SB 5061-S - DIGEST
(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/12/2009)

Finds that the Washington park arboretum: (1) Is the official arboretum of the state of Washington;

(2) Is a central component of the University of Washington botanic gardens, along with collections around the center for urban horticulture, in the Union Bay natural area, and in the Otis Douglas Hyde herbarium;

(3) Contains a dynamic collection of trees and other woody plants that are hardy in the maritime Pacific Northwest;

(4) Holds one of the most prestigious plant collections in the world;

(5) Displays ninety-five percent of its holdings, whose estimated value is almost eighty-two million dollars; and

(6) Has a duty to serve the public, students at all levels, naturalists, gardeners, and nursery and landscape professionals with its collections, educational programs, interpretation, and recreational opportunities.

Declares an intent to provide additional tools and resources to the University of Washington botanic gardens as it preserves and provides public access to the important educational, recreational, social, and cultural state resources that the arboretum and other botanic garden collections have to offer.

Declares it is the goal of the legislature that the Washington park arboretum's collections, exhibits, and facilities be preserved, maintained, and presented in a manner befitting one of the world's most prestigious plant collections.

Establishes the University of Washington botanic gardens endowed curatorship.

Creates the University of Washington botanic gardens endowed curatorship account.

Requires the state treasurer to release money in the University of Washington botanic gardens endowed curatorship account to the University of Washington board of regents for inclusion in the University of Washington consolidated endowment fund when certain requirements are met.