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The Washington State Audubon Conservation Committee has selected the following legislative priorities for the upcoming 2006 session, along with the broader conservation coalition list, "Priorities for a Healthy Washington."

1. Priority - Conserve Washington’s Forests
   
   Audubon is working to keep working forests as forests rather than undergoing permanent conversion to subdivisions or shopping malls. We’re advocating the market-driven strategy of transferring development rights to developers who can then create higher-density housing in urban areas. Conserving our forests, especially unique habitats like Oregon White Oak and eastern Washington Ponderosa Pine woodlands, is essential to stabilizing and recovering Washington’s forest bird and other wildlife populations.
   
   
2. Priority - Reduce Toxic Lead Shot
   
   Audubon is working to protect Trumpeter Swans and other wildlife from lethal effects of toxic lead shot. In partnership with the Trumpeter Swan Society, hunters and state and federal wildlife agencies, Audubon is advocating for a zero-tolerance toxic-shot enforcement bill. It will increase penalties for use of illegal shot, and fund hunter-education programs to keep lead shot out of restricted areas.
   
   
3. Priority - Promote Watchable Wildlife
   
   Economic incentives to conserve wildlife can help support the long-term financial health of Washington, by helping to attract more nature tourists to our state. Audubon will work for legislation that allows local decision-makers to use hotel-motel tax dollars to compensate non-profit tourism promotion groups, as well as private landowners who conserve habitat and guarantee public access for wildlife watching.
   
   
4. Priority - Ensure Surface Mining Reclamation
   
   Sand and gravel, necessary for roads and buildings, is taken from open-pit surface mines, which are located in or adjacent to our rivers, streams, and wetlands. While Audubon is always concerned that such mining be done with only minimal impact on wildlife habitat and public health - our immediate priority is that the state’s current reclamation regulations and program be adequately funded to ensure protection of our waterways and wildlife.
   
   
5. Priorities for a Healthy Washington
   
   Each year Audubon and 17 other conservation organizations work together to identify the environmental community's top priorities. This year's priorities include: promoting energy independence through renewable fuels, cleaning up Puget Sound, launching e-waste recycling, protecting kids from toxic flame retardants, and defending our land-use protections. Read more here.