SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6839

BYSenator Barr

Providing for protection of the Kettle River.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Dawn P. Vyvyan (786-7717)

                March 2, 1990

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Kettle River was under study by the State Parks and Recreation Commission as a candidate scenic river for the State Scenic Rivers Program.  It is located in northeastern Washington, with its U.S. segments in Ferry and Stevens Counties.  The commission considered the degree of public support and concern for specific rivers which were eligible for the Scenic Rivers Program and concluded that the Kettle River should not be proposed for inclusion in the program.

SUMMARY:

Communities of the state are encouraged to join on a regional basis to implement the state's policy that rivers of the state which possess outstanding natural, scenic, historic, ecological, and recreational values of present and future benefit to the public shall be preserved in as natural condition as practical.

The commissioners of Ferry and Stevens Counties shall agree to adopt and implement a management program for lands on that section of the Kettle River flowing through or adjacent to those counties.  The State Parks and Recreation Commission shall provide technical assistance in the development of the management program.  The counties shall submit an agreed upon program to the commission no later than January 1, 1991 for review and comment.

The costs to the counties for the establishment of the joint Kettle River management program shall be offset by appropriations in the amount of $30,000 from the general fund to the Parks and Recreation Commission for the biennium ending June 30, 1991.  The commission shall retain 10 percent of the funds to offset administrative costs and costs associated with providing technical assistance.

Appropriation:  $30,000

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   K. O. Rossenberg, Stevens Ferry (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The state Parks and Recreation Commission shall review and provide comments on the management program developed by the counties by March 31, 1991.  The counties shall adopt a final management program no later than June 30, 1991.