SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5740

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, March 3, 2003

Title: An act relating to gray wolf management.

Brief Description: Prohibiting the introduction of the gray wolf into Washington.

Sponsors: Senator Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/25/03, 3/3/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Esser, Morton and Swecker.

Staff: Victor Moon (786-7469)

Background: Gray wolves are listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. They are listed as endangered in 47 states, of which is throughout all of their range in the United States. In Washington, gray wolves are found in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and in the north Cascades. Also, there is an area where gray wolves have been sighted in the Selkirk mountains in northeast Washington.

Summary of Bill: The Fish and Wildlife Commission must protect gray wolves and develop management programs on publicly owned lands that will encourage the natural regeneration of gray wolves in areas with suitable habitat. Gray wolves may not be transplanted, augmented, or introduced into the state. Only gray wolves that are native to Washington may be utilized by the Department of Fish and Wildlife for management programs. The department is directed to fully participate in all discussions and negotiations with federal and state agencies relating to the management of gray wolves.

A person releasing a gray wolf within Washington State or near the state international borders must implant each gray wolf to be released with a microchip containing specific information for that particular gray wolf. The person must also obtain and transmit to the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife a DNA sample from each gray wolf to be released, along with documentation providing information concerning the date of release and place of release.

A severability clause is included.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 21, 2003.

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

Testimony For: Wolves are going to be increasing in numbers in Washington but the increase must be carefully controlled and monitored by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect the public and the state's wildlife and livestock.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Senator Bob Morton, prime sponsor; Steve Pozzanghera, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Sid Viebrock, WA Cattlemen's Assn.