SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5011
As Passed Senate, March 11, 2003
Title: An act relating to promoting wildlife viewing.
Brief Description: Promoting wildlife viewing.
Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Winsley and Kohl-Welles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/24/03, 3/3/03 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/11/03, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Esser, Jacobsen, Morton, Spanel and Swecker.
Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)
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 of Bill: 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.
Appropriation: $45,000.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: Promoting nature tourism is of great interest to local governments and citizens throughout the state, and a way to establish priorities is needed.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: PRO: Nina Carter, Audubon Washington.
House Amendment(s): The $45,000 appropriation is removed.