FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1582
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. |
C 207 L 11
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning forest practices applications leading to conversion of land for development purposes.
Sponsors: Representatives Lytton, Morris, Chandler, Blake, Wilcox, Orcutt, Tharinger, Hinkle, McCune, Pearson and Van De Wege.
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters
Background:
The Forest Practices Act establishes four classes of forest practices based on the potential for the proposed operation to adversely affect public resources. The Forest Practices Board (Board) establishes standards that determine which forest practices are included in each class. The different classes determine the level of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) involvement in the permitting process.
The four classes are:
Class I forest practices are those determined by the Board to have no direct potential for damaging a public resource.
Class II forest practices have a less than ordinary potential for damaging a public resource.
Class III forest practices are more substantial than Class II, but less substantial than Class IV.
Class IV forest practice activities have the potential for substantial environmental impacts and require compliance with the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA).
Class IV forest practices include: activities where forestland is to be converted to another use; activities on lands likely to be converted to urban development; and activities on lands platted after January 1, 1960.
Class IV forest practices are assumed to be related to land uses other than forestry. These forest practices may require a license or permit from a local government. The local government assumes lead agency status for purposes of ensuring compliance with the SEPA.
Summary:
References in the Forest Practices Act to lands that were platted after January 1, 1960, are removed. These lands are no longer defaulted into the Class IV forest practices categorization and are no longer automatically assumed to be lands that will be converted to a non-forestry land use.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 97 | 0 | |
Senate | 48 | 0 | (Senate amended) |
House | 96 | 0 | (House concurred) |
Effective: | July 22, 2011 |