SB 6400-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that extensive scientific work has been completed by both public and private entities to map the state's ecoregions and address ecoregional planning issues, by academic institutions, by state agencies such as the departments of natural resources and fish and wildlife, and by nongovernmental organizations such as the nature conservancy.  However, these existing information sources are not complete, and this information may not be sufficiently coordinated or accessible and useful to the public or policymakers.

     Finds, there is no single entity responsible for development and implementation of a coordinated state strategy to conserve remaining functioning ecosystems and restore habitats needed to maintain Washington's biodiversity.  There should be a comprehensive review to identify the state's needs for biodiversity data and conservation, and to coordinate development, dissemination, and use of existing information.

     Declares there is a need to strengthen the state's nonregulatory approaches to biodiversity conservation, including incentives for voluntary conservation efforts by private landowners.  Incentives should be a major element of the state's overall biodiversity conservation strategy.

     Finds that resource management on a single-species or single-resource basis has proven to be costly, acrimonious, and ultimately ineffective at either preserving the state's biodiversity or allowing reasonable economic development.

     Declares the purpose of the act is to create a temporary committee to develop recommendations to the governor and the legislature to establish the framework for the development and implementation of a statewide biodiversity conservation strategy, to replace existing single-species or single-resource protection programs.

     Authorizes the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to grant up to forty-five thousand dollars, on a competitive basis, to conduct the review of biodiversity programs as described in this act.

     Provides that the grantee must provide a final report describing its review and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate standing committees of the senate and the house of representatives by October 1, 2003.