OLYMPIA, WA – Bipartisan legislation in the state House of Representatives to improve salmon recovery and riparian habitat was the subject of a public hearing this morning in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. House Bill 1720 would protect and restore riparian areas by establishing a voluntary, regionally focused riparian grant program designed to improve the ecological functions of critical riparian management zones.
“Salmon restoration is too important for our state to delay action any longer. We need a true solution and I think this measure can get us there. The keyword here is voluntary. I want to make sure that this is crystal clear, because the whole point is for folks to see the value of the program and want to participate,” according to the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Mike Chapman, (D-Port Angeles), Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “I also want to acknowledge that this legislation would not have been possible without the collaboration and negotiations with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. This really is an example of a solid bipartisan bill, and I am glad it came to fruition.”
One of those speaking in favor of the bill was Ron Allen, Chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. He says they are very appreciative of the proposed legislation.
Washington State Farm Bureau President Rosella Mosby also spoke in favor of the bill. She says it allows agriculture to be a partner in a shared goal.
The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) would develop and implement the riparian grant program to fund protection and restoration of the critical riparian management zones. The commission is responsible for developing the criteria for the grant program.
Watch the hearing: https://tvw.org/video/house-agriculture-and-natural-resources-2023021189/?eventID=2023021189
