Declares an intent to provide for an examination of the environmental, economic, and social consequences of current and expected patterns of growth in rural and resource lands, and to secure a common understanding of associated factors. The legislature intends for this examination to result in a widely accepted strategy for identifying how best to maintain the character of rural and resource lands in ways that: (1) Support the goals of the growth management act and the Puget Sound regional council's vision 2040, goals and objectives that direct growth into existing cities and towns;

(2) Respect landowner rights, values, and concerns;

(3) Assist in maintaining forest and farmlands; and

(4) Support Puget Sound restoration activities.

Requires the William D. Ruckelshaus center, subject to funding for this purpose, to conduct an examination of policies guiding the maintenance of rural character and resource lands in Washington.

Creates the rural and resource lands study account.