AN ACT Relating to wolf management using translocation; and adding a new section to chapter 77.36 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 77.36 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The wolf conservation and management plan of 2011 identifies translocation of wolves as a method to facilitate the state's ability to attain recovery goals while addressing conflicts. The department is directed to use translocation immediately as a method to address conflicts. The department must initiate translocation of wolves to regions with fewer wolves to reduce conflicts in areas where there have been known wildlife interactions that resulted in injury to livestock or dogs.

(2) When the department translocates wolves to one of the other regions within the wolf conservation and management plan, the translocation process must be expedited by all state agencies involved in the process. The translocation process may not exceed a three-year period from start to completion.

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