2005 Issue #7 Bird's Eye View Newsletter Washington Audubon Society

8/8/2019 2005 Issue #7 Bird's Eye View Newsletter Washington Audubon Society

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2005 Legislative Newsletter Issue 7 April 8, 2005

Greetings from AudubonWashington's Policy

Office in Olympia! BirdsEye View (BEV) keeps

Washington's 26 Audubonchapters and 22,000

members informed aboutlegislation effecting birds,

other wildlife and their

habitat. Subscribe today toreceive every issue of BEVthroughout the

legislative session.

UPDATE: Audubon's Budget Priorities

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Audubons BudgetPrioritiesPage 1-5

On the Home Stretch toBuild the BudgetPage 1 & 8

Audubons LegislativePrioritiesPage 5-6

Other Bills AffectingWildlife and HabitatPage 7-8

Priorities for a HealthyWashingtonPage 9

Hot Tips for Leg. AdvocacyWhats Still AlivePage 10-11

The Senate and Househave both risen to theGovernor's challenge.Both are movingthrough budgetnegotiations quicklyso the Legislature can

adjourn on time.

It is not unusual forbudget issues, arguments about revenuesand cuts, to slow the process to the pointthat the Governor has to declare a specialsession so the legislature can finish theirjob.

To address the $1.7 billion shortfall, boththe Senate and House have proposed

revenue increases that exceed theGovernor's proposal. The Senate'sapproach increases taxes by $482 million(e.g. alcohol sales tax), cuts $544 millionof programs and management, and usesreserves, fund balances and budget drivenrevenue to close the remaining $671million.

The House's approach increases taxes byabout $50 million less, and delivers

disproportionate cuts to some naturalresource agency programs and staffincluding 40 full time employees lost atthe Washington Department of Fish andWildlife.

We applaud the Governor, House and

Senate for increasing revenues to

address the budget shortfall and

encourage them to develop long-term,

sustainable and equitable tax

structures to fund a Healthy

Washington.

Capital Budget

We support funding WWRP at $60million. This program preservesrecreation and wildlife lands, and if S5396 passes, agricultural lands andriparian areas. All of these lands draw

(Continued on page 2.)

In this tough fiscal climate, the GoverHouse and Senate each deserve thanksa very difficult task, but also a bit ofcriticism for a few of their budgetproposals. Audubon Washington

encourages the Legislature to build abudget that will keep our wildlife and populations and habitat intact so that wcan attract nature tourists, provide ruraeconomic development and a naturalinfrastructure to handle stormwaterrunoff, improve air and water quality keep some breathing spaces for peopleand wildlife.

On the Home Stretch toBuild the Budget: One morchance to get it right!

Nina Carter, Executive Director

Washington Wildlife and Rec. Progr

Budget Request $60,000,00Gregoire's Proposal $45,000,00

Senate Proposal $47,000,00

House Proposal $50,000,00

(Continued on page 8.)


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Audubon WashingtonsBirds Eye View April 8, 2005 Page 2 of

tourists for watchable wildlife activities, the fastestgrowing outdoor recreational activity in the Nation.Birders spend $29.2 billion annually on recreationalbirding. Investing in our natural assets will ensure thatWashington gets its share of this watchable wildliferevenue.

Call your legislator TODAY and urge them to supportfunding for WWRP at $60,000,000!

All delegates from the 37th, 41st and 11th legislativedistricts have requested $500,000 in capital funds torenovate an existing building at Seward Park in S.E.Seattle. We are creating this Center in partnership withthe City of Seattle and local community supporters. Thefunding will help turn an existing building into SE

Seattle's premiere nature-based community center wherestudents and families can learn about natural history andPuget Sound ecosystems. We are seeking a federalmatch in 2005, and the legislature is poised to match theSeattle Pro-Parks Levy funding.

Operating Budget

Support Revenue IncreasesAudubon Washington's members and chapters supportsustainable revenue increases (i.e. taxes) to support

government investments in protections for peopleincluding conservation of land, air, water, habitat andwildlife.

Washington State Parks

We support the Governor's funding level of State Park

budget requestto increase beach patrols, education andsignage about beach driving rules. Beach use hasincreased 39% since 1988, enforcement funding/staffhave declined by 50%. Pacific and Grays Harbor Councommissioners and legislators want increasedenforcement and public education funding. This fundinwill provide each county's sheriff with funding for adeputy.

