SB6195 – Authorizes $500 million in bonds to fund DNR’s 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan.
Prime Sponsor – Senator Braun (R; 20th District; Cowlitz & Lewis Counties)
Current status – Referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Had a hearing February 6th.
Next step would be – Action by the committee.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

Summary –
In 2017, the Legislature passed SB5546 unanimously, directing the Department of Natural Resources to address wildfire risk by developing a forest health assessment and treatment framework, with the goal of assessing and treating 1.25 million acres by 2033.

DNR’s response, the 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan, would approach the problem through active management, using strategies like thinning and prescribed burns. This bill would authorize funding the program by issuing up to $500 million in general obligation bonds over the next eight biennia.