[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6369608,"mediaKeyId","2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4","parentId",2154402,"title","Bill would make expanded uses of Northeast Washington wolf-livestock account permanent; supporters stress local wildlife specialist role","audioSeconds",1002,"startMs",2141000,"endMs",3143000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4&start=2141&end=3143","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4/thumbnail_2141000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6369608/Washington/Bill-would-make-expanded-uses-of-Northeast-Washington-wolf-livestock-account-permanent-supporters-stress-local-wildlife-specialist-role","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369608-f2daafd95a6a265b4cab29670cf1dfb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116609&Signature=blCf~ulnzdxQOsNxOQSIHOJbEYxk1RohEFaSx7vv4Q1kGjc9eDSQLLbpxaoNGrfIfbXAKvEE1S8HVFbnAYwPj9qhTc4h8Zy57nkUVSlhpJPl2bp1UvMOHcPB064k9~-aptcUy-3s48m53l2oEP96X-lHRj7y5IuyQ766TIgH-1dfqWFBI55~BByCXcR6eDuXd56GiRq2h129LZx9E1qybV8u-3uafyWZqAgunsoW4HeB1GdCUmD2RU11EmvTzZCxoMt0CN-YKzEVlgCs~LzzqFVkJT7f~4TfQ-z9CW8jkK3jytdUY5aGo1OBO3u9E5hfa-wG1eYq7cHwNqEQNndHPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources","date","2025-01-27T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 5343 would allow continued use of funds from the Northeast Washington wolf-livestock management account for nonlethal wolf-deterrent resources and for grants to the Stevens and Ferry county sheriff's offices to fund a local wildlife specialist. Committee staff said the bill removes a time-limited restriction so those uses are not limited to specific biennia.

Elena Becker, committee staff, said existing statute allows funds to be used for nonlethal deterrents in Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties and that the bill expands the statute so those grants and the sheriff's-office wildlife specialist funding are not restricted to the 2021-25 biennia. The fiscal note shows no state cost; Stevenson and Ferry counties estimate indeterminate local revenue impacts depending on grant awards.

Testimony reflected a mix of views. Dave Hedrick, manager of the Ferry Conservation District and an advisory-board member, told the committee the wildlife specialist is critical and that a published, legislature-funded report recommended retaining that position in its current capacity. Ranchers and cattle-industry representatives urged continuation and expansion of locally based wildlife specialists. Jeff Dawson, a Stevens County rancher who also represents the Washington Cattlemen's Association, said the sheriff-office specialist \"builds a trust factor\" and urged consideration of adding positions in other parts of the state.

Sheriff Brad Monke, speaking for Stevens County and on behalf of Ferry County's sheriff, described the wildlife specialist as a \"force multiplier\" that has helped rebuild a contentious relationship between livestock producers and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. \"I'm truly afraid that if we do lose this funding, our counties...won't be able to maintain this position, and I think it would really set us back years,\" Monke said.

Conservation Northwest's Paula Swadine testified the position supports coordination needed to deploy range riders and other nonlethal measures and noted a recent third-party review gave the program positive evaluations and emphasized the specialist role. By contrast, Francisco Santiago Avila, a remote testifier, urged that funds remain focused on nonlethal tools and called for auditing or monitoring to ensure effective use: \"Nonlethal deterrents like range riders, like fencing, and others have proven to be the most effective way of preventing and mitigating those conflicts before they escalate,\" Avila said.

Committee staff and the sponsor said the bill would simply memorialize uses that have already been implemented via budget notes and would make grant uses available ongoingly. No vote was taken at the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources - 1/27/2025 1:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 5343 would make permanent expanded uses of the Northeast Washington wolf-livestock management account, allowing ongoing grants for nonlethal deterrents and funding for sheriff's-office wildlife specialists in Ferry and Stevens counties, committee staff said at a public hearing.","taxTitle","Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks, Senate, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20499,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369628,"Senate committee hears bill to fund research on burrowing shrimp harming Willapa Bay shellfish farms",62,1250000,1312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4&start=1250&end=1312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4/thumbnail_1250000.jpg","/articles/6369628/Washington/Senate-committee-hears-bill-to-fund-research-on-burrowing-shrimp-harming-Willapa-Bay-shellfish-farms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369628-6b61540c51e7c743108a5a42eef0b03a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116609&Signature=JuQdpiPmQZsUBXnWgHayHeUOmPk98jRKq2B2Z4T1Z5DCJ9eX2L0cjdbtsh6BESFS7fAkbY-BGPLIycwRInCbMnPgJE85PcVEXeu7PyY-4Szo5X2atGjMvKbZZp9LZrGog7LyrUY3Ek-SVG5Tkk2RQncSfcJjtkE~qoBTxHNIJQ6oxqmt4rP4Eb7ewPm9seeAN23elQ5wNBXPgXai-obtx-KvT8~9k-6mYYV~GXOhTVnNQiM-ev0hv3mMgg6nnViIO4I0nZz8inrrQzFYo-XJIdVp1ks4gbyioIaOFWiy~a-QhiS7dd0BCYjeKajWNVQ7Hi17iEJbzKlOKhSV198V0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate staff and shellfish growers told the Washington State Senate Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday that burrowing shrimp infestations have reduced production on Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor shellfish beds and that a new research program could help develop practical control tools.