Department of Natural Resources

We support a DNR request for $1,300,200 and 6.8 FTEfor the next biennium to inventory and map the state'saggregate resources. This decision-making tool forcounties, cities, Audubon chapters and businesses aidscareful designation mineral lands of long-term

significance as required by the Growth Management A

Washington Department of Fish andWildlife

BAD BUDGET CUT: Common Species Program

Personalized license plates fund the wildlife program atWDFW. Specifically they support the Common Specieprogram that focuses on monitoring and preservation

UPDATE: Audubon's Budget Priorities contd.

Environmental Learning Cntr. at Seward Park

Budget Request $500,000Gregoire's Proposal $0

Senate Proposal $400,000

House Proposal $400,000

Beach Safety Enforcement

Budget Request$738,000 --GFS 3.8 FTEs$154,000 Trans 108

Gregoire's Proposal Fully Funded

Senate Proposal $473,000 -- GFS 3.8 FTEs

House Proposal $473,000 ---GFS 1.5 FTEs

Gravel Resource Mapping

Budget Request$ 1,300,200 and 6.8 FTE

(GFS)

Gregoire's Proposal $0

Senate Proposal $0

House Proposal $0


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efforts to ensure that certain species (Neotropical

migrants, Water Birds, etc.) are not diminished and listedas threatened or endangered.

The Governor and Senate's budgets gut this revenuestream for other programs. Please restore this funding toits original beneficiaries in WDFW.

Call your Legislator today and urge them to restore theCommon Species Program and other programssupported by specialized license plate revenues.

We urge the legislature to ensure all revenues fromthese plates support WDFW's programs and to fundadministration of this program at the $30,000 level.Audubon members statewide signed petitions supportingthese new license plates. We support enabling legislationand increased spending authority for WDFWcombination plates necessary for this investment inconservation programs.

Audubon is a partner with WDFW, the CanadianWildlife Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, andThe Trumpeter Swan Society in monitoring locations ofdead swans and tracing sites contaminated with lead.This budget request for $90,000 will continue muchneeded monitoring studies.

Makes existing, proven pilot projects of volunteerscollecting scientific data into a standard WDFWprogram. These funds would help scientists andvolunteers to gather and analyze data about birds,

wildlife and fish and to integrate. This is long overduebecause WDFW cannot collect the necessary data withtheir existing staff.

Community, Trade and EconomicDevelopment

This request will increase the access to Washingtonswildlife viewing facilities. Tourists coming to the 2010Olympics will want to explore the Pacific Northwest.Without staff to market the facilities our state will missout on a unique opportunity to increase rural tourism aneconomic development.


WHAT YOU CAN DO:

As advocates, its perfectly okayto ask legislators and the

Governor for the best of eachproposal but the key word is

ask, as in act now!

1-800-562-6000

Fish and Wildlife License Plates

Budget Request

Combining background plates$240,000 (WLS)Orca license plates$300,000 (WLS)Watchable Wildlife plate

Gregoire's Proposal $30,000 for admin

Senate Proposal $30,000 for admin

House Proposal $0

Lead Shot Poisoning Studies and Remedial Action

Budget Request $90,000 (WLS)

Gregoire's Proposal $65,000 re-appropriationSenate Proposal $65,000 re-appropriation

House Proposal $65,000 re-appropriation

Local Conservation and Education Project

Budget Request

$300,000 and 1.5 FTE(GFS)


Senate Proposal $0

House Proposal $0

2010 Olympics/Skagit County Wildlife Viewing

Budget Request $340,000 (GFS/

Gregoire's Proposal $300,000

Senate Proposal $0 House Proposal $300,000


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Office of Superintendent of PublicInstruction

We support OSPI's request for funding in support ofenvironmental education to provide, through an

integrated environmental education program, directservices and support to schools needed to meet staterequirements for instruction to students in conservation,natural resources, and the environment.

In 2004 the legislature appropriated $75,000 for thiscompetitive grants program for environmental education.OSPI is working with the education community todevelop criteria and a process to administer these grants.Demand for these grants will be high. We supportincreased funding to $250,000 for the FY2005-07biennial budget. Audubon is seeking private grantingorganizations to contribute to this fund.

Puget Sound Action Team

During the last round of grant applications, PSAT had$700K available, but had 117 applications totaling $3.2million for education and public involvement projects.

Only 15 proposals were funded for a total of $450,000;

the remainder was disbursed to the Small Awardsprojects with a similarly high demand. Audubonsupports increasing the PIE fund to its original amount $1.2 million per biennium.

