To implement tha William D. Ruckelshaus Center recommendations by establishing the agriculture and critical areas voluntary stewardship program to protect and enhance critical areas on lands used for agricultural activities through voluntary actions by agricultural operators. (Companion: SB 5713).   Official Text and Analysis.

Makes numerous technical changes to the original bill. The substitute bill also: changes the name of the Program from the "Agricultural and Critical Areas Voluntary Stewardship Program" to the "Voluntary Stewardship Program"; modifies provisions governing the receipt and review of a watershed group report by the Director of the Commission; specifies that nothing in the legislation, rather than the GMA, may be construed to: interfere with or supplant the ability of any agricultural operator to work cooperatively with a conservation district or participate in state or federal conservation programs; require an agricultural operator to discontinue agricultural activities legally existing before the effective date of a specific section; prohibit the voluntary sale or leasing of land for conservation purposes; grant counties or state agencies additional authority to regulate critical areas on lands used for agricultural activities; and limit the authority of a state agency, local government, or landowner to carry out its legal obligations; and adds state and federal severability clauses.

To add additional intent language specifying that one intent of the act is to improve compliance with other laws designed to protect water quality and fish habitat.

To establish the Voluntary Stewardship Program (Program) that allows participating counties to protect critical areas in areas used for agricultural activities through the Program rather than through regulatory requirements of] the Growth Management Act. Directs the Washington State Conservation Commission, with the advice of a statewide advisory committee, to administer the Program. Establishes operational and implementation requirements for the Program.

To provide that an environmental impact statement is not required for decisions made pertaining to work plans submitted to the state, nor for decisions made by a county on whether to participate in the voluntary stewardship program.

To provide that the state process will be more inviting to the tribes. When considering which watersheds are eligible for the program, the commission and Commerce must include a determination of whether or not a plan can be feasibly implemented.

Establish the Voluntary Stewardship Program (Program) that allows participating counties to protect critical areas in areas used for agricultural activities through the Program rather than through regulatory requirements of] the Growth Management Act. Directs the Washington State Conservation Commission, with the advice of a statewide advisory committee, to administer the Program. Establishes operational and implementation requirements for the Program. This bill provides that the state process will consultation with the tribes. When considering which watersheds are eligible for the program, the commission and Commerce must include a determination of whether or not a plan can be feasibly implemented.

House concurred with the Senate amendments. This bill establish the Voluntary Stewardship Program (Program) that allows participating counties to protect critical areas in areas used for agricultural activities through the Program rather than through regulatory requirements of] the Growth Management Act. Directs the Washington State Conservation Commission, with the advice of a statewide advisory committee, to administer the Program. Establishes operational and implementation requirements for the Program. This bill provides that the state process will consultation with the tribes. When considering which watersheds are eligible for the program, the commission and Commerce must include a determination of whether or not a plan can be feasibly implemented.

To establish the Voluntary Stewardship Program (Program) that allows participating counties to protect critical areas in areas used for agricultural activities through the Program rather than through regulatory requirements of] the Growth Management Act.