Brief Description: Studying forest health issues.

Sponsors: Senators Morton, Jacobsen, Sheldon and Stevens.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation
House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks
House Committee on Appropriations

Background: The 2004 Legislature created a work group to study forest health issues and to report back to the Legislature in December 2004. The work group, which was staffed by the Department of Natural Resources, prepared its report and drafted proposed legislation. Due to the short time frame, statewide public hearings have not been held on the proposed legislation. The work group expired on June 30, 2005.

Summary: The forest health work group is recreated and is authorized to conduct at least five hearings statewide to gather and report on public input. The work group expires June 30, 2007.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      47   0
House      98   0   (House amended)
Senate      46   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006