| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 1250
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Conducting a pilot project to provide the fish and wildlife commission with independent biological information.
Sponsors: Representatives Orcutt, B. Sullivan, Kretz, Alexander and Pearson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/07
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
The Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) is composed of nine individuals appointed by
the Governor [RCW 77.04.030]. The Commission is charged with the duty of preserving,
protecting, perpetuating, and managing the state's wildlife [RCW 77.04.012]. Specifically, the
Commission is charged with setting basic goals for the Department of Fish and Wildlife
(Department) to implement, and reviewing the performance of the Department in implementing
the policies established by the Commission [RCW 77.04.055].
Deer and elk, like all wildlife in the state, are managed by the Department under the direction of
the Commission.
Summary of Bill:
The Commission is directed to design a pilot project to provide biological information from a
source that is independent from the Department. The Commission must contract directly with
private sector wildlife biologists, and have those biologists prepare an assessment of the
Department's current elk and deer management activities. The private biologists must also
provide recommended future management plans for the deer and elk resource. Separate analyses
must be conducted for each of the game management units established by the Department.
The final results and recommendations from the contracted biologists must be reported to the
Commission by October 31, 2008. Upon receipt, the chair of the Commission must present a
report to the Legislature that outlines the differences between the management recommendations
made by the independent wildlife biologists and the future management plans developed by the
Department.
During the pilot project, the Department must grant the independent biologists with access to
land and information as requested by the biologists.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.