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State
Washington
Chapter 77.85 RCW Salmon recovery


Chapter Listing


RCW Sections
77.85.005 Findings -- Intent.
77.85.010 Definitions.
77.85.020 Report to the legislature.
77.85.030 Governor's salmon recovery office -- Creation -- Purpose.
77.85.040 Independent science panel -- Selection -- Terms -- Purpose.
77.85.050 Habitat project lists.
77.85.060 Critical pathways methodology -- Habitat work schedule.
77.85.080 Sea grant program -- Technical assistance authorized.
77.85.090 Southwest Washington salmon recovery region -- Created -- Recognition as a regional recovery organization.
77.85.100 Work group -- Evaluation of mitigation alternatives.
77.85.110 Salmon recovery funding board -- Creation -- Membership.
77.85.120 Board responsibilities -- Grants and loans administration assistance.
77.85.130 Allocation of funds -- Procedures and criteria.
77.85.135 Habitat project funding -- Statement of environmental benefits -- Development of outcome-focused performance measures.
77.85.140 Habitat project lists -- Tracking of funds -- Report.
77.85.150 Statewide salmon recovery strategy -- Prospective application.
77.85.160 Salmon monitoring data, information.
77.85.170 Salmon recovery account.
77.85.180 Findings.
77.85.190 Federal assurances in forests and fish report -- Events constituting failure of assurances -- Governor's authority to negotiate.
77.85.200 Salmon and steelhead recovery program -- Management board -- Duties -- Termination of program.
77.85.220 Salmon intertidal habitat restoration planning process -- Task force -- Reports.
77.85.230 Intertidal salmon enhancement plan -- Elements -- Initial and final plan.
77.85.900 Captions not law.




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77.85.005
Findings — Intent.
The legislature finds that repeated attempts to improve salmonid fish runs throughout the state of Washington have failed to avert listings of salmon and steelhead runs as threatened or endangered under the federal endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.). These listings threaten the sport, commercial, and tribal fishing industries as well as the economic well-being and vitality of vast areas of the state. It is the intent of the legislature to begin activities required for the recovery of salmon stocks as soon as possible, although the legislature understands that successful recovery efforts may not be realized for many years because of the life cycle of salmon and the complex array of natural and human-caused problems they face.

The legislature finds that it is in the interest of the citizens of the state of Washington for the state to retain primary responsibility for managing the natural resources of the state, rather than abdicate those responsibilities to the federal government, and that the state may best accomplish this objective by integrating local and regional recovery activities into a statewide strategy that can make the most effective use of provisions of federal laws allowing for a state lead in salmon recovery, delivered through implementation activities consistent with regional and watershed recovery plans. The legislature also finds that a statewide salmon recovery strategy must be developed and implemented through an active public involvement process in order to ensure public participation in, and support for, salmon recovery. The legislature also finds that there is a substantial link between the provisions of the federal endangered species act and the federal clean water act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.). The legislature further finds that habitat restoration is a vital component of salmon recovery efforts. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to specifically address salmon habitat restoration in a coordinated manner and to develop a structure that allows for the coordinated delivery of federal, state, and local assistance to communities for habitat projects that will assist in the recovery and enhancement of salmon stocks. A strong watershed-based locally implemented plan is essential for local, regional, and statewide salmon recovery.

The legislature also finds that credible scientific review and oversight is essential for any salmon recovery effort to be successful.

The legislature further finds that it is important to monitor the overall health of the salmon resource to determine if recovery efforts are providing expected returns. It is important to monitor salmon habitat projects and salmon recovery activities to determine their effectiveness in order to secure federal acceptance of the state's approach to salmon recovery. Adaptive management cannot exist without monitoring. For these reasons, the legislature believes that a coordinated and integrated monitoring system should be developed and implemented.

The legislature therefore finds that a coordinated framework for responding to the salmon crisis is needed immediately. To that end, the salmon recovery office should be created within the governor's office to provide overall coordination of the state's response; an independent science panel is needed to provide scientific review and oversight; a coordinated state funding process should be established through a salmon recovery funding board; the appropriate local or tribal government should provide local leadership in identifying and sequencing habitat projects to be funded by state agencies; habitat projects should be implemented without delay; and a strong locally based effort to restore salmon habitat should be established by providing a framework to allow citizen volunteers to work effectively.


