FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1426

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.

Background:

Conservation districts (districts) are a type of special purpose district charged with engaging with private landowners in improving natural resources and delivering resource conservation programs and activities to local communities.

Each district is directed by a five-member board of supervisors. Three members are elected locally, at least two of whom must be landowners or operators of a farm. The Washington State Conservation Commission appoints the remaining two members, including at least one landowner or farm operator.

Districts offer a range of voluntary services including but not limited to assistance with: erosion control, habitat restoration, manure management, wildfire prevention/mitigation, stormwater management, forest plans, irrigation efficiency, noxious weed control, fish barrier removals, and livestock stream crossings.

Any two or more districts may engage in joint activities, by agreement, which include planning, financing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and administering any program or project concerned with the conservation of renewable natural resources. The districts may also make available, for purposes of the agreement, funds, property, personnel, equipment, and services available to them.

There are 45 conservation districts in Washington and all 39 counties in Washington are represented by at least one conversation district.

Summary:

Two or more conservation districts (districts), by agreement, may engage in joint activities that include, but are not limited to, engineering as it relates to conservation of renewable natural resources. Districts are also authorized to make available for purposes of the agreement any professional engineering that may be available to them.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	97	0
Senate	46	0