BILL REQ. #:  S-1018.1 

Read first time 01/31/2005.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

     AN ACT Relating to designating forest lands of long-term commercial significance; and adding a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The purpose of designating forest lands of long-term commercial significance under RCW 36.70A.170(1)(b) is to maintain the land base required for the forest products industry and to derive the economic, social, and environmental benefits that result from a viable industry. While counties and cities have discretion to consider local factors when designating forest lands of long-term commercial significance, local factors must be consistent with the goals and requirements of this chapter.
     (2) Access to markets may be considered by counties and cities when designating forest lands of long-term commercial significance. Jurisdictions designating or de-designating such lands, however, may not predicate designation determinations upon a lack of forest products processing facilities, including milling, sorting, or supporting facilities, in the county or city.
     (3) Counties and cities may require that forest land designated under RCW 36.70A.170(1)(b) be part of an area or tract of forest land, but the area or tract may not be larger than those typically used for the growing and harvesting of forest products on private lands within the county.
     (4) The classification of land under chapter 84.33 or 84.34 RCW shall not be a determinative factor in excluding lands from designation under RCW 36.70A.170(1)(b).