To express the legislative intent to create a forest health program. The bill states Washington currently faces forest health threats. In response, the bill says the legislature intends to create a comprehensive forest health program.   Official Text and Analysis.

To give DNR the lead role in developing a comprehensive forest health program for the state. Within available funding, DNR must also undertake activities to include: forest health information gathering and dissemination; coordinating forest health monitoring activities; and coordinating with universities and other agencies to provide landowners with technical assistance regarding forest health.

To remove the term "ecosystem" from the scope of the forest vitality intended to be maintained, specifies that "uncharacteristic" forest health events do not include normal and expected levels of fire, disease, or pests, makes technical changes, and renumbers a subsection.

Without the amendments proposed by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.