HB 2105-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that, if a landowner is unable to obtain a forest practices application for any of his or her land because of regulatory impacts, the landowner may still qualify as a small forest landowner under this act.

     Declares that the small forest landowner office shall also determine the compensation to be offered to a small forest landowner for qualifying timber for which an approved forest practices application for timber harvest cannot be obtained because of restrictions under the forest practices rules.

     Declares that, if the landowner accepts the offer for qualifying timber for which an approved forest practices application for timber harvest cannot be obtained because of restrictions under the forest practices rules, the department of natural resources shall pay the compensation promptly upon:  (1) Verification that there has been compliance with the rules requiring leave trees in the easement area; and

     (2) Execution and delivery of the easement to the department of natural resources.

     Declares that, in order to assist small forest landowners to remain economically viable, the legislature intends that the small forest landowners be able to net fifty percent of the value of the trees left in the buffer areas.  The amount of compensation offered in RCW 76.13.120 shall also include the compliance costs for participation in the riparian easement program.