Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Natural Resources Committee

HB 2294

Brief Description:  Allowing the department of natural resources to seek volunteers to maintain recreation sites.

Sponsors:  Representatives Hatfield, Doumit, Kessler, Eickmeyer, Lantz, Rockefeller, Wood, Mielke, Boldt, Benson, Edwards, Upthegrove and Dunn.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct periodic reviews of its recreation sites.  The first review is to be completed by December 1, 2002.

$Requires the DNR to hold a public hearing prior to closing a recreation site to see if there are sufficient volunteers to keep it open.

$Establishes a volunteer program for the DNR recreation sites similar to the adopt‑a‑highway program established by the Department of Transportation.

Hearing Date:  1/25/02

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786‑7092).

Background:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owns a number of recreation sites, and some of these sites are at risk of closing due to insufficient funds.  The adopt‑a‑highway program utilized by the Department of Transportation has been successful in attracting volunteers and a similar program for the DNR recreation sites may allow some of these sites to remain open.

Summary of Bill:

The DNR must conduct a periodic review of all of its recreation sites.  The initial review must be completed by December 1, 2002.  The review must include an examination of the location of the sites and the costs associated with them.

If the DNR determines that it is appropriate to keep a site open, but the site may be closed due to insufficient funds, before closing the site the DNR must hold a public hearing in the general vicinity of the site to determine if there are sufficient volunteers available on an ongoing basis to keep the site open.

The DNR is required to seek partnerships with volunteer groups and businesses to establish a recreation site volunteer program.  The requirements for the program are similar to the requirements for the state adopt‑a‑highway program.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 21, 2002.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.