Video & Transcript : 'conservation futures program' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Legacy Finance Committee 2/25/26

Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Within this statute, it also calls out a small grants program that's administered by the DNR Conservation
  • Partners Legacy Program.
  • Within this statute, it also calls out a small grants program that's administered by the DNR Conservation
  • Within this statute, it also calls out a small grants program that's administered by the DNR Conservation
  • legacy small conservation partners legacy small grants<00:09:55.760><c> program</c><00:09:56.880><c>
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our programs are very well structured. We want to make a positive, rewarding experience.
  • And so they've been a very blessed asset to our program.
  • In order to learn more about the Conservation Act, we did our... ...property.
  • several years regarding the overall park equity and conservation field in general.
  • Marissa Rodriguez with the Planning and Conservation League, in support.
Summary: The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights. Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote. Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • of outdoor accessibility and conservation.
  • partners on creating an incentive program and a future amendment that would take advantage of an incredible
  • lands in the state. ...creating an incentive program and a future amendment that would take advantage
  • Matthew Baker, Planning and Conservation League.
  • Matthew Baker with Planning and Conservation League.
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

House in Session Apr 9th, 2025

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are able to look at if we Want to continue these programs, even further into the future.
  • A total of $28.4 million to fund the Bright Futures program and financial aid programs. $81.8 million
  • programs within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  • Various conservation programs in our state, including Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands
  • I also have serious concerns that we are cutting FWC habitat and species conservation programs, and we
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 9th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Everyone involved was excited about the progress being made and was hopeful for future collaboration.
  • SB 513 by Sparks relates to the rural community-based program for the Committee on Human Services.
  • Members, especially conservative members of this body, have been routinely silenced.
  • This program helps shape future leadership. ...by giving them a closer look at how our city and state
  • This program is for the Committee on Public Health.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 28th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, we're about to begin the Speaker's Reunion Day Program.
  • I want to begin our program today with a moment of silence in memory of the former House members who
  • Members, we're about to begin the Speaker's Reunion Day Program. We want to be part of it.
  • I want to begin our program today with a moment of silence in memory of the former House members who
  • Members, that does conclude our program. for today.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Audubon is Florida's oldest conservation organization.
  • The management plan provides the conservation actions needed to conserve tortoises, permitting guidelines
  • We have another conservation lands today.
  • So quick look at recipient SITE program program. Success is dependent on recipient site.
  • Today. 149 sites have been enrolled in the program conserving 97,000 acres across the state. 21 of the
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • How do you ultimately add the beauty of conservation...
  • the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  • He said he would be happy to participate in future bear discussions.
  • Stacking the deck against conservation.
  • I'm concerned about whether or not in future votes, I'm concerned about whether or not in future votes
Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes. The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/19/25

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> the livestock investment grant program the livestock investment grant program soil<00:25:10.200>
  • So we're very conservation-minded, and there's conservation practices that have been used for a very
  • So we're very conservation-minded, and there's conservation practices that have been used for a very
  • So we're very conservation-minded, and there's conservation practices that have been used for a very
  • this program promotes CARE program this program promotes healthy<01:35:44.560><c> food</c><01:35:44.960
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Feb 11th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill creates a resilient building tax credit program.
  • Nature Conservancy, waving in support. Thank you so much.
  • The management plan provides the conservation actions needed to conserve tortoises.
  • So a quick look at the recipient site program: program success is dependent on recipient site availability
  • To date, 149 sites have been enrolled in the program, conserving 97,000 acres across the state.
