FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2276

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 212 L 18

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning notification of wildlife transfer, relocation, or introduction into a new location.

Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Eslick, Haler and Young).

House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks

Background:

Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Management.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has been delegated the responsibility to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage Washington's wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources. As a part of this responsibility, the WDFW may regulate the transportation and possession of fish and wildlife in the state, and authorize the removal, relocation, or introduction of wildlife when it is necessary for wildlife management or research. The WDFW sometimes has a role both in wildlife removal, relocation, or introduction decisions, and in implementing such decisions.

Definition of Big Game.

Big game is defined in statute and includes elk, deer, moose, mountain goat, caribou, mountain sheep, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions and cougars, and black and grizzly bears.

Summary:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) must hold a public hearing before WDFW personnel may relocate or introduce big game animals, or wolves, lynx, bobcats, or coyotes into a new location in the state for the purposes of population enhancement.

The meeting must occur in the community most likely to be impacted by the relocation. The presiding official or WDFW staff must present the details of the WDFW's proposed action, and the public must be afforded the opportunity to comment. Written or electronic comments may be included in the hearing record.

Public notice of the meeting must be provided at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting and must state the date, time, and location of the public hearing and a summary of the proposed action. The summary must include:

A press release of the hearing notice must be provided to media outlets in the communities most likely to be impacted, posted on the WDFW's website, posted on the website of the community or local government near where the wildlife will be introduced or relocated, and provided in writing to members of local legislative and executive bodies of any location impacted by the wildlife relocation or introduction.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

97

1

Senate

49

0

(Senate amended)

House

98

0

(House concurred)

Effective:

June 7, 2018