[2005 c 309 § 1; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 1; 1998 c 246 § 1. Formerly RCW 75.46.005.]

Notes: Severability -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1999 sp.s. c 13 § 24.]

Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 1999." [1999 sp.s. c 13 § 25.]







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77.85.010
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Adaptive management" means reliance on scientific methods to test the results of actions taken so that the management and related policy can be changed promptly and appropriately.

(2) "Critical pathways methodology" means a project scheduling and management process for examining interactions between habitat projects and salmonid species, prioritizing habitat projects, and assuring positive benefits from habitat projects.

(3) "Habitat project list" is the list of projects resulting from the critical pathways methodology under RCW 77.85.060(2). Each project on the list must have a written agreement from the landowner on whose land the project will be implemented. Projects include habitat restoration projects, habitat protection projects, habitat projects that improve water quality, habitat projects that protect water quality, habitat-related mitigation projects, and habitat project maintenance and monitoring activities.

(4) "Habitat work schedule" means those projects from the habitat project list that will be implemented during the current funding cycle. The schedule shall also include a list of the entities and individuals implementing projects, the start date, duration, estimated date of completion, estimated cost, and funding sources for the projects.

(5) "Limiting factors" means conditions that limit the ability of habitat to fully sustain populations of salmon. These factors are primarily fish passage barriers and degraded estuarine areas, riparian corridors, stream channels, and wetlands.

(6) "Project sponsor" is a county, city, special district, tribal government, state agency, a combination of such governments through interlocal or interagency agreements, a nonprofit organization, regional fisheries enhancement group, or one or more private citizens. A project sponsored by a state agency may be funded by the board only if it is included on the habitat project list submitted by the lead entity for that area and the state agency has a local partner that would otherwise qualify as a project sponsor.

(7) "Regional recovery organization" or "regional salmon recovery organization" means an entity formed under RCW 77.85.090 for the purpose of recovering salmon, which is recognized in statute or by the salmon recovery office.

(8) "Salmon" includes all species of the family Salmonidae which are capable of self-sustaining, natural production.

(9) "Salmon recovery plan" means a state or regional plan developed in response to a proposed or actual listing under the federal endangered species act that addresses limiting factors including, but not limited to harvest, hatchery, hydropower, habitat, and other factors of decline.

(10) "Salmon recovery region" means geographic areas of the state identified or formed under RCW 77.85.090 that encompass groups of watersheds in the state with common stocks of salmon identified for recovery activities, and that generally are consistent with the geographic areas within the state identified by the national oceanic and atmospheric administration or the United States fish and wildlife service for activities under the federal endangered species act.

(11) "Salmon recovery strategy" means the strategy adopted under RCW 77.85.150 and includes the compilation of all subbasin and regional salmon recovery plans developed in response to a proposed or actual listing under the federal endangered species act with state hatchery, harvest, and hydropower plans compiled in accordance with RCW 77.85.150.

(12) "Tribe" or "tribes" means federally recognized Indian tribes.

(13) "WRIA" means a water resource inventory area established in chapter 173-500 WAC as it existed on January 1, 1997.

(14) "Owner" means the person holding title to the land or the person under contract with the owner to lease or manage the legal owner's property.


[2005 c 309 § 2; 2002 c 210 § 1; 2000 c 107 § 92; 1998 c 246 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.46.010.]




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77.85.020
Report to the legislature.
(1) By December 1, 2006, the governor shall submit a report to the legislature regarding the implementation of the state's salmon recovery strategy. The report may include the following:

(a) A description of the amount of in-kind and financial contributions, including volunteer, private, and state, federal, tribal as available, and local government money directly spent on salmon recovery in response to actual, proposed, or expected endangered species act listings;

(b) A summary of habitat projects including but not limited to:

(i) A summary of accomplishments in removing barriers to salmon passage and an identification of existing barriers;

(ii) A summary of salmon restoration efforts undertaken in the past two years;

(iii) A summary of the role which private volunteer initiatives contribute in salmon habitat restoration efforts; and

(iv) A summary of efforts taken to protect salmon habitat;

(c) A summary of collaborative efforts undertaken with adjoining states or Canada;

(d) A summary of harvest and hatchery management activities affecting salmon recovery;

(e) A summary of information regarding impediments to successful salmon recovery efforts;

(f) A summary of the number and types of violations of existing laws pertaining to: (i) Water quality; and (ii) salmon. The summary shall include information about the types of sanctions imposed for these violations;

(g) Information on the estimated carrying capacity of new habitat created pursuant to chapter 246, Laws of 1998; and

(h) Recommendations to the legislature that would further the success of salmon recovery. The recommendations may include:

(i) The need to expand or improve nonregulatory programs and activities;

(ii) The need to expand or improve state and local laws and regulations; and

(iii) Recommendations for state funding assistance to recovery activities and projects.