Summary: The committee first heard SB 200, which would implement recommendations from DEP’s 2020 Recycling Goal Final Report by creating a technical assistance group to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026. The bill focuses on recycling education and outreach, evaluating the former recycling grant program, and developing markets for recyclable materials. Supporters from the waste and recycling industry and counties said the bill would finally create a real plan to help Florida move toward its recycling goals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, which would promote green, gray, and hybrid infrastructure, direct USF’s Flood Hub to develop guidelines, require DEP rulemaking on erosion and mangrove protection, and study whether nature-based flood reduction could help lower insurance costs. Supporters appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7000 as a committee bill to continue a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species. Members next took up SB 56 on weather modification activities. The bill would prohibit the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere to affect weather or sunlight, define geoengineering, increase penalties through an amendment, and create a DEP reporting hotline with possible referral to DOH or emergency management. The sponsor and several supporters argued the bill was needed to address public concerns and lack of oversight, while several senators questioned the evidence, the role of state agencies, and whether the bill was ready for passage. Despite opposition from some members, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 62 creating a resilient building tax credit program, after amending it to shift agency references from DEP to DBPR and add university advisory members, and CS for SB 80 to clarify state park management as conservation-based, require public notice and advisory input for plan changes, and improve reporting on park repairs; both bills were reported favorably after testimony from supporters and conservation groups who sought tighter language to prevent incompatible uses. Finally, the committee received presentations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on gopher tortoise relocation, wildlife disease surveillance, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. FWC described tortoise relocation and recipient-site programs, ongoing monitoring of wildlife diseases such as chronic wasting disease and feline leukomyelopathy, and efforts to address fish die-offs and update sanctuary agreements amid state-federal jurisdiction issues. No votes were taken on the presentations.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • . ...subject to reasonable regulation and conservation.
  • Your question was, your bill is solving a future issue?
  • It's so we don't have to solve a future issue. Your bill is solving a future issue?
  • , it will not affect the wolf program.
  • it will not affect the wolf program all it's saying is that the state will not help the wolf program
Summary: The committee heard and acted on several wildlife-related bills. HB 2197, concerning camping near watering facilities, was amended to change the distance standard and remove language tied to domestic stock access; supporters said it would help protect ranch and wildlife water sources, while one member opposed it over expanded criminal penalties. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. HB 2497 would establish a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit restrictions on those activities. Supporters described it as an affirmation of existing rights and wildlife heritage, while opponents argued it would weaken Game and Fish authority and conflict with the 2010 voter rejection of similar language. After a technical amendment, the committee approved the bill 5-3. The committee also advanced HB 2147, which requires landowner deer permits under certain conditions to address crop damage and wildlife conflicts; Game and Fish said population management hunts are already being used, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. HB 2158, which would classify bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves as predatory animals, drew strong opposition from Game and Fish and conservation groups over science-based management and endangered species concerns, but was still recommended do pass 5-3. HB 2159, allowing landowner permits for Mexican gray wolves and a compensated trapping program, was likewise opposed as conflicting with federal law and the Endangered Species Act, but was approved 5-3. The committee then began HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish commissioner to be a cattleman or rancher; Game and Fish opposed it, saying ranchers already have representation through the appointment process, and testimony continued as the transcript ended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Conservation Corps.
  • So the Conservation Corps is amazing.
  • This is a one-of-a-kind program.
  • RISC Information System Program.
  • In 2013, I completed the HOPE Leadership Institute program, which was a nine-month program to get Latinas
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor recognitions and resolutions. Senators also welcomed guests including California Conservation Corps members, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo agriculture leadership students, and College of San Mateo championship athletes. The chamber approved the journals, stricken items from the daily file, and referred SCR 112 back to the Assembly floor. The main legislative actions were on two resolutions and two gubernatorial appointments. SR 81 by Senator Pérez, designating March 2, 2026 as Read Across America Day, was supported by Senators Choi and Rubio, emphasizing literacy, libraries, and reading access; it passed 37-0. SCR 125 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Ramadan, was supported by Senator Becker and adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of adjournments in memory. Senators honored Stephen Cassidy, former San Leandro school board member and mayor; John Joseph Zoria, a San Jose farmer and community figure; Crystal Schoenfelder, a workers’ compensation attorney and advocate; and Belinda Baraghani, a prominent Latina political strategist and community leader. The session ended with remarks about Ramadan’s themes of empathy and community, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a great program, and I'd like to see it continue to make sure that we can have our habitats be strong
  • January 6, 2025, President Biden issued a memorandum withdrawing all Pacific planning areas from future
  • Jennifer Norris, the terrific Executive Director of California's Wildlife Conservation Board.
