SB 5740 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Establishes the northeastern Washington bull trout recovery project for the purpose of developing a recovery plan for the bull trout stocks in northeastern Washington.  The recovery project shall:  (1) Focus its investigations on the bull trout stocks in the northeastern Washington salmon recovery region, including primarily Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties;

     (2) determine the historic and current range of these stocks of bull trout and their abundance;

     (3) investigate and identify the factors that are responsible for the decline in the abundance of these fish; and

     (4) develop a plan for recovering this species that is adequate for the purposes of the endangered species act.

     Makes an appropriation of forty thousand dollars 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.

     Makes an appropriation of forty thousand dollars 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.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.