(2) The report shall summarize the monitoring data coordinated by the monitoring forum. The summary must include but is not limited to data and analysis related to:

(a) Measures of progress in fish recovery;

(b) Measures of factors limiting recovery as well as trends in such factors; and

(c) The status of implementation of projects and activities.


[2005 c 309 § 3; 1998 c 246 § 4. Formerly RCW 75.46.030.]




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77.85.030
Governor's salmon recovery office — Creation — Purpose. (Expires June 30, 2007.)
(1) The salmon recovery office is created within the office of the governor to coordinate state strategy to allow for salmon recovery to healthy sustainable population levels with productive commercial and recreational fisheries. The primary purpose of the office is to coordinate and assist in the development of regional salmon recovery plans as an integral part of a statewide strategy developed consistent with the guiding principles and procedures under RCW 77.85.150. The governor's salmon recovery office shall gather regional recovery plans from regional recovery organizations and submit the plans to the federal fish services for adoption as federal recovery plans. The governor's salmon recovery office may also:

(a) Assist state agencies, local governments, landowners, and other interested parties in obtaining federal assurances that plans, programs, or activities are consistent with fish recovery under the federal endangered species act;

(b) Act as liaison to local governments, the state congressional delegation, the United States congress, federally recognized tribes, and the federal executive branch agencies for issues related to the state's salmon recovery plans; and

(c) Provide periodic reports pursuant to RCW 77.85.020.

(2) This section expires June 30, 2007.


[2005 c 309 § 4; 2000 c 107 § 93; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 8; 1998 c 246 § 5. Formerly RCW 75.46.040.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.







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77.85.040
Independent science panel — Selection — Terms — Purpose.
(1) The governor shall request the national academy of sciences, the American fisheries society, or a comparable institution to screen candidates to serve as members on the independent science panel. The institution that conducts the screening of the candidates shall submit a list of the nine most qualified candidates to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the majority leader of the senate. The candidates shall reflect expertise in habitat requirements of salmon, protection and restoration of salmon populations, artificial propagation of salmon, hydrology, or geomorphology.

(2) The speaker of the house of representatives and the majority leader in the senate may each remove one name from the nomination list. The governor shall consult with tribal representatives and the governor shall appoint five scientists from the remaining names on the nomination list.

(3) The members of the independent science panel shall serve four-year terms. Vacant positions on the panel shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. Members shall serve no more than two full terms. The independent science panel members shall elect the chair of the panel among themselves every two years. Based upon available funding, the governor's salmon recovery office may contract for services with members of the independent science panel for compensation under chapter 39.29 RCW.

(4) The independent science panel shall be governed by generally accepted guidelines and practices governing the activities of independent science boards such as the national academy of sciences. The purpose of the independent science panel is to help ensure that sound science is used in salmon recovery efforts. The governor's salmon recovery office may request review of regional salmon recovery plans by the science review panel. The science panel does not have the authority to review individual projects or habitat project lists developed under RCW 77.85.050 or 77.85.060 or to make policy decisions. The panel shall periodically submit its findings and recommendations under this subsection to the legislature and the governor.


[2005 c 309 § 5; 2000 c 107 § 94; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 10; 1998 c 246 § 6. Formerly RCW 75.46.050.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.050
Habitat project lists.
(1)(a) Counties, cities, and tribal governments must jointly designate, by resolution or by letters of support, the area for which a habitat project list is to be developed and the lead entity that is to be responsible for submitting the habitat project list. No project included on a habitat project list shall be considered mandatory in nature and no private landowner may be forced or coerced into participation in any respect. The lead entity may be a county, city, conservation district, special district, tribal government, regional recovery organization, or other entity.

(b) The lead entity shall establish a committee that consists of representative interests of counties, cities, conservation districts, tribes, environmental groups, business interests, landowners, citizens, volunteer groups, regional fish enhancement groups, and other habitat interests. The purpose of the committee is to provide a citizen-based evaluation of the projects proposed to promote salmon habitat.