Audubons State of the Birds Reportlists the rhinoceroauklet and tufted puffin as two species that have declinin Puget Sound and need to be monitored. We supportthis PSAT budget proposal to document the steep declinin these populations.

We have supported this program in the past and requestthat the funding be continued for long term monitoring marine birds and waterfowl. Without the continuousmonitoring efforts we will never know if our statesenvironmental programs are working.Audubon works for and promotes healthy habitats for

birds and wildlife. Waterfowl, shorebirds and marinebirds depend upon a clean and healthy Puget Sound. Whave watched with concern as the Orca populations inPuget Sound have declined by 18% in recent years.


Orca Conservation, Recovery and Monitoring

Budget Request $350,000 (GF-SGregoire's Proposal $0

Senate Proposal $0

House Proposal $0

Long Term Monitoring of Puget Sound Marine Birand Waterfowl

Budget Request $175,000 (GF-S

Gregoire's Proposal $175,000 Senate Proposal $175,000


Census of Burrow-nesting Seabirds in Puget Sound





Public Involvement and Education Grants (PIE)Budget Request $500,000 (GFS)




Environmental Education Partnership Fund

Budget Request $250,000 (GFS)


Senate Proposal $0

House Proposal $0

Expanding Environmental Education Programs

Budget Request 3/4 FTE--$156,460



House Proposal $0


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Puget Sound have declined by 18% in recent years.

WDFW and PSAT must be funded to complete an Orcarecovery plan. The plan will assist all species dependenton a healthy Puget Sound.

The Important Bird Areas program within Auduboncontributes data to state or local governments aboutpriority bird habitat in Washington. Our data has beenincluded in the pilot project by WDFW to assess priorityhabitat in Kitsap County. We support funding toimplement the Eco-Regional Assessment mappingproject so that other counties in Puget Sound can benefitfrom WDFWs work.

Office of the Governor


Audubon's 2005 Legislative Priorities

Fiscal committee cut off has come and gone, and thereare only two more critical dates to remember. April 15--

the last day to consider opposite house bills, and April24, the last day allowed for session under theconstitution. Here is the breakdown of the priority billswe've been working on.

Budgets & Revenues

See Audubon's Budget Requests on pages1-5and callyour legislators and ask them to fund these programs.

Closing Tax Loopholes & Increasing RevenuesAudubon advocates for maintaining programs that prote

our birds, wildlife and their habitats, and for increasedrevenues to support those programs.

HB 1096 -- SUPPORT--DEADRequiring a tax expenditure report as part of thebiennial budget documents.We are disappointed that the Senate Ways and Meanscommittee failed to hold a hearing on this bill, whichwould have provided the legislature with tools and

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

All it takes is 5 minutes to call the Toll FreeLegislative Hotline and voice your opinion.

1-800-562-6000

Eco-Regional Assessment Implementation

Budget Request $400,000 (GF-S)


Senate Proposal $0

House Proposal $0

Ocean Policy Review Commission Budget Request $230,000 (GF-S



House Proposal $0

Oil Spill Advisory Council

Budget Request $508,000 (GF-S) 2 FTE



House Proposal $0

Invasive Species Council

Budget Request $200,000 (GF-S) 1 FT



House Proposal $0

Hood Canal Corrective Action



Senate Proposal $600,000 House Proposal $600,000


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recommendations for eliminating tax, breaks that nolonger meet their intent. This bill could be heard if itwere deemed "necessary to implement the budget."

ForestsAudubon supports forestry policies that support habitatfor birds and wildlife. Well-managed forests that focuson protecting critical habitat areas and support complexforest stands help support birds and wildlife.

SB 5179 --SUPPORTDEADStudying Forest Health Issues

In 2004 the legislature passed SB 6144 to create theForest Health Strategy Work Group to "studyopportunities to improve the forest health issuesfacingforest land in Washington and to help the commissionerof public lands develop a strategic planfor increasingforest resistance and resilience to forest insects, disease,wind and fire in Washington."

This bill extends FHSWG's the timeline to proposepolicy to the legislature and requires a series of statewidepublic meeting to solicit public input. The bill was

amended to affirm the FHSWG should incorporate publiccomment into its final report to the Legislature.

Audubon Washington and our 25 independent chapterswill work together to make sure FHSWG hears ourrecommendations for a holistic definition of forest healththat focuses on rectifying past and current forest practicesthat may exacerbate the condition of forests inWashington.

This bill was not passed out of House Appropriations.

