SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5299

As Passed Senate, March 8, 2001

Title:  An act relating to nonconsumptive wildlife activities.

Brief Description:  Allowing nonconsumptive wildlife activities on public lands.

Sponsors:  Senator Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/1/01, 2/5/01 [DP].

Passed Senate:  3/8/01, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Constantine, Hargrove, Oke and Snyder.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7460)

Background:  Watchable wildlife interests desire to be included in access to and management of public lands.  State lands leased for grazing, agricultural, or other purposes are open to the public for hunting and fishing under most circumstances.  Nonconsumptive wildlife activities, otherwise known as watchable wildlife activities, are not currently included in the list of multiple use activities compatible with Department of Natural Resources trust management of public lands or with lands leased by other agencies.

Summary of Bill:  Nonconsumptive wildlife activities are included as a legitimate reason for entry onto public lands leased for grazing, agricultural, or other purposes and multiple use management of state trust lands includes nonconsumptive wildlife activities.  Lands do not have to be open if there are any safety problems associated with access.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 24, 2001.

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

Testimony For:  Clarifying the mandates for the Department of Fish and Wildlife and for the Board of Natural Resources is needed to ensure public access to state lands whenever possible.

Testimony Against:  The bill is not necessary.

Testified:  PRO:  Rocky Beach, Mike O'Malley, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Ron Schultz, Audubon Society; Len Barson, Nature Conservancy; CON: Tom Gibbons, Western Washington Wildlife Council.