Title: An act relating to public lands management.

Brief Description: Concerning the management of public lands.

Sponsors: Senators Parlette and Fraser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/5/06 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6625 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair; Oke, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Morton, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation conducted a study of habitat and recreational land acquisitions in Washington. In addition, the Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted a study of the department's land holdings. Recommendations include a need to better assess habitat needs and to insure better coordination between all state agencies.

Summary of Substitute Bill: A habitat and recreational lands coordinating committee is established to advise the Interagency Committee and other state agencies on land acquisitions. Unanticipated receipts may not be expended without legislative review.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The section requiring legislative review of unanticipated receipts is deleted.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.

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

Testimony Other: Although it will be a long and sometimes controversial task, implementing the IAC study recommendations is very important. Section two of the bill is unnecessary and premature since the study of unanticipated receipts is part of the program.

Who Testified: OTHER: Mark Quinn, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Laura Johnson, Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation; Fred Romero, Parks and Recreation Commission; Bonnie Bunning, Department of Natural Resources; Jack Field Washington Cattlemen's Association.