SB 5016 - DIGEST

Declares that the purpose of the program is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward conserving Washington's diverse plant and animal populations.

Provides that the program consists of two annual awards as follows: (1) The Art Kruckeberg award shall be presented to an individual making outstanding contributions toward conserving the state's plants and plant communities; and

(2) The Hazel Wolf award shall be presented to an individual making outstanding contributions toward conserving the state's animals and animal communities.

Provides that the recipient of each award is entitled to select a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to receive a sum of up to twenty-five thousand dollars from the state.

Requires the department to develop guidelines for selecting award recipients and incorporate into the program elements that provide for public recognition of the contributions made by the recipients. The department may create an advisory committee to assist the department in developing the guidelines and in selecting recipients.