(c) The committee shall compile a list of habitat projects, establish priorities for individual projects, define the sequence for project implementation, and submit these activities as the habitat project list. The committee shall also identify potential federal, state, local, and private funding sources.

(2) The area covered by the habitat project list must be based, at a minimum, on a WRIA, combination of WRIAs, or any other area as agreed to by the counties, cities, and tribes in resolutions or in letters of support meeting the requirements of this subsection. Preference will be given to projects in an area that contain a salmon species that is listed or proposed for listing under the federal endangered species act.

(3) The lead entity shall submit the habitat project list to the [salmon recovery funding] board in accordance with procedures adopted by the board.


[2005 c 309 § 6; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 11; 1998 c 246 § 7. Formerly RCW 75.46.060.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.060
Critical pathways methodology — Habitat work schedule.
(1) Critical pathways methodology shall be used to develop a habitat project list and a habitat work schedule that ensures salmon habitat projects will be prioritized and implemented in a logical sequential manner that produces habitat capable of sustaining healthy populations of salmon.

(2) The critical pathways methodology shall:

(a) Include a limiting factors analysis for salmon in streams, rivers, tributaries, estuaries, and subbasins in the region. The technical advisory group shall have responsibility for the limiting factors analysis;

(b) Identify local habitat projects that sponsors are willing to undertake. The projects identified must have a written agreement from the landowner on which the project is to be implemented. Project sponsors shall have the lead responsibility for this task;

(c) Identify how projects will be monitored and evaluated. The project sponsor, in consultation with the technical advisory group and the appropriate landowner, shall have responsibility for this task;

(d) Include a review of monitoring data, evaluate project performance, and make recommendations to the committee established under RCW 77.85.050 and to the technical review team. The technical advisory group has responsibility for this task; and

(e) Describe the adaptive management strategy that will be used. The committee established under RCW 77.85.050 shall have responsibility for this task. If a committee has not been formed, the technical advisory group shall have the responsibility for this task.

(3) The habitat work schedule shall include all projects developed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, and shall identify and coordinate with any other salmon habitat project implemented in the region, including habitat preservation projects funded through the Washington wildlife and recreation program, the conservation reserve enhancement program, and other conservancy programs. The habitat work schedule shall also include the start date, duration, estimated date of completion, estimated cost, and, if appropriate, the affected salmonid species of each project. Each schedule shall be updated on an annual basis to depict new activities.


[2000 c 107 § 95; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 12; 1998 c 246 § 8. Formerly RCW 75.46.070.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.080
Sea grant program — Technical assistance authorized.
The sea grant program at the University of Washington is authorized to provide technical assistance to volunteer groups and other project sponsors in designing and implementing habitat projects that address the limiting factors analysis required under RCW 77.85.060. The cost for such assistance may be covered on a fee-for-service basis.


[2000 c 107 § 98; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 14; 1998 c 246 § 11. Formerly RCW 75.46.100.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.090
Southwest Washington salmon recovery region — Created — Recognition as a regional recovery organization.
(1) The southwest Washington salmon recovery region, whose boundaries are provided in chapter 60, Laws of 1998, is created.

(2) Lead entities within a salmon recovery region that agree to form a regional salmon recovery organization may be recognized by the salmon recovery office as a regional recovery organization. The regional recovery organization may plan, coordinate, and monitor the implementation of a regional recovery plan in accordance with RCW 77.85.150. Regional recovery organizations existing as of July 24, 2005, that have developed draft recovery plans approved by the governor's salmon recovery office by July 1, 2005, may continue to plan, coordinate, and monitor the implementation of regional recovery plans.


[2005 c 309 § 7; 2000 c 107 § 99; 1998 c 246 § 12. Formerly RCW 75.46.110.]




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77.85.100
Work group — Evaluation of mitigation alternatives.
(1) The departments of transportation, fish and wildlife, and ecology, and tribes shall convene a work group to develop policy guidance to evaluate mitigation alternatives. The policy guidance shall be designed to enable committees established under RCW 77.85.050 to develop and implement habitat project lists that maximize environmental benefits from project mitigation while reducing project design and permitting costs. The work group shall seek technical assistance to ensure that federal, state, treaty right, and local environmental laws and ordinances are met. The purpose of this section is not to increase regulatory requirements or expand departmental authority.

