The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Acquisition" means the purchase on a willing seller basis of fee or less than fee interests in real property. These interests include, but are not limited to, options, rights of first refusal, conservation easements, leases, and mineral rights.

(2) "Board" means the recreation and conservation funding board.

(3) "Critical habitat" means lands important for the protection, management, or public enjoyment of certain wildlife species or groups of species, including, but not limited to, wintering range for deer, elk, and other species, waterfowl and upland bird habitat, fish habitat, and habitat for endangered, threatened, or sensitive species.

(4) "Farmlands" means any land defined as "farm and agricultural land" in RCW 84.34.020(2).

(5) "Local agencies" means a city, county, town, federally recognized Indian tribe, special purpose district, port district, or other political subdivision of the state providing services to less than the entire state.

(6) "Natural areas" means areas that have, to a significant degree, retained their natural character and are important in preserving rare or vanishing flora, fauna, geological, natural historical, or similar features of scientific or educational value.

(7) "Nonprofit nature conservancy corporation or association" means an organization as defined in RCW 84.34.250.

(8) "Riparian habitat" means land adjacent to water bodies, as well as submerged land such as streambeds, which can provide functional habitat for salmonids and other fish and wildlife species. Riparian habitat includes, but is not limited to, shorelines and near-shore marine habitat, estuaries, lakes, wetlands, streams, and rivers.

(9) "Special needs populations" means physically restricted people or people of limited means.

(10) "State agencies" means the state parks and recreation commission, the department of natural resources, the department of enterprise services, and the department of fish and wildlife.

(11) "Trails" means public ways constructed for and open to pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists, or any combination thereof, other than a sidewalk constructed as a part of a city street or county road for exclusive use of pedestrians.

(12) "Urban wildlife habitat" means lands that provide habitat important to wildlife in proximity to a metropolitan area.

(13) "Water access" means boat or foot access to marine waters, lakes, rivers, or streams.

[2015 c 225 § 126; 2009 c 341 § 1; 2007 c 241 § 26; 2005 c 303 § 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 14 § 2. Formerly RCW 43.98A.010.]

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