Title: An act relating to the state oak tree.

Brief Description: Designating the Garry Oak as the state oak tree.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/08/07, 2/19/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

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

Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)

Background: The state of Washington confers the official designation on various flora, fauna, performing arts, minerals, and tartan. The official flora are designated as: the western hemlock, the official tree; the bluebunch wheatgrass, the official grass; and the rhododendron, the official flower.

The Garry Oak is Washington's only native oak. Its natural range is from southern California to southern Vancouver Island in grassy, savannah-like openings on gravelly, dry soils usually associated with glacial outwash. While common in some areas of Washington, the numbers of Garry Oaks are diminishing because their habitat is being overrun by invasive species and converted to various kinds of development.

The tree shares its native habitat with numerous species such as Henderson's Shooting Star plants, blue camas, and prairie violets. The tree is considered prime habitat for blue birds and other prairie species of birds.

Summary of Bill: The Garry Oak is designated the official oak tree of the state of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.