(2) The work group shall develop guidance for determining alternative mitigation opportunities. Such guidance shall include criteria and procedures for identifying and evaluating mitigation opportunities within a watershed. Such guidance shall create procedures that provide alternative mitigation that has a low risk to the environment, yet has high net environmental, social, and economic benefits compared to status quo options.

(3) The evaluation shall include:

(a) All elements of mitigation, including but not limited to data requirements, decision making, state and tribal agency coordination, and permitting; and

(b) Criteria and procedures for identifying and evaluating mitigation opportunities, including but not limited to the criteria in chapter 90.74 RCW.

(4) Committees established under RCW 77.85.050 shall coordinate voluntary collaborative efforts between habitat project proponents and mitigation project proponents. Mitigation funds may be used to implement projects identified by a work plan to mitigate for the impacts of a transportation or other development proposal or project.

(5) For the purposes of this section, "mitigation" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 90.74.010.


[2000 c 107 § 100; 1998 c 246 § 16. Formerly RCW 75.46.120.]




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77.85.110
Salmon recovery funding board — Creation — Membership.
(1) The salmon recovery funding board is created consisting of ten members.

(2) Five members of the board shall be voting members who are appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate. One of these voting members shall be a cabinet-level appointment as the governor's representative to the board. Board members who represent the general public shall not have a financial or regulatory interest in salmon recovery. The governor shall appoint one of the general public members of the board as the chair. The voting members of the board shall be appointed for terms of four years, except that two members initially shall be appointed for terms of two years and three members shall initially be appointed for terms of three years. In making the appointments, the governor shall seek a board membership that collectively provide the expertise necessary to provide strong fiscal oversight of salmon recovery expenditures, and that provide extensive knowledge of local government processes and functions and an understanding of issues relevant to salmon recovery in Washington state. The governor shall appoint at least three of the voting members of the board no later than ninety days after July 1, 1999. Vacant positions on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. The governor may remove members of the board for good cause.

In addition to the five voting members of the board, the following five state officials shall serve as ex officio nonvoting members of the board: The director of the department of fish and wildlife, the executive director of the conservation commission, the secretary of transportation, the director of the department of ecology, and the commissioner of public lands. The state officials serving in an ex officio capacity may designate a representative of their respective agencies to serve on the board in their behalf. Such designations shall be made in writing and in such manner as is specified by the board.

(3) Staff support to the board shall be provided by the interagency committee for outdoor recreation. For administrative purposes, the board shall be located with the interagency committee for outdoor recreation.

(4) Members of the board who do not represent state agencies shall be compensated as provided by RCW 43.03.250. Members of the board shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided by RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.


[1999 sp.s. c 13 § 3. Formerly RCW 75.46.150.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.120
Board responsibilities — Grants and loans administration assistance.
(1) The salmon recovery funding board is responsible for making grants and loans for salmon habitat projects and salmon recovery activities from the amounts appropriated to the board for this purpose. To accomplish this purpose the board may:

(a) Provide assistance to grant applicants regarding the procedures and criteria for grant and loan awards;

(b) Make and execute all manner of contracts and agreements with public and private parties as the board deems necessary, consistent with the purposes of this chapter;

(c) Accept any gifts, grants, or loans of funds, property, or financial or other aid in any form from any other source on any terms that are not in conflict with this chapter;

(d) Adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and

(e) Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly granted or implied under this chapter.

(2) The interagency committee for outdoor recreation shall provide all necessary grants and loans administration assistance to the board, and shall distribute funds as provided by the board in RCW 77.85.130.


[2000 c 107 § 101; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 4. Formerly RCW 75.46.160.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.130
Allocation of funds — Procedures and criteria.
(1) The salmon recovery funding board shall develop procedures and criteria for allocation of funds for salmon habitat projects and salmon recovery activities on a statewide basis to address the highest priorities for salmon habitat protection and restoration. To the extent practicable the board shall adopt an annual allocation of funding. The allocation should address both protection and restoration of habitat, and should recognize the varying needs in each area of the state on an equitable basis. The board has the discretion to partially fund, or to fund in phases, salmon habitat projects. The board may annually establish a maximum amount of funding available for any individual project, subject to available funding. No projects required solely as a mitigation or a condition of permitting are eligible for funding.

