Requires the department of community, trade, and economic development, in conjunction with the department of ecology and the department of fish and wildlife, to, by means of a pilot project, study and develop implementation recommendations for an alternative means that can be adopted in statute for cities and counties to use in order to fulfill growth management act goals for protection of critical areas.

Requires the pilot project to be conducted on a basin scale at one location in Kittitas county and one location selected by the department of community, trade, and economic development in either Thurston or Lewis county. The pilot project must be completed and the results reported to the governor and the legislature by December 1, 2008.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.