SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5997

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 Amended by House, February 27, 2012

Title: An act relating to the Olympic natural resources center.

Brief Description: Regarding the Olympic natural resources center.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters (originally sponsored by Senator Hargrove).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters: 1/11/12, 1/18/12 [DPS].

Passed Senate: 2/13/12, 49-0.Passed House: 2/27/12, 53-43.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5997 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser and Hargrove.

Staff: Angeline Thomas (786-7470)

Background: Acting on a recommendation made by the Commission on Old Growth Alternatives for Washington's Forest Trust Lands, the Washington State Legislature created the Olympic Natural Resources Center (ONRC) as part of the University of Washington in 1991. The mission of ONRC is to conduct research and education on natural resource management practices that integrate ecological and economic values.

To assist ONRC in achieving its mission, the Legislature directed the Governor to appoint an 11-member ONRC Policy Advisory Board. Under current law, ONRC Director has the authority to appoint a scientific or technical committee.

ONRC Policy Advisory Board was eliminated in an omnibus bill (HB 2617) as of July 1, 2010. Since then, ONRC co-directors have requested that the members of the former Policy Advisory Board continue in an advisory capacity as ONRC Advisory Committee.

The School of Forest Resources' name changed to the School of Environment and Forest Sciences on January 1, 2012.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The language creating ONRC Policy Advisory Board is restored with members chosen by the Governor.

ONRC statutes are updated to reflect the recent name change of the College of Forest Resources to the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, and the organizational change of the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences from a college to a school.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The University of Washington (UW) is pleased with the accomplishments of the board and happy to continue working with the board; however, it would also be equally happy to integrate the board with the Institute of Forest Resources. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a strong relationship with ONRC and would like the board to be formalized. DNR thinks this would give the board an outward versus inward focus. Given the current interest ONRC has in DNR owned lands, DNR would like to be added to the advisory committee.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Hargrove, prime sponsor; Jim Fridley, UW; Craig Partridge, DNR.

House Amendment(s):