(2)(a) In evaluating, ranking, and awarding funds for projects and activities the board shall give preference to projects that:

(i) Are based upon the limiting factors analysis identified under RCW 77.85.060;

(ii) Provide a greater benefit to salmon recovery based upon the stock status information contained in the department of fish and wildlife salmonid stock inventory (SASSI), the salmon and steelhead habitat inventory and assessment project (SSHIAP), and any comparable science-based assessment when available;

(iii) Will benefit listed species and other fish species;

(iv) Will preserve high quality salmonid habitat; and

(v) Are included in a regional or watershed-based salmon recovery plan that accords the project, action, or area a high priority for funding.

(b) In evaluating, ranking, and awarding funds for projects and activities the board shall also give consideration to projects that:

(i) Are the most cost-effective;

(ii) Have the greatest matched or in-kind funding;

(iii) Will be implemented by a sponsor with a successful record of project implementation; and

(iv) Involve members of the veterans conservation corps established in RCW 43.60A.150; and

(v) Are part of a regionwide list developed by lead entities.

(3) The board may reject, but not add, projects from a habitat project list submitted by a lead entity for funding.

(4) The board shall establish criteria for determining when block grants may be made to a lead entity. The board may provide block grants to the lead entity to implement habitat project lists developed under RCW 77.85.050, subject to available funding. The board shall determine an equitable minimum amount of project funds for each recovery region, and shall distribute the remainder of funds on a competitive basis. The board may also provide block grants to the lead entity or regional recovery organization to assist in carrying out functions described under this chapter. Block grants must be expended consistent with the priorities established for the board in subsection (2) of this section. Lead entities or regional recovery organizations receiving block grants under this subsection shall provide an annual report to the board summarizing how funds were expended for activities consistent with this chapter, including the types of projects funded, project outcomes, monitoring results, and administrative costs.

(5) The board may waive or modify portions of the allocation procedures and standards adopted under this section in the award of grants or loans to conform to legislative appropriations directing an alternative award procedure or when the funds to be awarded are from federal or other sources requiring other allocation procedures or standards as a condition of the board's receipt of the funds. The board shall develop an integrated process to manage the allocation of funding from federal and state sources to minimize delays in the award of funding while recognizing the differences in state and legislative appropriation timing.

(6) The board may award a grant or loan for a salmon recovery project on private or public land when the landowner has a legal obligation under local, state, or federal law to perform the project, when expedited action provides a clear benefit to salmon recovery, and there will be harm to salmon recovery if the project is delayed. For purposes of this subsection, a legal obligation does not include a project required solely as a mitigation or a condition of permitting.

(7) Property acquired or improved by a project sponsor may be conveyed to a federal agency if: (a) The agency agrees to comply with all terms of the grant or loan to which the project sponsor was obligated; or (b) the board approves: (i) Changes in the terms of the grant or loan, and the revision or removal of binding deed of right instruments; and (ii) a memorandum of understanding or similar document ensuring that the facility or property will retain, to the extent feasible, adequate habitat protections; and (c) the appropriate legislative authority of the county or city with jurisdiction over the project area approves the transfer and provides notification to the board.


[2005 c 309 § 8; 2005 c 271 § 1; 2005 c 257 § 3. Prior: 2000 c 107 § 102; 2000 c 15 § 1; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 5. Formerly RCW 75.46.170.]

Notes: Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2005 c 257 § 3, 2005 c 271 § 1, and by 2005 c 309 § 8, each without reference to the other. All amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

Findings -- Purpose -- 2005 c 257: See note following RCW 43.60A.150.


Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.







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77.85.135
Habitat project funding — Statement of environmental benefits — Development of outcome-focused performance measures.
In providing funding for habitat projects, the salmon recovery funding board shall require recipients to incorporate the environmental benefits of the project into their grant applications, and the board shall utilize the statement of environmental benefits in its prioritization and selection process. The board shall also develop appropriate outcome-focused performance measures to be used both for management and performance assessment of the grant program. To the extent possible, the board should coordinate its performance measure system with other natural resource-related agencies as defined in RCW 43.41.270. The board shall consult with affected interest groups in implementing this section.


[2001 c 227 § 9.]

Notes: Findings -- Intent -- 2001 c 227: See note following RCW 43.41.270.






