[atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to maintaining and rebuilding elk populations; adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW; creating new sections; and making appropriations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds and declares that:

(1) Healthy elk populations are a tremendous resource to the rural economy of Washington, bringing thousands of observers, photographers, and hunters to interact with elk. Elk are also important to maintaining healthy ecosystems;

(2) Certain Washington elk populations are at risk due to habitat changes and increased hunting pressures;

(3) Different cultural perspectives toward hunting, different tribal and nontribal regulations and enforcement procedures, and different views regarding treaty hunting privileges have contributed to tensions between tribal and nontribal elk hunters;

(4) Tribal and nontribal elk hunters share a common interest in maintaining and rebuilding elk populations in order to ensure that there will continue to be elk hunting and viewing opportunities; and

(5) Combining new policies with discussions to cultivate this common interest could yield ways to reduce tensions while also maintaining and rebuilding elk populations for the continued benefit of all Washington citizens.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 77.12 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall:

(a) Establish accurate annual population estimates for Washington's elk herds, particularly those herds in areas where conservation restrictions have been imposed in recent history;

(b) Determine as accurately as possible annual elk mortality from all sources, including the number of elk taken by all hunters and by poachers;

(c) Delineate changes in historic elk ranges along with anticipated habitat changes in the future and projected impacts to elk populations and herd health;

(d) Design hunting rules and enforcement strategies that simultaneously honor tribal hunting privileges and recognize the mutual benefit to both tribal and nontribal hunters of preserving and enhancing elk populations;

(e) Identify avenues whereby interested citizens can volunteer in programs to collect needed biological data, assist in preventing poaching and apprehending poachers, and identify ways for those who live near hunting areas to express their concerns and report the taking of elk;

(f) Identify existing elk research and enhancement efforts underway in Washington state by federal, state, and local governments, tribes, and private foundations, and opportunities for possible cooperative efforts to maintain and rebuild elk populations in the future;

(g) Identify additional resources, including possible funding sources, needed to implement these various measures; and

(h) Initiate other necessary efforts in order for the department to gain a better understanding of elk hunting and of Washington's elk populations.

In accomplishing (a) through (h) of this subsection, the department shall place primary emphasis on the Packwood, Olympic Peninsula, Nooksack, North Rainier, and Blue Mountains elk herds. The Colockum, Yakima, and Willapa Hills elk herds shall also receive increased attention to prevent foreseeable declines.

(2) The department shall invite federally recognized Indian tribes with hunting privileges to participate in a series of discussions on Washington's elk populations and elk management issues. Through these discussions, the department shall work with tribal representatives to identify strategies that honor tribal hunting privileges while maintaining and rebuilding elk populations. In establishing a format for these discussions, the department shall provide opportunities for nontribal elk hunters, residents near areas where elk hunting takes place, and other interested parties to express their concerns and contribute their constructive suggestions.

(3) By December 1, 2000, the department shall report to the legislature on the status of subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The sum of . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, from the general fund to the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of this act.

(2) The sum of . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, from the general fund to the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1999, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.