The institute of forest resources shall be administered and directed by the director of the school of forest resources at the University of Washington.

Findings—Intent—2011 c 187: “(1) The legislature finds that there are many challenges facing the forest sector, such as climate change, loss of forest cover in rural and urban areas, forest health and fire risks, the development of environmental service markets, the enhancement of habitat and biodiversity, timber and water supply, restoration of forest ecosystems, and the economic health of forest-dependent communities that rely on the retention of working forests.

(2) The legislature further finds that these forest issues, which occur in both rural and urban environments, and the approaches taken to address the issues, transcend the expertise and mission of the University of Washington school of forest resources and the associated centers and cooperatives. While each of these centers and cooperatives contribute expertise and resources, the structure and continuity for the integrated, interdisciplinary approach needed to address these complex issues is lacking.

(3) It is the intent of the legislature for the institute of forest resources to provide the structure and continuity needed by drawing contributions from the associated centers and cooperatives into a more consolidated, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and integrated process that is responsive to the critical issues confronting the forest sector.” [ 2011 c 187 § 1.]

Severability—1979 c 50: See note following RCW 76.44.010.