Joins required investments in compensatory environmental mitigation, including the mitigation of transportation projects, with certain existing programs that enhance natural environmental functions. Creates the riparian and aquatic resources enhancement account. (Companion Bill: SB 6093).   Official Text and Analysis.

The original bill created a new account, managed by the Forest Practices Board (Board), in which mitigation payments would be deposited. The Board would have been responsible for matching the payments with the selected state programs absent input from the project sponsor or the agency responsible for approving the mitigation plan. The original bill also allowed other, unnamed state programs to be considered for mitigation payments. The substitute bill limits the programs to a specific list.

Creates an environmental mitigation option that may not be added to existing regulations and that pairs mitigation investments available to specific forestry programs with various environmental mitigation mandates. Requires the Department of Ecology and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to report to the Legislature the successes and constraints of the identified programs and the appropriateness of extending the option to other additional programs. Requires the Department of Natural Resources and the Small Forest Landowner Office to assist in identifying potential projects.

Restates and reorders the list of entities that the Department of Ecology may consult with in planning the long-term implementation of the policy contained in the bill.

Creates an environmental mitigation option that may not be additive to existing regulations and that pairs mitigation investments available to specific forestry programs with various environmental mitigation mandates.

Restates Substitute Senate Bill No. 6093 as passed by the Senate Transportation Committee. Restates and reorders the list of entities that DOE may consult with in planning the long term implementation of the policy contained in the bill.

Creates an environmental mitigation option that may not be additive to existing regulations and that pairs mitigation investments available to specific forestry programs with various environmental mitigation mandates. Requires the Department of Ecology and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to report to the Legislature the successes and constraints of the identified programs and the appropriateness of extending the option to other additional programs. Requires the Department of Natural Resources and, when appropriate, the Small Forest Landowner Office to assist in identifying potential projects.