Background: DFW may acquire and manage state lands as part of its mandate to protect and preserve the state's fish and wildlife resources while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities. DFW currently owns or manages about 1 million acres in 33 wildlife areas, along with 700 public water-access sites.

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The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) establishes a review process for state and local governments to evaluate environmental impacts from project permits and other government decisions. The SEPA process involves the completion of an environmental checklist by a lead agency and coordination with other governments and agencies as applicable. Some projects may require the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Information collected during the SEPA process may be used to adjust project proposals to reduce potential environmental impacts. Certain actions are exempt from the SEPA requirements to submit an environmental checklist or to prepare an EIS.

Summary of Bill: DFW may manage its acquired lands using the best available land management techniques. These techniques include:

• licenses or approvals to move firewood or for brush picking;
• periodic application of Department of Agriculture-approved chemicals by licensed personnel;
• issuance of right-of-way easements and use permits to use existing roads in nonresidential areas; and
• issuance of grazing leases, regardless of whether the land has been actively grazed.
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Land management activities under this authority are exempt from the requirement to prepare an EIS under the SEPA, and DFW has a duty to develop mitigation actions where appropriate.