HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1254

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Title: An act relating to the institute of forest resources.

Brief Description: Regarding the institute of forest resources.

Sponsors: Representatives Lytton, Blake, Takko, Van De Wege, Ladenburg and Rolfes.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/4/11, 2/11/11 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Amends the authorizing statues for the University of Washington's Institute of Forest Resources (IFR) both technically and substantively to modernize the language.

  • Enlarges the scope of the IFR's mission to reflect modern forestry issues.

  • Provides additional fundraising tools and accounting autonomy to the IFR.

  • Provides the authority to create an advisory committee to aid the IFR.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Stanford, Vice Chair; Wilcox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buys, Dunshee, Hinkle, Lytton, Orcutt, Pettigrew, Rolfes and Van De Wege.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Kretz.

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

In 1947 the Legislature created the Institute of Forest Products (IFP) under the Department of Conservation and Development. The Legislature transferred the administration of the IFP to the Board of Regents of the University of Washington (UW) in 1959. In 1979 it was renamed the Institute of Forest Resources (IFR) and was made responsible for pursuing research and education related to forest resources and its multiple uses, including its conservation, management, and utilization.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The authorizing statues for the IFR are amended both technically, to modernize the language, and substantively. These changes include correcting the title of the chief administer of the UW's forest resource program, directing that person to coordinate the various cooperatives and centers located administratively within the UW to broaden the UWs forest products research and outreach, and providing the authority for the creation of an 11-member policy advisory board.

The direction to the IFR is expanded to clarify that its mission is to pursue coordinated research related to the forestry sector in both urban and rural areas. The mission of the IFR is expanded to consider traditional forestry issues along with emerging issues such as environmental services, sustainable management, and forest restoration.

The IFR is also directed to provide a framework for identifying, prioritizing, funding, and conducting interdisciplinary research critical to the forest sector and for synthesizing complex forestry issues and information into tools that aid policymakers.

Direction is given for the IFR to utilize appropriated funds that are distinct from the general appropriation for the UW. The IFR is provided additional mechanisms for raising funds such as the receipt of conveyances and bequests. The IFR may also solicit contracts for work, in-kind and financial contributions, and support from public and private grantees.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill removes mandatory legislative reporting requirements and makes the formation of an advisory committee to support the IFR discretionary.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The current language directing the IFR needs to be modernized to reflect administrative changes to the UWs structure. Passage of the bill would reaffirm the Legislature's support of forestry education and outreach and the UWs role as a leader in forestry education. The current education and outreach directions needs to be brought into the 21st century and could more efficiently pool the talents of students and professors. The new language prepares the IFR for the future and allows it to serve as a tool for keeping forests working.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Bruce Bare and Tom Hinckley, University of Washington; and Debora Manguia, Washington Forest Protection Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.