SB 5405-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)

Declares that the purpose of the council is to: (1) Gather data necessary to understanding the economic, recreational, and environmental contributions of the forest products industry and secondary manufacturing sectors in Washington state and the trends that will influence the industry in the future; and

(2) Develop recommendations for policy changes that will contribute to maintaining the economic stability and growth of the forest products industry in Washington state.

Finds that the western slopes of the Cascade mountain range in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis counties are experiencing increasing demands for a wide range of uses by the growing population in the Puget Sound basin. These lands provide important economic, forest, fish and wildlife, recreation, scenic, educational, and watershed benefits to the entire region.

Finds that it is in the public's interest to assist Cascade foothills area landowners and communities in retaining responsible, working forestry in the lower elevations of this area to sustain timber-dependent economies while acknowledging ecological and environmental benefits from the forests.

Requires the future of Washington forests review council to report the findings and recommendations required by this act to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 31, 2007.

Terminates the future of Washington forests review council and its powers and duties on June 30, 2008.