PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Forest riparian easement program.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: The legislature directed the Forest Practices Board (FPB) to adopt rules consistent with the provisions in 2SHB 2311. Chapter 76.13 RCW directs the FPB to adopt rules for the forestry riparian easement program. Authority for adopting forest practices rules are granted under RCW 76.09.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The FPB is considering changes to
implement 2SHB 2311 which, in part, amends chapter 76.13 RCW,
Stewardship on nonindustrial forests and woodlands. The
statutory amendments make it necessary to amend chapter 222-21 WAC, forestry riparian easement program, including:
| • | Eliminating compensation reduction for timber harvest reentry into approved riparian easements, and |
| • | Clarifying the Department of Natural Resources' authority to compensate small forest landowners for their costs in preparing riparian easements. |
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The FPB is the only agency charged with establishing rules to protect the state's public resources while maintaining a viable forest products industry. The Department of Natural Resources is the only agency to administer the Forestry Riparian Easement Program.
Process for Developing New Rule: The small forest landowner advisory committee will be involved in the development of the rule following the guidelines in RCW 76.13.110(4).
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by mail, fax, or e-mailing comments to Patricia Anderson, Rules Coordinator, Forest Practices Board, Department of Natural Resources, Forest Practices Division, 1111 Washington Street, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-4701, fax (360) 902-1428, e-mail forest.practicesboard@wadnr.gov.
August 20, 2002
Pat McElroy
Chair