SB5962 – Planning for and implementing the conservation or restoration of 30% of Washington’s lands and waters by 2030.
Prime Sponsor – Senator Das (D; 47th District; Kent) (Co-Sponsors Rolfes, Lovelett- Ds)
Current status – Referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, and Parks.
Next step would be – Scheduling a hearing.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

Summary –
The bill would require the Director of the Recreation and Conservation Office to adopt a plan to conserve or restore 30% of Washington’s lands and waters by 2030, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Lands, and the directors of the Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Commerce, Ecology, and Agriculture. The plan would have a collaborative and inclusive approach to conservation; benefit everyone in the state; support locally led and designed efforts; honor tribal sovereignty and support the priorities of tribal nations; pursue conservation and restoration, use science as a guide; and build on existing tools and strategies, emphasizing flexibility and adaptive approaches. It would be adopted by December 31, 2023, and the Director would publish periodic progress reports on its implementation and progress toward achieving the 30 by 30 goal.

The bill says that “conservation” should be considered to include “not only preservation, but also the restoration as well as the use of lands and waters that are consistent with providing the critical resources that sustain all life on earth”. It also says that lands and waters designated for special protections like parks, marine sanctuaries and “other public lands” should be considered as “conserved” by the plan, as well as additional lands and waters in public or private management that protect important ecosystem functions.

The bill would create a 30 by 30 Commission, chaired by the Director of the Office, to assist in the development of the plan. It would include representatives of the other departments listed above, and the Director would appoint other members, including land conservation and preservation advocates; additional rural landowners; advocates for outdoor recreation and parks, including urban park accessibility; and representatives from disproportionately impacted communities identified by the environmental health disparities map; from forestry, farming, and ranching; and from cities, counties, and special purpose districts. The Director would also invite representatives of Federal agencies managing lands in the state and representatives of tribes to serve on the Commission. The Director and the Commission would have to include a robust public engagement program in the development of the plan, providing equitable community engagement among all segments of the state.

As a foundation for the plan, the director would be required to adopt guidance for including lands and waters considered to currently be in conservation status, and to prepare an assessment of current progress toward meeting the policy, informed by data and maps provided by relevant governments.

The bill would require state agencies to act consistently with this policy goal, and be
guided by the plan in achieving it. (The bill would encourage cities, counties, and special purpose districts to act consistent with it.)