| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Puget Sound | |
HB 2248
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: Creating the Maury Island aquatic reserve.
Sponsors: Representatives McDermott, Cody, Upthegrove and Williams.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/07
Staff: Karen Rogers (786-7388).
Background:
Maury Island is a small island located in southwestern King County and within the Puget Sound.
It is connected to Vashon Island by an isthmus, and is primarily rural with large tracts of
farmland and forest, with some residential development, gravel mining, and undeveloped
shoreline.
State-owned aquatic lands include all tidelands, shorelands, harbor areas, the beds of navigable
waters, and waterways owned by the state, except for aquatic lands owned in fee. The
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages state-owned aquatic lands. Management may
include identifying and withdrawing public lands from conflicting uses for the benefit of the
public. Benefits include environmental observation, study, enjoyment, and other ecological
utilization.
Summary of Bill:
The Maury Island aquatic reserve is created, and encompasses state-owned tidelands and
bedlands around Maury Island and Quartermaster Harbor. The DNR administers the reserve, and
develops a management plan to conserve native habitats; to protect and restore nearshore
ecological functions and processes; to promote stewardship of riparian and aquatic habitats; and
to provide for low-impact public uses.
The management plan identifies significant resources for conservation, as well as areas with
potential for low-impact public uses. The plan also allows for specified, permitted management
activities and public uses, except for industrial uses or transport of materials from mining or
other industrial activities, which the DNR is prohibited from authorizing. The DNR also may not
authorize the construction of docks or other improvements associated with the above-mentioned
prohibited uses and activities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 19, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.