SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5322

BYSenators Kreidler, Bluechel, Owen and McCaslin

Providing for management of natural resources conservation areas.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 27, 1987; January 28, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5322 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                  January 28, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, JANUARY 28, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Natural resources manages state-owned "trust" lands to generate income for school construction and other activities.  Many of the trust lands, and adjoining privately-owned lands, possess sensitive ecological features.  Changes in surrounding land use can create pressure to intensify public or private use such that these ecological features may be endangered.  Often these lands have limited potential for timber or other income production.

The Department has identified five such properties totalling over 5,100 acres.  The properties are:  Mt. Si in King County, Woodard Bay in Thurston County, Dishman Hills in Spokane County, Chopaka Mountain in Okanogan County, and parts of Cypress Island in Skagit County.  The property includes both public and private land; total cost is approximately $8.5 million.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Natural Resources, subject to legislative appropriation, is authorized to purchase and manage certain properties as Natural Resource Conservation Areas.  The Department is authorized to reimburse the common school trust fund for any trust lands converted to conservation areas.

The Department will develop management plans for areas designated as conservation areas.  The Department is authorized to administer such areas directly, or through agreement with other state agencies, local governments, or private conservancy corporations. 

Appropriation:    $8.5 million for purchase of conservation areas.

Revenue:    Some revenue expected from management of conservation areas but amount unknown.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Chopaka mountain property in Okanogan County is no longer to be considered as a National Resource Conservation Area.  The requested legislative appropriation is reduced to $7.9 million.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Cleve Pinnix, Department of Natural Resources; Nick Fahey; Rich Syverson, Friends of Cypress; Tom Fitzsimmons, Thurston County; Karen Frazier, Thurston County Commissioner