SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5401

BYSenators Barr, Hansen and Bailey

Naming a state grass.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Gaspard, Hansen, Madsen.

Senate Staff:John Stuhlmiller (786-7446)

                  March 15, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

One-fourth of the ten million acres that comprise the state of Washington is open range or open-canopied grazable woodland.  This land provides forage for domestic livestock, habitat for wildlife, and a variety of recreational opportunities.  Rangelands also sustain wildflowers and complex native plant communities.  The market value of products from the livestock industry, which is based on grazable lands, ranks second in the state.

Bluebunch wheatgrass is a long-lived perennial plant with fibrous roots which contributed greatly to the building of the prairie soils of the state.  It is the most predominant and productive plant of Washington's native grasslands, and is found more abundantly in Washington than any other state.

While the state of Washington has established an official state flower, tree, bird, fish, song, dance and gem, an official grass of Washington has not been designated.

SUMMARY:

Bluebunch wheatgrass is designated as the official grass of the state of Washington.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Joy, Washington State Grange; Marlyta Deck, Washington Cattlemen's Association; Amy McQuade, East Lake Washington Audubon Society;  Cheryl Althauzer, Native Plant Society; Gordon Burt, Washington State Rangeland Committee