BILL REQ. #:  H-1439.1 

Read first time 02/07/11.   Referred to Committee on Local Government.

     AN ACT Relating to implementing recommendations developed in accordance with Substitute Senate Bill No. 5248, chapter 353, Laws of 2007; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature intends to establish the agriculture and critical areas voluntary stewardship program as recommended in the report submitted by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center to the legislature as required by chapter 353, Laws of 2007, and chapter 203, Laws of 2010.
     (2) It is the intent of the legislature to:
     (a) Provide county legislative authorities with a new option for protecting critical areas that is an alternative to requirements of the growth management act. The legislature finds that this alternative, in addition to further harmonizing requirements of the growth management act to protect critical areas and preserve agricultural lands, will further the goal of fostering improved cooperation between diverse interests, will enhance critical areas located within regions of the state that engage in agricultural activities, and will maintain and improve the long-term viability of agriculture in local communities;
     (b) Include in the stewardship program, locally tailored programs with recommended practices and incentives that are available on a watershed level. The legislature intends for these locally tailored programs, to the maximum extent practicable, to address nonpoint water quality issues related to agricultural activities; and
     (c) Make the stewardship program available to enhance critical areas in participating counties, including areas within these counties that are subject to the jurisdiction of the shoreline management act. Should the stewardship program be applied in areas that are subject to the jurisdiction of the shoreline management act, the legislature intends for its application to be consistent with the shoreline management act.
     (3) The legislature does not intend for the stewardship program to affect actions taken to comply with the requirements of chapter 36.70A RCW by counties that are not participating in the program.
     (4) The legislature intends for the stewardship program to be guided by the following principles:
     (a) Building upon existing work in local watersheds;
     (b) Emphasizing voluntary stewardship before regulatory actions;
     (c) Protecting critical areas from further degradation;
     (d) Setting priorities for voluntary actions to enhance critical areas;
     (e) Improving compliance with applicable laws pertaining to the protection of water quality and fish habitat; and
     (f) Fostering a spirit of cooperation among diverse interest groups to better assure program success.
     (5) The legislature further intends that, in designing and administering the stewardship program, the state conservation commission shall use existing state and federal programs, to the maximum extent practicable, in its efforts to achieve the goals of the program.