SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5334

                    As of January 27, 1999

Title:  An act relating to the natural heritage advisory council.

Brief Description:  Developing legislative recommendations related to natural area preserves and natural resources conservation areas.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove and T. Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/4/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  The Natural Heritage Advisory Council makes recommendations for lands to be included in the Natural Heritage Program.  That program has mainly been developed using lands transferred from trust lands status to natural heritage area status using funds granted by the Legislature.  Part of the program involves preserving areas which are environmentally unique.

Summary of Bill:  By December 1, 1999, the Natural Heritage Advisory Council must define the term Aenvironmentally unique@ and create a list of what environmentally unique areas now exist and which areas are needed as part of the Natural Heritage Program.  The council must develop a site specific list of areas which could complete the Natural Heritage Acquisition Program.  The council must develop legislative recommendations on how the natural area preserves and the natural resource conservation areas can be jointly managed and more effectively used by the public.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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