SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5261

As of January 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to establishing the future of Washington forests review commission.

Brief Description: Creating the future of Washington forests review commission.

Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Energy & Water: 1/30/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY & WATER

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: The forest industry has been changing drastically in the last two decades. Markets, uses of wood, source of supply, harvest methods, processing methods, public perceptions of forest activities, public use and forest health have all been changing at a very rapid rate.

Summary of Bill: The Washington Forest Review Commission is established with the purpose of reviewing the economic, demographic, land use, environmental, natural and climatic trends influencing the future of Washington forests over the next 50 years. The commission reviews the trends and makes recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature for policy and budgetary allocations. The commission is composed of the Governor or his/her designee; the Commissioner of Public Lands; two members of the Senate appointed by the President, one from each caucus; two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker, one from each caucus; the President or the President's designee of the University of Washington and of Washington State University; and members representing specific interests appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Commissioner of Public Lands and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives. The gubernatorial appointees are a representative of the industrial forest landowners; a representative of nonindustrial landowners; a representative of businesses engaged in forest product processing; a representative of general purpose local government; and a representative of organizations engaged in forest conservation and preservation. In addition, a representative of the United States Forest Service is invited to attend, and a representative of tribal governments is invited to participate on the commission.

The Governor convenes the commission at an organizational meeting no later than October 15, 2003. Staff to the commission is provided by the Department of Natural Resources. The commission may form a technical advisory committee and may examine all aspects of forest activities. In conducting the review, the commission provides for extensive public participation and involvement, and plans and schedules meetings throughout locations in the state to make the meetings convenient for members of the public. The commission reports its findings to the Legislature on or before June 30, 2005, and terminates on June 30, 2005.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2003.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.