Brief Description: Establishing a statewide strategy for land acquisitions and disposal.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette and Berkey).

Hearing Date: 2/18/04

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

Because land acquisitions by state agencies for recreation and habitat purposes

have long-term consequences for the state and the counties in which the lands are located,

concern has been expressed that the Legislature must be as well informed as possible

regarding why and how the acquisitions are made. The most recent compilation of such

information is the 1999 Public and Tribal Lands Inventory, a report to the Legislature by the

Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation that provides a baseline inventory of public

lands and identifies the total acreage of public and tribal lands, their ownership, general

location, and primary purpose.

Summary of Bill:

Within the outdoor recreation category the statutory allocations for parks,

statewide parks, local parks, trails, and water access sites are increased, with a smaller

percentage left unallocated. A new category for recreation and stewardship projects by state

agencies replaces the unallocated portion of the habitat conservation category.

The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation may retain up to 3 percent of WWRP

funds for administration.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.