Jeff Olsen, staff to the committee, told members that Senate Bill 5322 would require the Washington State Department of Agriculture to establish and administer an integrated pest management (IPM) research program focused on burrowing shrimp impacts to bottom-culture shellfish farming. The bill would create a governing board, a Burrowing Shrimp Research account, and includes legislative intent to appropriate $2,000,000 per biennium into the new account. The program, board and account would expire July 1, 2035. A partial fiscal note cited about $117,000 from the new account for initial implementation.

The bill would form a board made up of representatives from state natural-resource agencies, five shellfish growers and two shellfish processors from the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor region, representatives of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and the Association of Oyster Growers, a nonprofit shellfish science organization and an ecosystem-based management collaborative. The bill calls for monthly board meetings and makes members eligible for reimbursement of expenses. The program would fund research into both chemical and mechanical controls, identify funding mechanisms and provide permitting assistance for growers.

Marilyn Sheldon, co-owner of Northern Oyster Company in Willapa Bay, said the industry has lost ground since growers lost an earlier control tool in 2014. \"My farm personally has lost production on at least 500 acres of our farm since 2014,\" Sheldon said, and she tied those losses to closures and sales of farms in the region. Diana Carlin, representing the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, called the bill \"a significant step forward\" and said it continues work begun by an IPM working group formed under a prior settlement agreement.

Laura Butler, legislative liaison and aquaculture coordinator at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, described the agency's current role administering IPM grants and summarized past grant work: \"Thanks to the legislature, we've been able to award nearly $4,000,000 in over 20 research grants\" exploring mechanical controls, alternative growing methods and laboratory work on natural biochemicals, she said. Butler added that \"there are some promising tools out there, but nothing is quite ready for commercial deployment,\" and that the program is likely to produce a suite of tools rather than a single solution.

Committee members asked for visuals and outreach materials; growers said they can provide photographs and are preparing an informational video. The bill sponsor noted the proposal's fiscal implications and said she would consult with budget leaders about funding during a constrained budget season.

No formal action or vote occurred during the hearing; the committee closed public testimony and moved to its next agenda item.","Senate staff and shellfish growers told the Washington State Senate Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday that burrowing shrimp infestations have reduced production on Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor shellfish beds and that a new research program could help develop practical control tools.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369611,"Committee hears proposal to raise surface-mine reclamation fees; industry and small operators offer differing views",526,1602000,2128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4&start=1602&end=2128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4/thumbnail_1602000.jpg","/articles/6369611/Washington/Committee-hears-proposal-to-raise-surface-mine-reclamation-fees-industry-and-small-operators-offer-differing-views","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369611-3282415dcc9ba04b2d63d524166d58cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116609&Signature=lBIcCIa6bjuBx0AtYolxichUXLb2NQHMoil7m0A6Ntap1gWH~A-rlw57W0GEQPmUhQoEs4hTCjfX6GhbpC67KuUZlEeAHPKp93VcsRfw1D1VKRV8nmAhOs7~wJf~geDL~4RtgEENzWjXyk7WcmrTX49261CZBTl~Put6zb4IIVo5myzZGy5LfZG9aLJ7gpUtkkAETDXkflY3rI6FTPXJbn6IHrItjNx55Qeku9wbmpmmkZPHSNrZR7WtHw-IuqqxEZTj6HFQGmSSElDt6SlJZJlQ-Fu2-XeBIp0SvW7pK9D86O3f4Z6lNzjioisLM6j7azPEoMc71qpADMXJ~J~cYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 5319, a DNR-sponsored measure to increase surface mine reclamation permit and annual fees, drew both agency and industry support and concern from at least one small producer during a public hearing before the Senate Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee.

Elena Becker, committee staff, said the bill would raise two reclamation fees: the fee for revision of an existing reclamation permit or reclamation plan and an annual fee for permit holders. Committee staff summarized the bill text as raising the revision fee from $25,100 to $45,100 and the annual fee for public or private permit holders from $2,000 to $35,100, while keeping a reduced annual rate ($25,100) for public permit holders that supply mines used exclusively for public works projects. The fiscal note estimates increased cash receipts of $2,025,000 in the 2025-27 biennium.