ESHB 1631 -- SUPPORTUsing revenues under the county conservation futureslevy.This bill increases the maximum allowable countyproperty tax levy for conservation futures from 6.25cents to 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Itrequires a portion of the funds collected from this levy tobe used for maintaining and operating property acquiredwith the funds and encourages the use of conservation

futures as a tool for salmon restoration purposes.

Call your Senate Rules Committee Members and urgethem to move this measure to the floor.

Aggregates/Gravel Mining

RCW 78.44 --Surface Mine Reclamation Act RevisioCommitteeThe Department of Natural Resources has startedconvening a Revision Committee to develop changes toRCW 78.44, the surface mine reclamation act. We hav

engaged in negotiations and are building some greatrelationships through which we may secure state fundinfor a statewide aggregates resource inventory. Thiswould help counties and cities implement planningrequirements for the Growth Management Act.

Growth Management

Audubon supports these growth managementimprovements to protect Puget Sound and Hood Canal(see "Priorities for a Healthy Washington" update in th

BEV).

SB 5620 -- SUPPORTProviding for priority consideration of voluntarybuffers in open space plans and public benefit ratingsystems.Natural buffers can play a strong role in healthy waterquality. They provide a filter for pollutants and slowstorm water runoff before it enters our lakes, rivers, andoceans.

SB 5620 provides priority consideration for buffers incounties that have open space and public benefit ratingssystem programs. As a result, property owners mayqualify for a tax reduction when they plant a voluntary required buffer along a marine shoreline or other waterbody.

Call your House Rules Members and urge them tomove this bill to the floor.

Audubon's 2005 Legislative Priorities contd.


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Audubon WashingtonsBirds Eye View April 8, 2005 Page 7 of 1

Beaches and Shorelines

SB 5432 --SUPPORTCreating the oil spill monitoring and oversight council.This bill has been subject to protracted negotiationsbetween the environmental community, Ecology, theGovernor's office, and the oil industry. Senator Spanelhas done a lion's share of keeping the bill moving, andfor that we are grateful. In fact, she has just negotiated anew version of this policy with the Governor and otherstakeholders, which addresses ours concerns withprevious amendments.

Call your legislators and ask them to support the newstriker!

HPAs--Hydraulic project approval program

SHB 1346 --SUPPORTImproving the efficiency and predictability of thehydraulic project approval program.This is a "technical fix" bill that attempts to clarify theHydraulic Project Approval code. This code is confusingto lawmakers, lawyers and applicants alike and weapplaud the prime sponsor's (Rep. Jim Buck R-24) effortsto help clarify the program and its statutes.

Watchable Wildlife

SSB 5234 --SUPPORTExpanding hunter access to certain private lands.This bill provides access to hunters, fishers and birdwatchers on private lands. It funnels a modest increaseon hunting licenses to support private landowners whoallow public access on their lands for these activities.

Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

SSB 5396 -- SUPPORTExpanding the criteria for habitat conservationprograms.This bill adds two new categories dealing withconservation and restoration of riparian areas includingextension of CREP leases, payment in lieu of taxes onDNR habitat lands as well as a small farmlandpreservation program. It adds new elements to the projeselection criteria that help fund projects that carry outlocal planning goals.

Handford Cleanup Initiative

SSB 5445 -- SUPPORTClarifying Initiative 297.This bill tightens up some of the language in the originaInitiative to clarify health organizations and high techresearch stations are not impacted by the Initiative. Thibill is stuck in committee because of one legislator'sunderstanding of the measure.

Call Representative Hankins' office (360) 786-7882 anask her to allow the Technology, Energy &Communications committee to exec. this bill! It may bafter the cut-off date, but this bill can still come backas, necessary to implement the budget.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to birdsand habitat in Washington State. Audubon supportsactive and aggressive preventions and eradication effor

at every level. This year, teaming up with the InvasiveSpecies Coalition, we have successfully moved two sucmeasures forward.

Other Bills Affecting Wildlife & Habitat

WHAT YOU CAN DO:Session is almost over, but it is not too late. Many decisions are being

made as you read this message.Visit www.leg.wa.gov for additional bill and contact information.


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Priorities for a Healthy Washington

Clean CarsCars are part of our daily life, but

automobile emissions are taking atoll. This legislation will helpwildlife by reducing global warmingpollution and improving air quality.

SHB 1397 - SupportSponsored by Representative Murray (D-43)Passed on to Senate Rules Committee, needs to beplaced on Second Reading.

