Issues & Action > Policy Priorities >

Audubon's Washington's 2005 Policy and Budget Priorities

In June 2004 the Washington State Audubon Conservation Committee selected the following legislative priorities for the upcoming 2005 session, along with the broader conservation coalition list, “Priorities for a Healthy Washington.”

Aggregates/gravel mining
We are proposing improvements to current gravel mining laws to protect riparian and wetland bird habitat, as well as clean water supply. Audubon supports the Department of Natural Resources (DNR’s) budget requests to improve its surface mine program. We are also negotiating with DNR over industry-sponsored revisions to the Surface Mine Reclamation Law.

Wetlands
We are supporting the Department of Natural Resources proposal for a pilot mitigation bank on state-owned aquatic lands to restore degraded wetland and shorebird habitat. This project must ensure no net loss of wetlands. With help from Wetnet, our wetlands advisory committee, Audubon is negotiating language on the bill, which we supported with changes in 2004.

Forests
We are supporting legislation and regulations that promote sustainable forestry, and habitat protections for at-risk bird species like the Northern Spotted Owl. Audubon and other environmental organizations are exploring potential legislation to establish a pilot project for Forest Stewardship Council certification of state forests and legislation to protect existing old growth habitat on state lands.

Growth Management Act (GMA)
We will allow NO ROLLBACKS of existing GMA protections and are supporting legislative proposals crafted by the "GMA Work Group," an environmentalist and industry coalition, designed to improve the efficiencies and environmental protections within the GMA.

Operating Budget
Advocate for funding for programs that protect and monitor wildlife and their habitat.

Capital Budget
Advocate for funding for Environmental Learning Centers and for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.