SB 6480 - DIGEST

     Provides that four pilot recreational conservation leases shall be initiated by the department.  The four pilot lease sites shall be the Yacolt State Forest, Elbe Hills State Forest, Tiger Mountain State Forest, and the Blanchard Hill area block.  The terms of the lease shall reduce timber harvests on each site by up to twenty percent over a ten-year period.  The amount of the reduced harvest shall be determined by the department based on the harvest levels planned for the areas, the level of appropriation, and the location of authorized recreational uses within the state.

     Provides that, effective July 1, 2000, the sum of eleven million two hundred eighty-five thousand dollars is transferred from the general fund to the public land recreational conservation lease account for covering the recreational management costs and road use costs associated with public use for each of the four pilot recreational conservation leases developed under this act.

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