FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 2126

C 257 L 17

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating a community-based approach to provide assistance with nonlethal management methods to reduce livestock depredations by wolves.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake and Wilcox).

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

Wolf Management.

The gray wolf is classified as an endangered species for all of Washington under state law, and for the western two-thirds of Washington under federal law.  A Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (Plan) was adopted by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission in December 2011.  The Plan guides recovery and management of gray wolves in Washington. 

Conservation Districts.

Conservation districts are governmental subdivisions that provide voluntary services related to conservation and agricultural practices.  There are 45 conservation districts in Washington.  Conservation district boards consist of five members (three elected and two appointed), at least three of which must be landowners or farm operators.

Summary:

The Northeast Washington Wolf-Livestock Management Grant (Grant) is created, administered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).  Grant funds must be used for nonlethal deterrence resources, including human presence, equipment, and tools, in Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, or Pend Oreille counties. Grant funds may only be distributed to nonprofit organizations that have board members, or are willing to receive assistance, from relevant government agencies.

An advisory board is created to advise the WSDA on the use of Grant funds and the use of resources funded by the Grants.  The advisory board consists of one member each from the Okanogan County, Ferry County, Stevens County, and Pend Oreille County conservation district boards.  Advisory board members are appointed, in consultation with the relevant conservation district and legislators, by the Director of the WSDA for two-year terms.  Advisory board members must be knowledgeable about wolf depredation and nonlethal wolf management, and may not benefit financially from Grant-funded contracts.

The Northeast Washington Wolf-Livestock Management Account (Account) is created.  Grant funds are deposited into the Account, and the Account may only be used to deploy nonlethal wolf deterrence resources.  The Account is nonappropriated, and only the Director of the WSDA may authorize expenditures, in consultation with the advisory board.  The advisory board may solicit public and private funds for the Grants.

Votes on Final Passage: