HB 1492-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/18/97)

     Provides that, prior to acquiring any property for a natural area preserve under RCW 79.70.030 or 79.70.040 or under chapter 43.98A RCW, the department shall hold a local public hearing in the county where the majority of the land in a proposed natural area preserve is located.

     Provides that the department shall not acquire the property for a proposed natural area preserve for at least sixty days following the public hearing.  During that sixty days, the county  legislative authority of the county where the majority of the land in a proposed natural area preserve is located may pass a resolution asking the department not to acquire the property for a natural area preserve.  If the county legislative authority so requests, the department shall not acquire the property for a natural area preserve.

     Requires the department to hold an additional local public hearing when the department completes a draft management plan for a preserve.