under abnormal streamflow conditions can cause further harm to salmon.  Prevention of unnecessary harm to threatened or endangered salmon can be accomplished by watershed closures on a case-by-case basis.

Summary of Bill:  The Fish and Wildlife Commission may close a river or stream to human access under conditions of abnormal streamflow.  Abnormal streamflow means low streamflow, waterborne pathogens, degraded water quality, high water temperatures, or any other factor which negatively impacts threatened or endangered salmon.  The commission may suspend hydraulic permits under abnormal streamflow conditions.

The commission shall not prohibit conduct of industrial operations, public work, or access to permanent residents under the river closure authority.

The penalty for accessing an area closed to entry is a misdemeanor.  Hydraulic activities conducted under suspension are subject to gross misdemeanor penalty.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 24, 2001.

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