1849-S AMS NPS S2521

1849-S AMS NPS S2521.2

SHB 1849 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1. RCW 79A.05.035 and 1999 c 249 s 303 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The commission shall:

(a) Manage timber and land under its jurisdiction to maintain and enhance aesthetic and recreational values;

(b) Apply modern conservation practices to maintain and enhance aesthetic, recreational, and ecological resources; and

(c) Designate and preserve certain forest areas throughout the state as natural forests or natural areas for interpretation, study, and preservation purposes.

(2) Trees may be removed from state parks:

(a) When hazardous to persons, property, or facilities;

(b) As part of a park maintenance or development project, or conservation practice;

(d) When damaged by a catastrophic forest event.

(3) Tree removal under subsection (2) of this section shall be done by commission personnel, unless the personnel lack necessary expertise. Except in emergencies and when feasible, significant trees shall be removed only after they have been marked or appraised by a professional forester. The removal of significant trees from a natural forest may take place only after a public hearing has been held, except in emergencies.

(4) When feasible, felled timber shall be left on the ground for natural purposes or used for park purposes including, but not limited to, building projects, trail mulching, and firewood. In natural forest areas, first consideration shall be given to leaving timber on the ground for natural purposes.

(5) The commission may issue permits to individuals under RCW 4.24.210 and 79A.05.090 for the removal of wood debris from state parks for personal firewood use.

(6) Only timber that qualifies for cutting or removal under subsection (2) of this section may be sold. Timber shall be sold only when surplus to the needs of the park.

(7) Net revenue derived from timber sales shall be deposited in the state parks renewal and stewardship account created in RCW 79A.05.215.

(8) The commission shall adopt rules that require a record check and fingerprinting of current employees of the commission, job applicants, volunteers, and independent contractors who work with children or vulnerable adults, or who are responsible for collecting or disbursing cash or processing credit card transactions, through the Washington state patrol criminal identification system and through the federal bureau of investigation. The commission shall require the destruction of any fingerprints, copies of fingerprints, or their facsimiles after the screening of the employee, job applicant, volunteer, or independent contractor has been completed."

SHB 1849 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines

On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "contractors;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and amending RCW 79A.05.035."