SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5006

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Natural Resources, Energy & Water, February 6, 2003

Title: An act relating to nonconsumptive wildlife activities.

Brief Description: Allowing nonconsumptive wildlife activities on public lands.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Energy & Water: 1/30/03, 2/6/03 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY & WATER

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5006 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Morton, Chair; Hewitt, Vice Chair; Doumit, Fraser, Hale, Hargrove, Honeyford, Oke and Regala.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: State lands leased for grazing or agricultural purposes are open to the public for hunting and fishing under certain circumstances. Nonconsumptive wildlife activities, otherwise known as "watchable wildlife," are not currently included in the list of multiple use activities which are compatible with the Department of Natural Resources' trust management responsibilities for public lands.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Nonconsumptive wildlife activities are included as a legitimate reason for entry into trust lands leased for grazing or agriculture purposes when allowed by the Department of Natural Resources managing agencies. Multiple use management of state trust lands must include nonconsumptive wildlife activities, which will be defined by the Board of Natural Resources. Lands are not open and available for wildlife activities when access could endanger crops on the land or when access could endanger the person accessing the land.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The role of the Board of Natural Resources in defining "watchable wildlife" activities is clarified.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This is a good approach to dealing with public use of trust lands.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Bruce Mackey, Department of Natural Resources.