H-739                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 240

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State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Representatives Sutherland, P. King and Belcher

Read first time 1/25/85 and referred to Committee on Natural Resources.

AN ACT Relating to the department of game; and creating  new sections.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that:

          (1) The department of game has the primary responsibility for managing state game fish and animals, marine mammals, and other wildlife resources.

          (2) During the past two decades, an increasing amount of the department's resources has been directed to managing wildlife for citizens who neither hunt nor fish.

          (3) Decreasing amounts of game habitat make it imperative to maintain the existing resource base while planning for methods to mitigate against additional losses.

          (4) Court-mandated programs have been added to the department of game, requiring changes in program direction.

          (5) Actions taken by the department of game can have important consequences to public resources.

          (6) A long-term plan for the resources managed by the department of game would benefit the citizens and the game resources of the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The legislature directs the department of game to prepare a long-term strategic plan for Washington's game resources.  The plan shall include but not be limited to:  Habitat management for big game, game fish, upland birds, and small game; wildlife management; fisheries management; law enforcement, public involvement, and court-mandated activities.  The plan shall be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 1986.