SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5536

BYSenators Garrett, Bluechel and Kreidler

Revising provisions relating to the scenic river system.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1987; February 10, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Henry Yates (786-7708)

                  April 6, 1987

House Committe on Natural Resources

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 5, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The scenic river system program was established by the Legislature in 1977.  A committee of participating agencies was developed including designees from the Departments of Ecology, Fisheries, Game, Natural Resources, Transportation and state Parks and Recreation Commission.  Its purpose is to adopt management policies for publicly owned lands or leased land on rivers designated by the Legislature as a part of the state's scenic river system.  Policies are to be developed for protecting ecological, economic, recreational, aesthetic, botanical, scenic, geological, hydrological, fish and wildlife, cultural, archeological and scientific features of designated rivers.

So far, the Legislature has designated portions of the Skykomish River and two of its tributaries, the Beckler and the Tye Rivers.

SUMMARY:

Two members of the public are to be appointed by the Governor to serve on the scenic river system committee of participating agencies.  The provision allowing only monies from the general fund to be used to fund the scenic river system program is deleted.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Mike Reed, State Parks; Mel Olson; Senator Garrett

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Public members of the scenic river system committee of participating agencies are not to be reimbursed at a level higher than that allowed for class one part-time board or commission members.  Subsistence, lodging and mileage allowances will be based on standard rates established by the Director of Financial Management for state employees.