Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 17.10.080 and 17.10.010(5).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The state Noxious Weed Control Board is charged with updating the state noxious weed list on an annual basis, to ensure it accurately reflects noxious weed control priorities and noxious weed distribution. A revised mission statement for the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board will be considered in order to make the statement more consistent with current state weed board goals.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state agencies regulate this subject. Federal agencies are subject to federal noxious weed laws that require them to coordinate with state regulations. Federal agencies in Washington are invited to participate in all stages of noxious weed rule making.

Process for Developing New Rule: The State Noxious Weed Board annually solicits suggestions from county programs, state and federal agencies, interest groups and the general public by a series of extensive mailings. Comments are welcome in written or oral form. The Noxious Weed Committee of the state board, which includes representation from the Washington Native Plant Society, county weed boards, the public interest and several scientific advisors, meets twice to review and research the suggestions. Their draft suggestions are sent out again for public comment before the Noxious Weed Committee drafts their final recommendation to the full state Noxious Weed Board. The state [Noxious] Weed Board will then consider these recommendations and draft a final rule-making proposal. Public comment is welcome at all committee and state board meetings. A press release and information mailing is prepared on the recommended changes and a public hearing is scheduled. The state [Noxious] Weed Board makes their final decision after considering the public input received during the hearing.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lisa E. Lantz, Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, 1851 South Central Place, Suite 211, Kent, WA 98031-7507, phone (253) 872-2972, FAX (253) 872-6320. Contact Lisa for information on preparing a recommended change or for meeting dates and other participation opportunities.

June 1, 1998

Lisa E. Lantz

Executive Secretary