Pat Sullivan, director for governmental and external affairs at the Department of Natural Resources, said DNR's surface mine reclamation program is fee-supported and that fees have not been raised since 2017. \"In order for DNR to continue administering the program at its current level and meeting its statutory obligations, unfortunately, fees need to be increased,\" Sullivan said. He said the bill is the result of advisory-group deliberations over multiple meetings.

Industry groups testified in favor. Corey Shaw, executive director of the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association, said the program enables members to tell a lifecycle story of aggregate production and urged restoration of a reclamation rewards program. \"We support the bill,\" Shaw said.

A small, family-owned producer, Corey Hedrick of Versatile Industries, urged the committee to reconsider the fee structure because of impacts on rural, low-production pits. Hedrick said his company operates 10 pit locations to sustain a 20-person business and that the higher flat fees would amount to roughly $35,000 per year across idle and active sites. \"With all 10 sources, I still only produce about 200,000 to 300,000 tons per year. I still must pay fees on all 10 pits every year totaling $35,000,\" Hedrick said, and he argued the change would push small rural sources out of the DNR program and increase hauling from metro areas.

Senators asked for clarification about when the fees apply; staff and witnesses explained there are separate fees for permit revisions and for annual permit-holders. Committee members did not take a vote during the hearing.","Senate Bill 5319 would raise fees that fund the Department of Natural Resources' surface mine reclamation program. DNR said fee increases are necessary to meet statutory obligations; industry groups supported the bill while a small producer warned higher fees could push rural pits out of the program.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369619,"Bill would allow appeals of DNR burn-permit penalties to Pollution Control Hearings Board, DNR says",231,1341000,1572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4&start=1341&end=1572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154402-d1ca737caf296ee93056ade502644cf4/thumbnail_1341000.jpg","/articles/6369619/Washington/Bill-would-allow-appeals-of-DNR-burn-permit-penalties-to-Pollution-Control-Hearings-Board-DNR-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369619-01287c258d53fc19fa3d505cab9d659d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116609&Signature=QnkpRfCmHZpKKdJV4XgSGtA4EwDrtzn~eRFCkRNqwwinwPBqHMG9Dq-qjjaMRfGV3SpZ9mbUpWDEgHg0N90jMLK35Puc3K9AuJDRpE3H4f2381MylXaRlrT6IO2tELsUIb3CTOyJljWBvAIr1Kd-f-Ri-ADR2BFmdT4oH8FcojwLf8RDsMQ8SfBKM05RCOz8AbYTIocav6TZph9VWZW8iIJiTp18VjfGVQ10LRy4pGNK70fEdyaagIjicg5zHHeZiNES3V-kOYdjv9Qrf9LvHlIaib1KnFxqRtxQSv1RTyDQjj~Ar7WE3dxf8VCwx49MvUdDdH6buDCFIGDKrUf~Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 5334 would allow people to appeal civil penalties issued by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for burning and smoke-management violations to the Pollution Control Hearings Board, the committee heard during a public hearing.

Jeff Olsen, committee staff, summarized the bill and said DNR issues permits for burning on lands it manages and that violations can carry civil penalties under the Clean Air Act of up to $10,000 per day per violation. The bill would expand the Pollution Control Hearings Board's jurisdiction to include appeals of DNR civil penalties for burning activities. A partial fiscal note estimates about $69,000 in fiscal impacts to the Pollution Control Hearings Board to accommodate the change.

Senator Shelley Short, the bill's prime sponsor, said the measure provides an appeals process for people who receive civil enforcement actions from DNR. \"It's just ensuring that there is an appeals mechanism for individuals who find themselves...having those fines,\" she said during the hearing.

Erica Odom, deputy director of governmental affairs at the Department of Natural Resources, testified in support. She said DNR gained civil enforcement authority under House Bill 1423 (2021) but the legislature did not provide a venue for appeals when it granted that authority. \"The proposed change in statute will authorize the Pollution Control Hearings Board to hear appeals of civil enforcement actions by the department, related to burn permit and smoke management violations,\" Odom said. She added DNR supports the legislation because it provides an independent administrative tribunal for appeals.

Committee staff and the sponsor noted there is a companion house bill but did not provide the number during testimony. There was no formal committee action during the hearing.","Senate Bill 5334 would expand the Pollution Control Hearings Board's jurisdiction to hear appeals of civil penalties the Department of Natural Resources issues for burning and smoke-management violations. DNR testified the change fills a gap created when the agency received civil enforcement authority in 2021.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bill would make expanded uses of Northeast Washington wolf-livestock account permanent; supporters stress local wildlife specialist role

Senate committee hears bill to fund research on burrowing shrimp harming Willapa Bay shellfish farms

Committee hears proposal to raise surface-mine reclamation fees; industry and small operators offer differing views

Bill would allow appeals of DNR burn-permit penalties to Pollution Control Hearings Board, DNR says