Digest of Federal Resource Laws of Interest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Olympic Experimental State Forest Act

This Act, Olympic Experimental State Forest Act -- Title II of P.L. 102-436, signed October 23, 1992 (106 Stat. 2217) is designed to contribute to the conservation of the northern spotted owl and the protection of old-growth resources through an experimental management program on State-owned lands on the western Olympic Peninsula. Provisions of the Act include:

The State of Washington may develop and submit to the Secretary of the Interior a management and research plan for the Olympic Experimental State Forest (Forest) that is based upon the recommendations of the Commission on Old Growth Alternatives for Washington's Forest Trust Lands.

The plan shall provide for the conservation of the northern spotted owl on the Forest and reflect scientifically sound ecosystem management to aid conservation of fisheries, other sensitive species, and the ecology of the forest in general.

The Secretary shall, after notice and public comment, review the management and research plans within 90 days after submission by the State of Washington or such time as is mutually agreeable.

If the Secretary determines that the management and research plan for the Forest meets the specified standards, the Secretary shall approve the plan and notify the State.

If the State authorities comply with their obligations under the approved plan, no activity conducted pursuant to the plan shall be considered to be a prohibited taking of the northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

The legislative history includes: House Report 102-834, part I, and Congressional Record pages H7997 - 99, August 11, 1992; H9822 - 24, September 29, 1992; and S17205, October 7, 1991.

Region 1 is responsible for coordination of implementation actions by the Service, in consultation with the Assistant Director - Ecological Services and the Assistant Director - Fisheries.

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