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77.85.140
Habitat project lists — Tracking of funds — Report.
(1) Habitat project lists shall be submitted to the salmon recovery funding board for funding at least once a year on a schedule established by the board. The board shall provide the legislature with a list of the proposed projects and a list of the projects funded by October 1st of each year for informational purposes. Project sponsors who complete salmon habitat projects approved for funding from habitat project lists and have met grant application deadlines will be paid by the salmon recovery funding board within thirty days of project completion.

(2) The interagency committee for outdoor recreation shall track all funds allocated for salmon habitat projects and salmon recovery activities on behalf of the board, including both funds allocated by the board and funds allocated by other state or federal agencies for salmon recovery or water quality improvement.

(3) Beginning in December 2000, the board shall provide a biennial report to the governor and the legislature on salmon recovery expenditures. This report shall be coordinated with the state of the salmon report required under *RCW 77.85.020.


[2001 c 303 § 1; 2000 c 107 § 103; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 6. Formerly RCW 75.46.180.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 77.85.020 was amended by 2005 c 309 § 3, removing the "state of the salmon report" requirement.

Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.







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77.85.150
Statewide salmon recovery strategy — Prospective application.
(1) The governor, with the assistance of the salmon recovery office, shall maintain and revise a statewide salmon recovery strategy.

(2) The governor and the salmon recovery office shall be guided by the following considerations in maintaining and revising the strategy:

(a) The strategy should identify statewide initiatives and responsibilities with regional recovery plans and local watershed initiatives as the principal means for implementing the strategy;

(b) The strategy should emphasize collaborative, incentive-based approaches;

(c) The strategy should address all factors limiting the recovery of Washington's listed salmon stocks, including habitat and water quality degradation, harvest and hatchery management, inadequate streamflows, and other barriers to fish passage. Where other limiting factors are beyond the state's jurisdictional authorities to respond to, such as some natural predators and high seas fishing, the strategy shall include the state's requests for federal action to effectively address these factors;

(d) The strategy should identify immediate actions necessary to prevent extinction of a listed salmon stock, establish performance measures to determine if restoration efforts are working, recommend effective monitoring and data management, and recommend to the legislature clear and certain measures to be implemented if performance goals are not met;

(e) The strategy shall rely on the best scientific information available and provide for incorporation of new information as it is obtained;

(f) The strategy should seek a fair allocation of the burdens and costs upon economic and social sectors of the state whose activities may contribute to limiting the recovery of salmon; and

(g) The strategy should seek clear measures and procedures from the appropriate federal agencies for removing Washington's salmon stocks from listing under the federal act.

(3) Beginning on September 1, 2000, the strategy shall be updated through an active public involvement process, including early and meaningful opportunity for public comment. In obtaining public comment, the salmon recovery office shall hold public meetings throughout the state and shall encourage regional and local recovery planning efforts to similarly ensure an active public involvement process.

(4) This section shall apply prospectively only and not retroactively. Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate actions taken in recovery planning at the local, regional, or state level prior to July 1, 1999.


[2005 c 309 § 9; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 9. Formerly RCW 75.46.190.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.160
Salmon monitoring data, information.
State salmon monitoring data provided by lead entities, regional fisheries enhancement groups, and others shall be included in the data base of SASSI [salmon and steelhead stock inventory] and SSHIAP [salmon and steelhead habitat inventory assessment project]. Information pertaining to habitat preservation projects funded through the Washington wildlife and recreation program, the conservation reserve enhancement program, and other conservancy programs related to salmon habitat shall be included in the SSHIAP data base.


[1999 sp.s. c 13 § 13. Formerly RCW 75.46.200.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.170
Salmon recovery account.
The salmon recovery account is created in the state treasury. To the account shall be deposited such funds as the legislature directs or appropriates to the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used for salmon recovery.


[1999 sp.s. c 13 § 16. Formerly RCW 75.46.210.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.






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77.85.180
Findings.
(1) The legislature finds that the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 was developed through extensive negotiations with the federal agencies responsible for administering the endangered species act and the clean water act. The legislature further finds that the forestry industry, small landowners, tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and counties have worked diligently for nearly two years to reach agreement on scientifically based changes to the forest practices rules, set forth in the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020. The legislature further finds that if existing forest practices rules are amended as proposed in the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020, the resulting changes in forest practices (a) will lead to: (i) Salmon habitat that meets riparian functions vital to the long-term recovery of salmon on more than sixty thousand miles of streams in this state; (ii) identification of forest roads contributing to habitat degradation and corrective action to remedy those problems to protect salmon habitat; (iii) increased protection of steep and unstable slopes; and (iv) the implementation of scientifically based adaptive management and monitoring processes for evaluating the impacts of forest practices on aquatic resources, as defined in RCW 76.09.020, and a process for amending the forest practices rules to incorporate new information as it becomes available; (b) will lead to the protection of aquatic resources to the maximum extent practicable consistent with maintaining commercial forest management as an economically viable use of lands suitable for that purpose; and (c) will provide a regulatory climate and structure more likely to keep landowners from converting forest lands to other uses that would be less desirable for salmon recovery.

