SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5275

BYSenator Talmadge

Prohibiting some types of development in state parks and recreational areas without legislative approval.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 22, 1987; February 18, 1987; January 21, 1988

Senate Staff:Henry Yates (786-7708)

AS OF JANUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In September 1985, the Parks and Recreation Commission entered into a contract with South Forks Resources, Inc. to grant the company use of a portion of Olallie State Park land for constructing a hydroelectric facility.  The use of state parks land for this kind of development caused concern among some.  A similar incident in 1983 that involved logging in state parks led to legislation allowing this kind of activity on a park's property, but only on a very limited basis.

SUMMARY:

The Parks and Recreation Commission is prohibited from allowing hydroelectric facilities and mineral extraction activities in any state parks lands or recreational areas.  The agency must have express legislative authority to conduct these activities on state lands.  Lakes and rivers in state parks are to be "shorelines of statewide significance" under the Shoreline Management Act.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested