Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1157

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.

Brief Description: Regarding the forest practices permitting system.

Sponsors: Representatives Orcutt, Blake, Rivers, Kretz, Taylor, Short and Condotta.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows an approved forest practices approval to be effective for five years instead of two.

  • Allows a one-time renewal of forest practices approvals when the approved forest practice has not been completed.

Hearing Date: 2/4/11

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

A forest practices approval (FPA) must be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prior to conducting a forest practice such as tree thinning, chemical application, forest road building, or tree harvest. The application for an FPA is submitted to the DNR, and if approved, the FPA is valid for conducting the allowable forest practices for a period of two years from the date of approval. If the permitted forest practices are not completed within that two-year time period, then the applicant must apply for a new FPA.

Longer FPA effective dates are available for applications that cover multiple forest practices within a reasonable geographic area.

Summary of Bill:

The effective date of an approved FPA is extended from two years to five years. If the associated forest practice is not completed within the 5-year window, then the applicant is eligible for a renewal of the FPA for an additional five years.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.