FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5011

C 183 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Promoting wildlife viewing.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Winsley and Kohl-Welles.

Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife

House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks

Background: Wildlife viewing is an increasingly popular form of outdoor recreation. The state of Washington maintains a program to protect and manage watchable wildlife. There is no designated state program to promote wildlife viewing, increase the awareness of wildlife viewing opportunities, or organize wildlife viewing events.

Summary: The Department of Fish and Wildlife is directed to manage wildlife programs in a manner that supports wildlife viewing tourism without impairing wildlife resources.

The departments of Fish and Wildlife and Community, Trade, and Economic Development are directed to host a conference on wildlife viewing tourism, working with interested local governments, state agencies, and stakeholders. The objective of the conference shall be adoption of a strategic plan and specific implementing actions for promotion of wildlife viewing tourism in a manner that provides sustainable rural economic development and maintains wildlife diversity. A summary of conference recommendations must be submitted to the Legislature by December 15, 2003.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       49  0

House       92  0    (House amended)

Senate       43  0    (Senate concurred)

Effective: July 27, 2003