Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1372

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: Concerning natural resource management activities.

Sponsors: Representatives Taylor, Takko, Short, Overstreet, Shea, Upthegrove and Blake.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to use the best available land management techniques to manage acquired lands.

  • Allows the WDFW to utilize specific land management techniques without preparing an environmental impact statement.

Hearing Date: 2/12/13

Staff: Cherlyn Walden (786-7296).

Background:

Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Land acquisition is a tool used by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to meet its legislative mandate of preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish and wildlife, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities. The WDFW currently owns or manages about 900,000 acres in 32 wildlife areas, along with 700 public water-access sites.

State Environmental Policy Act.

The State Environmental Policy Act provides the framework for agencies to consider the environmental consequences of a proposal before taking action. It also gives agencies the ability to condition or deny a proposal due to identified, likely significant adverse impacts.

Unless specifically exempted, an environmental impact statement must be prepared on proposals for legislation and other major actions having a probable significant, adverse environmental impact.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has the authority to acquire property and manage acquired lands using the best available land management techniques, including but not limited to: issuance or reissuance of grazing leases, regardless of whether the land has been actively grazed; licenses or approvals to remove firewood; and issuance of leases for brush picking.

The specific land management techniques enumerated are not subject to the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act, consequently an environmental impact statement is not necessary to perform the listed techniques.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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