Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 1244
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: Clarifying the department of natural resources' authority to enter into cooperative agreements.
Sponsors: Representatives Stanford, Orcutt, Ryu, Warnick, Maxwell, Blake, Upthegrove, Lytton, MacEwen, Van De Wege, Haigh and Tharinger; by request of Department of Natural Resources.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/13
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages nearly three million acres of uplands and
over two million acres of aquatic lands. Although each of the individual land holdings are managed by the DNR for a specific benefit or purpose, the concept of multiple use management overlays all of the DNR-managed land.
The idea of "multiple use" means the provision of several uses simultaneously on the same tract of land (RCW 79.10.110). Outdoor recreation, in all of its various forms, is one of the multiple uses that the DNR is directed to provide when the recreation does not negatively impact the underlying land management purposes (RCW 79.10.120). Many lands managed by the DNR are used for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and motorized vehicle riding.
In implementing the multiple use mandates, the DNR is authorized to plan, construct, and operate recreational areas, trails, and facilities for educational, scientific, or experimental purposes (RCW 79.10.130). These activities may be carried out in conjunction with any other public or private agency. The DNR may enter into contracts, leases, or other agreements as necessary to implement its various mandates.
Summary of Bill:
The DNR is given the express authority to enter into agreements with certain non-state entities to assist the DNR with implementing its multiple use mandates, compliance with local ordinances, and the fostering of aquatic lands uses. All agreements must be consistent with the land management obligations of the DNR.
The DNR may enter into these cooperative agreements with individuals and certain nonprofit organizations or other volunteer groups. These organizations include those registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, other non-profit groups organized for the public benefit, and groups comprised of volunteers.
The DNR may utilize the services of these groups to plan, construct, and operate recreational areas, trails, and facilities for educational, scientific, or experimental purposes of for other purposes which provide a benefit to lands managed by the DNR. These other purposes may include:
utilizing state lands for watershed purposes;
carrying out restoration and enhancement projects;
enhancing watershed conditions; and
providing vegetation management, including the removal of non-native vegetation.
The DNR may receive gifts of personal property, services, or other items of value to help fund their various mandates and as consideration for entering into a cooperative agreement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.