SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8007
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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation, February 26, 2007
Brief Description: Requesting federal legislation to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands.
Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Roach, Hatfield, Schoesler, Clements, Shin, Morton, Haugen, Sheldon, Honeyford, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Kastama, Franklin, Benton, Kilmer and Jacobsen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/21/07, 2/26/07 [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, Stevens and Swecker.
Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7346)
Background: Right-to-Ride bills have been introduced in the United States Congress several times, but have never successfully passed both houses. The Right-to-Ride bills have sought to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on land administered by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service where there was a historical tradition of the use of pack and saddle stock animals.
Summary of Bill: The United States Congress and the President of the United States should enact a law preserving the access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands where there is a historical tradition of access. In addition, federal agencies should comply with the full review process before implementing proposed reductions in the access of pack and saddle stock animals.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Stock animals created most of the trails in the U.S. Ironically, many of the trails that are being closed to stock animals were in fact built by equestrian users. We don't have a problem with federal decisions when they actually follow the public process and are based on scientific data. Currently, federal agencies are not following the National Environmental Protection Act and are closing trails based on perception rather than scientific facts.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Robert Brooke, Michael Reedy , Backcountry Horsemen.