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Committee hears support and concerns for adding two tribal seats to Board of Natural Resources
Summary
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony Feb. 18 on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5838, which would add two tribal representatives to the Board of Natural Resources. Tribal leaders and DNR staff urged the change as a recognition of stewardship; county officials warned it could affect fiduciary duties for trust lands.
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony Feb. 18 on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5838, which would add two tribal representatives — one east and one west of the Cascades — to Washington’s Board of Natural Resources.
Sen. Claudia Kaufman (D-47), a member of the Nez Perce tribe and the bill’s prime sponsor, said the change is intended to strengthen stewardship and bring tribal expertise into state decisions about public lands. “This is a respectful and collaborative appointment process,” Kaufman said, adding that tribal representatives would bring “deep knowledge, proven stewardship, and long-term commitment” to habitat, water and cultural-resource protection.
Lily Smith,…
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