SB 6682 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Recognizes the need to address listings that are made under the federal endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.) in a way that will make the most efficient uses of existing regional efforts.

Finds that the southwest Washington pilot program created by the legislature in 1998 for regional fish recovery in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties is a successful model that should be used for other regional fish recovery programs.

Declares an intent to address statewide fish listings in a manner that takes advantage of all state and local efforts, and in a manner consistent with the lessons learned in the southwest Washington pilot program.

Establishes a program for local or regional fish recovery for Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties. The management board created under this act is responsible for the operation, funding, support, and jurisdiction for the development of: (1) Salmon and steelhead recovery plans;

(2) Implementation of the recovery plan; and

(3) Other programs and projects as deemed necessary for the recovery of fish.