Sustainable and Efficient Green BuildingsThe buildings in ourenvironment matter. Thislegislation will help wildlife byproviding cleaner air, water, andhealthier forests.

2SSB 5509 - SupportSponsored by Senator Poulsen (D-34)PASSED THE HOUSE AND SENATE! This bill isbeing signed by the Governor TODAY!

This legislation requires new state agency and highereducation buildings 5,000 square feet and larger, as well assignificant remodels, to achieve a LEED Silver certification

Environmentalists and the timber industry agreed to

ensure timbers support of these bills! This is big news fo

this legislation!Sound Solutions: Saving

Hood Canal

and Puget Sound

Puget Sound is in trouble andaction needs to be taken now. Thislegislation will help restore a more

productive food chain for multiple wildlife.

2SHB 1458 - Support - mgmt. of on-site sewage systemsSponsored by Representative Hunt (D-22)Placed on Second Reading by Senate Rules Committee.

ESSB 5620 - Support - incentives to plant and/ormaintain vegetation buffers to improve water qualitySponsored by Senator Kline (D-37)Passed on to Senate Rules Committee, needs to be

placed on Second Reading.

Governor Gregoire , the Senate and the House have allproposed a Hood Canal budget package of around $5million to address septic surveys, sewers, salmoncarcass removal, and other projects in the three countyarea.

Banning Toxic Flame RetardantsPBDEs are persistent toxicchemicals used as flame retardantsin countless consumer products.PBDE levels have been found inwildlife and this legislation wouldhelp prevent this.

The policy legislation proposedthis session has died. However, nothing is ever a donedeal with the legislature. Groups are now working withlegislative supporters who are interested in keeping this

issue alive by tying it to the operating budget. TheSenate added funding in their budget, now the Houseand Governor need to agree to keep it in!

This legislation needs your help!

Clean Cars will not pass unless YOU take decisiveaction to let legislators know this is something

you support!

Car manufactures are putting big bucks into mediaand misinformation campaigns to persuade the publicand legislators that this legislation is unnecessary! Le

them know they are wrong.

Hotline: 1-800-562-6000


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Hot Tips for Legislative Advocacy - What HouseBills Are Still Alive?


2005 Environmental Community

Position on House Bills in Senate

2nd Reading

SHB 1179 HOV lanes pilot project Murray Support

E2SHB 1458 On-site sewage/marine areas Hunt Support

ESHB 2171 Comprehensive plans Springer Concern

Rules

There are only two weeks left this session.This is a list of policy bills, pulled togetherby the conservation community, that are stillalive. For more information on each bill goto www.leg.wa.gov .

Members of the Senate Rules Committeeneed to know what House bills you supportand oppose. (Rules is considered thegraveyard because most bills die there.)

Contact members of the Senate Rules

Committee listed below and let them

know what House bills you want pulledto the floor and what should rest in

peace.

SENATE RULESCOMMITTEE MEMBERS

Lieutenant Gov. Owen - Chair

Senator Franklin

Senator Finkbeiner

Senator BrownSenator Doumit

Senator Eide

Senator Esser

Senator Fraser

Senator Haugen

Senator Hewitt

Senator Honeyford

Senator Johnson

Senator KlineSenator Kohl-Welles

Senator Parlette

Senator Regala

Senator Spanel

Senator Stevens

Senator Thibaudeau

Senator Zarelli

EHB 1276 Significant legislative rule Grant Concerns

2SHB 1346 Hydraulic project approval Buck Support

ESHB 1397 Motor vehicle emissions Murray Support

2SHB 1565 Multimodal concurrency Jarrett support

ESHB 1577 Nonprofit capital projects Lantz Support

ESHB 1631 County conservation futures Clibborn Support

ESHB 1696 Fish & wildlife violations Blake Support

SHB 2124 Public transportation Murray Support


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Audubon Washington is a partnership of the Washington state office of theNational Audubon Society and Washingtons 26 independent Audubon Chapters.

Audubon Washington Policy Staff:

Nina Carter Heath Packard Lisa RemlingerExecutive Director Government Relations & Policy Intern / BEV Editor(360) 789-0792 Conservation Manager (360) 786-8020 ext. [email protected] (360) 790-5680 [email protected]

[email protected]

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Mission of the National Audubon Society

To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing onbirds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit ofhumanity and the earths biological diversity .

Audubon WashingtonsBirds Eye View April 8, 2005 Page 12 of 1

2005 Issue #7 Bird's Eye View Newsletter Washington Audubon Society

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