The eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts under RCW 77.12.810 must be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account are subject to legislative appropriation and shall be used for the purpose of funding the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement program. The department may use moneys from the account to improve pheasant habitat or to purchase or produce pheasants. The department must continue to release rooster pheasants in eastern Washington. The eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account funds must not be used for the purchase of land. The account may be used to offer grants to improve pheasant habitat on public or private lands that are open to public hunting. The department may enter partnerships with private landowners, nonprofit corporations, cooperative groups, and federal or state agencies for the purposes of pheasant habitat enhancement in areas that will be available for public hunting. The department shall submit an annual report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1st regarding the department’s eastern Washington pheasant activities.

Findings—1997 c 422: See note following RCW 77.12.790.