S-1577.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6029

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

By Senators Rasmussen, Jacobsen, Spanel and Regala

Read first time 02/14/2001.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines.

Limiting recovery for damage to property caused by elk.

    AN ACT Relating to the protection of elk; and adding a new section to chapter 77.36 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 77.36 RCW to read as follows:

    If a master planned resort, as defined in RCW 36.70A.360, is developed in an area that is defined by the department by rule as critical elk habitat or elk migratory corridor habitat, then the master planned resort may not recover any damages or make any claim for elk-caused damage under this chapter or RCW 77.12.240.

    By January 1, 2002, the department must adopt rules that identify elk migratory corridors and critical elk habitat, including calving grounds and winter feeding grounds.  The rules must give consideration to the overall health and population of designated elk herds.

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