SB 6333-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Declares an intent that those significant historic archaeological resources on state park lands that are of importance to the history of our state, or its communities, be protected for the people of the state.

Recognizes that the recreational use of metal detectors in state parks is a legitimate form of recreation that can be compatible with the protection of significant historic archaeological resources.

Provides that, by September 1, 2005, the commission shall open all developed and common use areas of state parks for the recreational use of metal detectors. Developed and disturbed areas are further defined as campgrounds, parking areas, boat launches, and similar areas that have been subject to capital development or future capital development by state parks, that would not retain any archaeological information, and that have been verified by the state parks archaeologist.

Directs that on state park lands, historic archaeological resources, as defined in RCW 27.53.030, be managed in such a way that the integrity of those properties not be diminished. Metal detectors may be used on state park lands that do not meet the definition of historic archaeological resources.

Provides that all federal lands leased to state parks are exempt from metal detecting.

Requires any items discovered of historic archaeological significance to be turned in to the state through the commission.

Provides that, if the commission determines that all developed or disturbed areas of a park must be exempted from metal detecting because of its historic archaeological resources, the commission must, by December 1, 2005, submit a brief report to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature as to how they and a professional archaeologist made this determination.