  • Mountains Conservancy, the Baldwin Hills Conservancy, and the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, and nonprofit
  • , land and water conservation program for the state that's part of an international effort together needs
Summary: The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several measures focused on conservation, coastal protection, water supply, and invasive species. AB 1987 by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry would direct fees and lease revenues generated by state wildlife areas back to those areas for operation and maintenance; the author accepted committee amendments, and Audubon California testified in support with no opposition. AB 1448 by Assemblymember Hart would strengthen California’s restrictions on offshore oil and gas development by limiting the use of existing infrastructure for new offshore drilling and adding review requirements for lease transfers and related actions; it drew broad support from coastal governments and environmental groups and no opposition, and was sent to Appropriations. AB 1894 by Assemblymember Rubio addressed imported water deliveries for groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel control plans, aiming to prevent local restrictions from blocking deliveries that comply with state-approved invasive species plans; supporters said it protects groundwater reliability, while opposition argued it could weaken local authority and liability protections. After discussion, the committee approved the bill 6-0 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee also considered ACR 107 by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, a resolution recognizing the Diablo Range as a major conservation priority and highlighting its habitat, watershed, and 30 by 30 value. Support came from Save Mount Diablo, and members emphasized the range’s ecological importance and regional reach; the resolution was adopted on a 7-0 vote. Finally, AB 1946 by Assemblymember Bryan sought to elevate investment in urban conservation and park creation in historically underserved communities as part of California’s 30 by 30 goals. Testimony from Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation and park/recreation organizations stressed the need to reduce “nature poverty,” improve access, and remediate degraded urban lands; members discussed equity, biodiversity, and park maintenance, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Several items, including AB 1987 and the consent calendar, were also approved on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, with some measures held on call before final roll calls were completed.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Budget Feb 16th, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • Title I supports a number of our teachers for our high-set program, high-school equivalency program.
  • I know that program is really successful.
  • Generally, it's a return rate to prison after successful program completion or after program failure.
  • investments in conservation are used wisely through overall administrative oversight of our programs
  • This program totals $24.3 million.
Keywords: 959, house, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 26th, 2026

Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's just trying to say it's only for the future folks that are developing.
  • And that's, in my mind, as we implement these changes to conserve our water, to protect our water future
  • Idaho’s 2008 rule already showed conservation and active management can coexist.”
  • Fortinnell showed that conservation economies outperform extraction, Absolutely.
  • Sustainable tourism and conservation, on other hand, built traditional stability.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The committee first heard RS 33025, a concurrent resolution supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, tied to House Bill 503 and an executive order to improve efficiency. Senator Harris said the resolution explains the rationale and process for the proposed realignment while preserving the voluntary, locally led, non-regulatory role of conservation districts. Senator Guthrie asked about projected savings, and the committee voted unanimously to send the resolution to print. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1222, a trailer bill to clarify the domestic well/subdivision law enacted the prior year. Senator Anthony and Idaho Water Users Association representative Paul Arrington said the bill defines subdivision for this purpose as five lots or more, clarifies that the law applies only to subdivisions started on or after July 1, 2025, and preserves existing developments from being forced to change their water systems midstream. Testimony from Bruce Smith urged more review and said the Department of Water Resources had already produced a lengthy implementation memo. After questions about domestic use, agricultural partitions, and irrigation impacts, the committee voted to send SB 1222 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also considered two gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board: Kenneth Long and Carl Ray. Both described extensive experience in outfitting, guiding, outdoor recreation, and public service, and members asked about board responsibilities, geographic representation, and challenges such as access, growth, and tag allocation. The committee said it would vote on the appointments at a later meeting. Finally, John Price presented Docket No. 24-3501-2-250, an administrative rule package for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. He said the changes were part of zero-based regulation and followed multiple public meetings and input from agencies and industry. The revisions removed duplicative definitions, clarified predator-area and tag-designation rules, adjusted rounding for tag allocation, and refined river boundary descriptions. The committee asked several questions about tag allocation and federal-state coordination, then adopted the docket. The meeting ended with a presentation by the American Falls FFA Ag Issues team on the federal roadless rule rescission, with students presenting arguments for and against the policy and committee members praising their work and leadership.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Literacy programs, navigation services, and community connection.
  • this year. from Byron Union and Knightsen Elementary had program funding cut this year.
