SB 6294-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Creates the aquatic nuisance species committee for the purpose of fostering state, federal, tribal, and private cooperation on aquatic nuisance species issues.  The mission of the committee is to minimize the unauthorized or accidental introduction of nonnative aquatic species and give special emphasis to preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species.

     Declares that the committee has the following duties:  (1) Periodically revise the state of Washington aquatic nuisance species management plan, originally published in June 1998;

     (2) make recommendations to the legislature on statutory provisions for classifying and regulating aquatic nuisance species;

     (3) recommend to the state noxious weed control board that a plant be classified under the process designated by RCW 17.10.080 as an aquatic noxious weed;

     (4) coordinate education, research, regulatory authorities, monitoring and control programs, and participate in regional and national efforts regarding aquatic nuisance species;

     (5) consult with representatives from industries and other activities that may serve as a pathway for the introduction of aquatic nuisance species to develop practical strategies that will minimize the risk of new introduction; and

     (6) prepare a biennial report to the legislature with the first report due by December 1, 2001, making recommendations for better accomplishing the purposes of this chapter, and listing the accomplishments of this chapter to date.