SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5254

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.

Background: Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). DFW serves as a manager of the state's fish and wildlife resources. Among other duties, DFW must preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage fish and wildlife, including establishing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.

Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA). An HPA is required for any project that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state. HPAs are issued by DFW to ensure the proper protection of fish life.

Summary of Bill: Requires DFW to prohibit activities that harm or disturb spawning beds of salmon, steelhead, and other fish on rivers and streams where spawning activities occur. Some examples of these potentially harmful activities specified in the bill include wading on spawning beds, driving motor vehicles on spawning beds, the use of high-powered jet or propeller-driven boats across spawning beds, dragging anchors through spawning beds, and digging or removing gravel from spawning beds.

DFW is made responsible for determining the time periods that these rules must be in effect, and for making those rules known in brochures provided to those applying for fishing and boating licenses and to those likely to participate in outdoor recreation. A failure to abide by these rules is made a natural resources infraction.

DFW is asked to work cooperatively with tribal comanagers for all fish resources in implementing and enforcing these requirements.