  • Since 1972, the California Coastal Commission and the Coastal Conservancy have been responsible for conserving
  • Since 1972, the California Coastal Commission and the Coastal Conservancy have been responsible for conserving
  • In the face of hardship, he never lost sight of his education or his future.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the early session on guest introductions recognizing students, interns, advocacy groups, sorority members, and other visitors. Members also noted Assembly Member Castillo’s birthday and announced a later floor photo for members wearing denim. The chamber then moved to the Daily File and took up a series of bills and resolutions. Among the major actions, AB 2323 by Assembly Member McKinnor, on modernizing public notice while preserving transparency and due process, passed 57-0. ACR 149 by Assembly Member Hart, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and the Coastal Conservancy, drew extensive debate both in support and opposition before being adopted by voice vote, with 46 co-authors added. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart, codifying mental health parity standards, was also taken up, and AB 2691 by Assembly Member Addis, expanding disqualifying felony convictions for elected office to include sexual assault and human trafficking, passed 53-0. The Assembly also adopted HR 31 on Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month after lengthy testimony from members describing personal experiences and the need to support survivors. The body then approved several policy bills with broad support, including AB 1621 on housing permitting timelines (64-0), AB 1704 on studying the cost of low-embodied-carbon building materials and pausing standards if cost parity is not reached (58-0), AB 1916 updating the definition of certified interpreter to include ASL interpreters (59-2), AB 2559 on returning construction and demolition permit deposits when compliance is documented (61-0), AB 2663 as an urgency sunset extension for alcoholic beverage law (64-0 on urgency and measure), and AB 2731 expanding on-sale general alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County (63-0). The Senate consent calendar was also adopted. The session ended with an adjournment in memory of Josado Dado Banatao, honoring his life, engineering achievements, and philanthropy, followed by a motion to adjourn until April 30 at 9 a.m.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Jan 27th, 2026 at 08:32 am

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Districts, the Keller growers, the cotton growers, the hay growers, The Association of Conservation
  • Oil and Gas Conservation Tax Act Changes. Representative Murphy. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • Oil and Gas Conservation Tax Act Changes. Representative Murphy. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • So just being able to lay out that chronology, I think it would be useful in the future.
  • Representative Murphy is, how will this affect other programs that rely on these funds? Mr.
Keywords: 996, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • The restoration brings transformative conservation benefits.
  • It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners are...
  • Johns River, providing conservation and economic benefits to 12 counties.
  • It's going to cost us, conservatively, $70 million to remove this one.
  • Our water security is there now for my kids, my grandkids, and our future.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • If not this year, then in the future.
  • My name is Rachel Baker, Forest Program Director at Washington Conservation Action.
  • I serve as the program manager for the Water Resources Program within the Department of Ecology.
  • I serve as the program manager for the Water Resources Program within the Department of Ecology.
  • I serve as the program manager for the Water Resources Program within the Department of Ecology.
Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2170, which would authorize DNR to enter ecosystem service and carbon contracts on state trust lands, and House Bill 2578, which would add tribal members and alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. For HB 2170, the Department of Natural Resources and supporters said the bill would diversify revenue, help meet climate goals, and allow DNR to participate in emerging carbon and ecosystem markets without necessarily eliminating timber harvest. Opponents, including counties, school districts, timber companies, loggers, and forest industry groups, argued the bill could reduce harvest levels, harm rural jobs and mill supply, and lower revenues for schools and other trust beneficiaries; several said any new authority should be limited to additive projects with stronger safeguards. Supporters included environmental groups and some local officials who said the bill would provide a more stable revenue stream and better align land management with climate and watershed benefits. The chair noted there are two related vehicles in committee, HB 1508 as the negotiated version and HB 2170 as the department version, and the public hearing on HB 2170 was closed after extensive testimony. For HB 2578, staff explained that the bill would add four tribal commissioner positions and four alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, with representation from federally recognized tribes on both sides of the Cascades and staggered terms. Prime sponsor Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the measure would strengthen co-management and the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes, while acknowledging there are other related bills and ongoing legal issues involving WDFW. The chair asked whether the bill would affect existing tribal consultation obligations, and Lekanoff said it would not replace government-to-government consultation; she also said she would follow up on how the governor would make appointments. The hearing on HB 2578 was then suspended so the committee could return to HB 2170 testimony. The committee also heard staff briefing and sponsor testimony on House Bill 2544, which would create a pilot process for the Upper Columbia River water rights adjudication. Staff said the bill would require Ecology to run the adjudication in two phases, starting with tribal and federal claimants and allowing time for settlement before bringing in other claims, with a report due by June 2035. Rep. Larry Springer said the bill is intended to establish a baseline of water use more efficiently in a process that can otherwise take decades. After the briefing and sponsor remarks, the committee began public testimony on the bill, with tribal representatives and other stakeholders queued to testify.