HB 2977 - DIGEST

     Finds that the primary purpose of the salmon recovery office was the development of the statewide salmon recovery strategy for submittal to the appropriate federal agencies.

     Finds that since the development and submittal of this strategy has been accomplished, the remaining tasks of the salmon recovery office can be accomplished through existing state agencies.

     Declares a belief that by relying upon existing state agencies to accomplish salmon recovery, there will be less duplication of effort within the executive branch and a corresponding savings of resources.

     Recognizes that the general public holds the governor, as the highest elected official in the state, accountable for decisions that affect fish and wildlife resources.  The governor, however, does not have the authority to hire and fire the director of the department of fish and wildlife.

     Declares an intent that the governor should have this authority to choose the director of the department because of the importance that decisions made by the director have upon fish and wildlife resources and upon communities.

     Decodifies RCW 77.85.150.

     Repeals RCW 77.85.030.