Title: An act relating to studying the state's specialized forest product resources.

Brief Description: Extending the study of the state's specialized forest product resources.

Sponsors: Representatives Orcutt, Blake, Kretz, McCune and VanDeWege.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/08, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/21/08 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Hatfield, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Rockefeller, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Chapter 76.48 RCW sets out a series of requirements for the harvest, possession, transportation, purchase, and receipt of specified amounts of forest materials. These materials, known as specialized forest products, include specified amounts of cedar, speciality wood, cut or picked evergreen foliage, and other forest products.

In 2007 the Legislature created the specialized forest products work group (work group). The work group, to be staffed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), was to consist of stakeholder representatives, including DNR, local governments, forest landowners, tribal governments, and wood carvers and processors.

The Legislature directed the work group to examine applicable specialized forest products and theft laws and make recommendations to improve the statutes. The work group's recommendations were to ensure that the specialized forest product statutes:

• provide reasonable tools for law enforcement and reasonably protect landowners from theft;
• are not unduly burdensome to users of specialized forest products;
• are clear and readily understandable; and
• are administered and enforced consistently throughout the state.

The work group was to provide a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2007, and is scheduled to expire July 1, 2008.

Summary of Bill: The due date for the work group's report to the Legislature is extended by one year to December 1, 2008. The expiration date for the work group is also delayed one year to July 1, 2009.    

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The specialized forest products work group got a late start in conducting its work, and has only recently gained momentum. The issues surrounding specialized forest products are very complex, and more time is needed to work on the issues. The hope is that the work group can continue its work and come back to the Legislature with specific recommendations to improve the statute.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Orcutt, prime sponsor; Bonnie Bunning, Department of Natural Resources; Patti Case, Green Diamond Resource Company.