(2) The legislature further finds that the changes in laws and rules contemplated by chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess., taken as a whole, constitute a comprehensive and coordinated program to provide substantial and sufficient contributions to salmon recovery and water quality enhancement in areas impacted by forest practices and are intended to fully satisfy the requirements of the endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.) with respect to incidental take of salmon and other aquatic resources and the clean water act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) with respect to nonpoint source pollution attributable to forest practices.

(3) The legislature finds that coordination is needed between the laws relating to forestry in chapter 76.09 RCW and the state salmon recovery strategy being developed under this chapter. The coordination should ensure that nonfederal forest lands are managed in ways that make appropriate contributions to the recovery of salmonid fish, water quality, and related environmental amenities while encouraging continued investments in those lands for commercial forestry purposes. Specifically, the legislature finds that forest practices rules relating to water quality, salmon, certain other species of fish, certain species of stream-associated amphibians, and their respective habitats should be coordinated with the rules and policies relating to other land uses through the statewide salmon recovery planning process. The legislature further finds that this subchapter is but one part of a comprehensive salmon strategy as required in this chapter, and this investment in salmon habitat will be of little value if a comprehensive state plan is not completed and fully implemented.

(4) The legislature recognizes that the adoption of forest practices rules consistent with the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 will impose substantial financial burdens on forest landowners which, if not partially offset through other changes in the laws and rules governing forestry, could lead to significantly reduced silvicultural investments on nonfederal lands, deterioration in the quality, condition, and amounts of forests on those lands, and long-term adverse effects on fish and wildlife habitat and other environmental amenities associated with well managed forests. Moreover, as the benefits of the proposed revisions to the forest practices rules will benefit the general public, chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. suggests that some of these costs be shared with the general public.

(5) As an integral part of implementing the salmon recovery strategy, chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. (a) provides direction to the forest practices board, the department of natural resources, and the department of ecology with respect to the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of rules relating to forest practices and the protection of aquatic resources; (b) provides additional enforcement tools to the department of natural resources to enforce the forest practices rules; (c) anticipates the need for adequate and consistent funding for the various programmatic elements necessary to fully implement the strategy over time and derive the long-term benefits; (d) provides for the acquisition by the state of forest lands within certain stream channel migration zones where timber harvest will not be allowed; (e) provides for small landowners to have costs shared for a portion of any extraordinary economic losses attributable to the revisions to the forest practices rules required by chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess.; and (f) amends other existing laws to aid in the implementation of the recommendations set forth in the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020.


[1999 sp.s. c 4 § 101. Formerly RCW 75.46.300.]

Notes: Part headings not law -- 1999 sp.s. c 4: "Part headings used in this act are not any part of the law." [1999 sp.s. c 4 § 1403.]






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77.85.190
Federal assurances in forests and fish report — Events constituting failure of assurances — Governor's authority to negotiate.
(1) Chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. has been enacted on the assumption that the federal assurances described in the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 will be obtained and that forest practices conducted in accordance with chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. and the rules adopted under chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. will not be subject to additional regulations or restrictions for aquatic resources except as provided in the forests and fish report.

(2) The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute a failure of assurances:

(a) Either (i) the national marine fisheries service or the United States fish and wildlife service fails to promulgate an effective rule under 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1533(d) covering each aquatic resource that is listed as threatened under the endangered species act within two years after the date on which the aquatic resource is so listed or, in the case of bull trout, within two years after August 18, 1999; or (ii) any such rule fails to permit any incidental take that would occur from the conduct of forest practices in compliance with the rules adopted under chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess.or fails to confirm that such forest practices would not otherwise be in violation of the endangered species act and the regulations promulgated under that act. However, this subsection (2)(a) is not applicable to any aquatic resource covered by an incidental take permit described in (c) of this subsection; (continued)