Title: An act relating to the state oak tree.

Brief Description: Designating the Garry Oak as the state oak tree.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Haugen and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/25/06, 1/26/06 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair; Oke, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove and Spanel.

Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senators Morton and Stevens.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: The Garry Oak which is also called the Oregon White Oak is found from southern California to southern Vancouver Island. It is not a rare species, but its habitat is shrinking in Canada and in Washington and Oregon. The tree provides a valuable habitat for numerous species such as the Henderson's Shooting star plants and prairie violets. It is prime habitat for blue birds and other prairie species. While common in some areas, the Garry Oak is being forced out of many areas in Washington by development.

Summary of Bill: Because of its significance, the Garry Oak is designated as the official oak tree of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: The Garry Oak habitat is declining and private and public landowners need to be informed on the tree's importance so that as many as possible are kept as part of the landscape. The habitat in which this oak thrives also harbors numerous other important species.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: John Gamon, Department of Natural Resources; David Thysell; Eric Delvin, The Nature Conservancy; Catherine Hovanic, Washington Native Plant Society; Miguel Perez-Gibson, Audubon Society; Ted Thomas, United States Fish and Wildlife Service: