BILL REQ. #:  S-4689.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/05/10.   

     AN ACT Relating to coordination of natural resource landowner incentive programs by the conservation commission; and adding a new section to chapter 89.08 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 89.08 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds there are several state agencies implementing programs providing incentive programs for landowners to assist them in managing private lands to minimize impacts to the state's natural resources. These programs provide benefits not only to the people of the state through the protection and improvement of shared resources, but also allow private landowners to continue managing their lands. These incentive programs also create opportunities to enhance state natural resource values in an approach that engages landowners as key participants in supporting these activities. Because of the number of incentive programs offered to landowners by state, federal, local, and other entities, the opportunities can be confusing for landowners and these services may not be provided in the most efficient manner possible. Furthermore, the implementation of these programs should be conducted in a manner that ensures these incentive programs resources are improving natural resource conditions. The state conservation commission and conservation districts are ideally situated to coordinate the service delivery of incentive-based natural resources programs to forestry, agricultural, and small acreage landowners in a manner that supports and better uses existing programs at various agencies in a more efficient, targeted, and accountable approach.
     (2)(a) As the state conservation commission implements existing authority in RCW 89.08.070(6) for the coordination of agricultural landowner incentive programs in the state and seeks incentives information for forest landowners, the commission is directed to work with state, federal, local, and tribal governments, and with nongovernmental organizations, to identify methods and opportunities to more efficiently and effectively implement landowner incentive programs. The commission shall also work with forestry and agricultural landowners, including small acreage landowners, on the incentive programs available for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of the state's natural resources. State agencies shall coordinate with the commission and districts when developing and implementing programs that address agricultural landowners and agricultural landowner impacts on natural resources and shall assist the commission in the implementation of RCW 89.08.070(8).
     (b) When implementing this section, the commission shall consider approaches that will:
     (i) More efficiently use limited state resources;
     (ii) Improve the effectiveness of new and existing programs to achieve natural resources improvements while maintaining or enhancing the potential of working lands in the state;
     (iii) Provide for accountability in the cost efficiency and resource effectiveness of the coordination of these programs; and
     (iv) Better target and coordinate these programs to address critical natural resources issues in the state.
     (c) When implementing this section, the commission shall:
     (i) Use the resources and skills of the various conservation districts throughout the state to engage participation of local landowners in these activities;
     (ii) Coordinate with existing collaborative programs including, but not limited to, the salmon recovery funding board, the recreation and conservation funding board, local watershed coordinating entities, local salmon recovery organizations, the Puget Sound partnership, and the governor's natural resources cabinet;
     (iii) Identify opportunities to target the delivery of incentive programs to specific geographic areas to address specific natural resources issues and concerns; and
     (iv) Identify and coordinate multiagency discussions that will lead to improvements to incentive programs.
     (3)(a) The commission shall periodically report to the legislature and governor on the status of this section. This report must include information on:
     (i) Activities relating to the coordination of incentive programs;
     (ii) Progress on implementing programs on the ground;
     (iii) The effectiveness of the coordinated approach for improving natural resources;
     (iv) Program efficiencies through improved coordination;
     (v) Landowner engagement and participation in these programs; and
     (vi) Other information the commission deems necessary and appropriate for the successful implementation of this section.
     (b) The commission shall also provide recommendations to the legislature and governor for any program improvements to accomplish the objectives of this section.