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The statewide survey results are now available on interpretations of the recently enacted landowner liability legislation (HB 1194; amending RCW 77.85) .  Click on the link to view results:  https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/87126572/News%20Letter/Landowner%20Liability%20Survey%20Results%209%2024%202013.pdf

  • The survey was completed by 44 people across the state.  A few highlights from the respondents are included below:
  • Over half of project sponsors are proceeding with business as usual.
  • Over half are asking landowners to decide if they want to meet the conditions for limited liability under the new law.
  • Almost 90% believe designs require a Professional Engineer (PE) stamp under this legislation.
  • Respondents were split on whether landowners may be more likely to permit projects on their land due to the legislation.
  • There appears to be uncertainty around how to define “withstand” regarding a 100 year flood.
  • Over 60% of respondents believe the requirements will impact the biological success rates of restoration efforts.
  • There are diverse perceptions over what defines an “established” boat launch, but over 70% believe a boat launch is defined as governmental.
  • Respondents were split on whether designing to a 100 year flood will increase risk to recreationalists.
  • Over 60% of respondents do not employ a specific risk-assessment methodology.
  • Just over half of the respondents use the Stream Habitat Restoration Guidelines (SHRG) to determine boater response time.
  • Over 60% of respondents do not think there should be a consistent tagging system, and 80% do not have a tagging system that will last up to 3 years.
  • About 50% of respondents suggested that GSRO/RCO be the primary entity for tracking the legislation.

UCSRB Staff will present the results from this survey to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board in Dayton, WA on October 16th.  The Recreation and Conservation Office is also in the process of developing a fact sheet relative to this legislation.

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