HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1467

Title:An act relating to the composition of the forest practices board.

Brief Description:Changing the composition of the forest practices board.

Sponsors:Representatives Anderson, Barlean, Regala, Dunshee, Ruderman, Ogden, Constantine, Lovick, Schual‑Berke, Stensen, Eickmeyer, Linville, Veloria, Keiser, Cooper, Fisher, Scott, Tokuda, McIntire, Gombosky and Kenney.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Meeting Date:February 9, 1999

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Carole Richmond, Analyst  (786-7114)

Background:The Forest Practices Board was established in 1974.  It promulgates rules establishing minimum standards for forest practices, provides procedures for the voluntary development of resource management plans that may be adopted as alternatives to the minimum standards, sets forth administrative procedures, and establishes procedures for the collection of forest practices fees as set forth in chapter 76.09 RCW.

The board is currently comprised of 11 members, including five that are named in statute, and six that are members of the general public appointed by the Governor.  Of the five members named in statute, one is the Commissioner of Public Lands or his or her designee, three are state agency directors or their designees, and one is an elected member of a county legislative authority.  Of the six members appointed by the Governor, one represents a large forest landowner, one represents a small forest landowner, and the remainder represent a variety of interests.

The Forest Practices Act is intended to protect public resources, including water, fish and wildlife, and capital improvements of the state and its subdivisions, coincident with the maintenance of a viable forest products industry. 

Summary of Bill:The director of the Department of  Fish and Wildlife is added to the Forest Practices Board.

Appropriation:None.

Fiscal Note:Not requested.

Effective Date:Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.