SB 5352-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/17/03)

Authorizes the policy-making entity to enter into agreements with the commodity credit corporation of the United States department of agriculture to implement a conservation reserve enhancement program to assist in the restoration or enhancement of habitat for salmonids that have been listed as threatened or endangered species under the federal endangered species act and/or the improvement of water quality. The program shall continue to be delivered by conservation districts organized under chapter 89.08 RCW.

Encourages the policy-making entity to examine conservation reserve enhancement programs offered in other states and to examine studies conducted by other states on how to increase the rate of participation in the program while reducing overall costs.

Provides that, among the alternatives that shall be offered in the state of Washington, the policy-making entity shall include the national standard for conservation practice 391, the riparian forest buffer, as established by the federal natural resources conservation service.

Provides that no county shall adopt development regulations under this act that directly or indirectly preclude a person owning land from being able to qualify for enrollment of a parcel or a portion of any parcel in the conservation reserve enhancement program, or equivalent program that provides for the restoration or enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat and/or the improvement of water quality.

Provides that each county and city with agricultural lands designated under RCW 36.70A.170 shall allow wineries, affiliated and ancillary tasting rooms, and accessory uses as a permitted use acceptable and compatible with other agricultural-related industries within all such agricultural land designations. Such use may only be restricted in a manner uniformly applied to all permitted uses in all agricultural zoning classifications in each city and county.