S-0365.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5148
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Senators Haugen and Oke
Read first time 01/16/97. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Parks.
AN ACT Relating to production of game birds at game farms operated by the department of fish and wildlife; adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW; and creating new sections.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the Whidbey Island game farm is uniquely adapted to producing pheasants for planting in areas in western Washington. A combination of low rainfall, zero threat of flooding, good management, and adequate facilities make the site consistently productive. The legislature finds that total reliance upon one pheasant rearing site in western Washington is not prudent management of the resource.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 77.12 RCW to read as follows:
The director shall operate the Whidbey Island game farm for all phases of producing pheasants for the western Washington pheasant release program. The Whidbey Island game farm shall be operated in conjunction with the Centralia game farm to achieve the production goals of the western Washington pheasant program.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The director of fish and wildlife shall conduct a site feasibility study for the development of new department of fish and wildlife-operated upland bird farms. Sites shall be evaluated from all areas of the state to assess the best sites for increased production of upland birds for public hunting purposes. The director shall report to the appropriate legislative committees no later than December 31, 1997. The report shall include analysis of abandoned department-operated game farms, new sites, and sites which may be operated in conjunction with cooperative groups.
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