SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5872
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. |
As of February 17, 2015
Title: An act relating to the acquisition of land by state natural resources agencies.
Brief Description: Concerning the acquisition of land by state natural resources agencies.
Sponsors: Senator Dansel.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 2/18/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lands. DNR manages a number of different categories of land, each for a specific purpose and under different management requirements. These include approximately 3 million acres of federally granted lands and state forest lands, which DNR manages to support common schools, counties, and other public institutions.
The agency also manages over natural area preserves (NAPs) that total approximately 37,000 acres and Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCAs) that total approximately 110,000 acres. Most recently, in 2011, the Legislature authorized establishment of a class of lands known as Community Forest Trusts to be actively managed with local partners to support land management and sustain working forest conservation objectives.
Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Lands. DFW manages approximately 900,000 acres of conservation and recreation lands which are divided into more than 30 wildlife areas. Additionally the agency manages approximately 700 water access sites, which are usually one to five acres in size.
State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks). The state parks system includes developed parks and other lands located throughout the state.
Summary of Bill: DFW, DNR, and State Parks must do the following procedures when acquiring certain lands:
prior to the acquisitions, identify equal or greater acreage of current agency-owned lands to be sold that are located in the same county as the planned acquisition; and
after the acquisition occurs, dispose of the lands identified for sale as expediently as is reasonably practicable. The agencies must provide the Legislature and Office of Financial Management monthly updates on the sales process.
The requirements apply to all DFW and State Parks land acquisitions. For DNR the requirements apply to acquisitions for NAPs, NRCAs, and certain riparian habitat purposes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 14, 2015.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.