The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) “Acquisition” means the purchase on a willing seller basis of fee or less than fee interests in real property. These interests include, but are not limited to, options, rights of first refusal, conservation easements, leases, and mineral rights.

(2) “Board” means the recreation and conservation funding board.

(3) “Confer” means a dialogue between project sponsors and local county and city officials with the purpose of early review of potential projects. The dialogue may include any matter relevant to a particular project, which may include but need not be limited to: Project purpose and scope; project elements; estimated project cost; costs and benefits to the community; plans for project management and maintenance; and public access.

(4) “Critical habitat” means lands important for the protection, management, or public enjoyment of certain wildlife species or groups of species, including, but not limited to, wintering range for deer, elk, and other species, waterfowl and upland bird habitat, fish habitat, and habitat for endangered, threatened, or sensitive species.

(5) “Farmlands” means any land defined as: (a) “Farm and agricultural land” in RCW 84.34.020(2); and (b) “farm and agricultural conservation land” in RCW 84.34.020(8).

(6) “Forestlands” means any land defined as “timberland” in RCW 84.34.020(3).

(7) “Local agencies” means a city, county, town, federally recognized Indian tribe, special purpose district, port district, or other political subdivision of the state providing services to less than the entire state.

(8) “Multiple benefits” means recreational uses that are compatible with habitat conservation or resources uses or management practices that are compatible with and provide the ability to achieve additional conservation benefits.

(9) “Natural areas” means areas that have, to a significant degree, retained their natural character and are important in preserving rare or vanishing flora, fauna, geological, natural historical, or similar features of scientific or educational value.

(10) “Nonprofit nature conservancies” means organizations as defined in RCW 84.34.250.

(11) “Riparian habitat” means land adjacent to water bodies, as well as submerged land such as streambeds, which can provide functional habitat for salmonids and other fish and wildlife species. Riparian habitat includes, but is not limited to, shorelines and near-shore marine habitat, estuaries, lakes, wetlands, streams, and rivers.

(12) “Special needs populations” means physically restricted people or people of limited means.

(13) “State agencies” means the state parks and recreation commission, the department of natural resources, the department of enterprise services, and the department of fish and wildlife.

(14) “Trails” means public ways constructed for and open to pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists, or any combination thereof, other than a sidewalk constructed as a part of a city street or county road for exclusive use of pedestrians.

(15) “Urban wildlife habitat” means lands that provide habitat important to wildlife in proximity to a metropolitan area.

(16) “Water access” means boat or foot access to marine waters, lakes, rivers, or streams.

Reviser’s note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

Effective date—2016 c 149: “This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2016].” [ 2016 c 149 § 12.]

Intent—2016 c 149: “In section 3163, chapter 3, Laws of 2015 3rd sp. sess., the legislature directed the recreation and conservation office to review and make recommendations for changes to the Washington wildlife and recreation program. The recreation and conservation office conducted the review and this act details the proposed recommendations for statutory revisions to chapter 79A.15 RCW that will promote habitat conservation, outdoor recreation, working lands preservation, property rights, coordination between the state and local governments, and ensure continued success of the program for future generations.” [ 2016 c 149 § 1.]

Intent—Effective date—2007 c 241: See notes following RCW 79A.25.005.

Effective date—2005 c 303 §§ 1-14: “Sections 1 through 14 of this act take effect July 1, 2007.” [ 2005 c 303 § 17.]