| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Ecology & Parks Committee | |
HB 2472
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: Seeking to improve recreational opportunities on state-owned lands managed by the department of natural resources.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Warnick, Condotta, Sells, Linville, Hinkle, VanDeWege and McCoy; by request of Department of Natural Resources.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/08
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages nearly three million acres of uplands and
over two million acres of aquatic lands. Although each of the individual land holdings are
managed by the DNR for a specific benefit or purpose, the concept of multiple use management
overlays all of the DNR-managed land.
"Multiple use" means the provision of several uses simultaneously on the same tract of land
(RCW 79.10.110). Outdoor recreation, in all of its various forms, is one of the multiple uses that
the DNR is directed to provide when the recreation does not negatively impact the underlying
land management purposes (RCW 79.10.120). Many lands managed by the DNR are used for
hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and motorized vehicle riding.
Summary of Bill:
A work group is established to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding recreation on
lands managed by the DNR. The work group must return a report to the Legislature by no later
than December 1, 2008 that examines relevant existing laws and rules relating to recreation on
state lands, recommends policy changes, and considers funding alternatives.
Members of the work group must be appointed by the Commissioner of Public Lands
(Commissioner), and represent a balanced group of individuals with knowledge and interest in
recreation. In addition to stakeholder, tribal, and federal representatives appointed by the
Commissioner, the work group will also be served by a governor-appointed representative and
legislative representation.
The work group is to be chaired by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, and staff
to the work group is to be provided by the DNR. Any funding to pay for the work group's
activities must be provided from the DNR's General Fund appropriation.
In conducting its analyses, the work group must have at least two public workshops and hold
meetings in diverse locations around the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.