H-1668              _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 2058

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Sayan, Cantwell, Basich, Van Luven, Jones, Dorn, Ferguson, Rayburn and P. King

Read first time 2/17/89 and referred to Committees on Trade & Economic Development/Appropriations (3/1/89).

AN ACT Relating to the development of hardwood forests and hardwood products within the Washington forest industry; creating new sections; making an appropriation; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature recognizes that the economic base of the state of Washington is directly tied to the development and management of forest industries and that efforts to enhance and promote the recognition and expansion of the hardwoods industry should be encouraged.  The legislature further recognizes that the development of hardwood forests and hardwood products will require multispecie, sustained-yield management plans for industrial and nonindustrial timber tracts, the development of products and markets for all grades of hardwoods, a stable and predictable tax program for new and existing firms, and financial assistance for the attraction and expansion of new and existing hardwood processing facilities.  The legislature also recognizes that the welfare of the citizens of the state of Washington require, as a public purpose, a continuing effort toward the full utilization of hardwood forests and the hardwood products industry.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     In recognition of these findings and purposes, the college of forest resources at the University of Washington shall conduct a study and analysis of Washington's hardwood forests and hardwood products industry.  The study shall include, but is not limited to:

          (1) A comprehensive inventory of hardwood forests and a qualitative assessment of those stands.  If the quality assessment indicates that the future will be based on lower quality stands, research should then focus upon how to assist industry in coping with this change and to develop a methodology of site quality evaluation.  This analysis shall include an evaluation of hardwoods on state land and the management policies of the department of natural resources.

          (2) An assessment of value-added industries currently in operation in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and European countries.

          (3) An analysis of possible target areas for hardwood stand development and industrial access with emphasis upon riparian and riverene problems.

          (4) The development of a catalogue of potential new hardwood products to include, but not be limited to, furniture, paneling, lumber, pulp and paper, chips, and pellets.

          (5) Research into potential markets for Washington hardwood products to include Japan, Europe, China, and Korea.

          (6) An analysis and prospectus for increased hardwood supply for local processors and possible alternatives for the development of future supply.

          (7) Research into reforestation, mixed hardwood and conifer stands, natural regeneration, and even-aged forests.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The results of the findings of the study shall be presented to the appropriate standing committee of the legislature by July 1, 1990.  The report shall reflect the directives and initiatives in section 2 of this act.  A preliminary report shall be presented to the appropriate standing committee of the legislature by November 1989.  The preliminary report will focus upon the progress of the study and the methods of evaluation and analysis that are being employed.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     The sum of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the college of forest resources at the University of Washington for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, to carry out the purposes of section 2 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.