HB 1083 - DIGEST

Provides that beginning July 1, 2007, the state parks and recreation commission and the department of fish and wildlife shall establish a pilot program to evaluate the impacts of small scale mineral prospecting on ocean beaches. The pilot program must be conducted from July 1, 2007, through July 1, 2009.

Directs the department of fish and wildlife to monitor the impacts of the small scale prospecting activities on the beach ecology including, but not limited to, habitat, birds, shellfish, and other beach marine life.

Requires that, by October 1, 2009, the department of fish and wildlife shall report its findings and recommendations regarding the impacts of small scale prospecting on the beach ecology to the state parks and recreation commission. The department shall consider public input prior to finalizing their findings and recommendations.

Requires the state parks and recreation commission and the department of fish and wildlife to report their findings and recommendations on the impacts of small scale prospecting on ocean beaches to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2009.