Brief Description: Supporting the establishment of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail.

Sponsors: Senators Parlette, Morton, Mulliken, Delvin and Sheldon.

Hearing Date: 3/17/05

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:
Congress provided funding to the National Park Service (NPS) to determine the significance of ice age floods, evaluate the possibility of including these resources as a new unit of the National Park System, and to examine a range of management approaches that identify various ways to coordinate interpretation of ice age floods. The NPS completed the study, Ice Age Floods Study of Alternatives and Environmental Assessment, and recommended an approach that would designate a national geologic trail managed by a NPS trail manager.

Congress is currently considering legislation, H.R. 383, which would authorize the NPS to go ahead and work with all public and private parties to create the trail. Land acquisition would not exceed 25 acres for an interpretive center to be created in the future.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Legislature conveys their support to establish the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail to the President and the Congress.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.