Modifies current law regarding the responsibilities of the state’s natural resource agencies. This act modifies oversight of certain programs, legislative reporting requirements, and specific consultation requirements for the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Ecology, the State Conservation Commission, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Puget Sound Partnership. This act makes many previously-required duties permissive, subject to available funding. This act eliminates certain work groups and task forces. This act also eliminates certain pilot and grant programs administered by these agencies.   Official Text and Analysis.

Modifies some mandatory provisions to make them discretionary. The substitute bill also modifies many provisions in the bill related to reporting requirements and timelines.

To remove the requirement on the state parks and recreation commission in current law that limits the use of volunteers to a level that does not replace or supplant classified positions or lead to the elimination of any employees or permanent positions in a bargaining unit.

To remove from the list of repealed sections the direct authority for the department of natural resources and Washington State University to receive federal Clarke-McNary Act funds and removes from the now nonrepealed statute a reference to a one-time, expired general fund transfer.

To require the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate their respective agency land use plans with all applicable local government officials.

To amend certain programs administered by the various natural resources agencies to remove prescriptive direction in the administration of the programs.

To clarify that DNR may use funds received as part of a land transaction to carry out road maintenance and abandonment requirements. Adds local integrating organizations recognized by the Leadership Council to allow the Puget Sound Partnership to utilize these entities to implement the action agenda. Adds Nooksack Basin as a new action area based on the different watershed and geographic characteristics.