Olympia, WA - The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is looking to adopt  proposed changes to it's Forest Practices Rules including the removal of the bald eagle from the state's threatened and endangered species list, and removal of the bald eagle and peregrine falcon from the critical habitats list. Public hearings next month will be held January 3rd in Olympia, and 5th in Ellensburg. For further details visit http://dnr.wa.gov

This proposal also updates the common and scientific names for the Western pond turtle on the Board’s critical habitats list. Three North American scientific societies that deal with fish, reptile, and amphibian issues have changed the common and scientific names of the Western pond turtle.

The other rules proposal affects the Notice of Forest Practices to Affected Indian Tribes (WAC 222-20-120) and Western Washington riparian management zones (WAC 222-30-021). It clarifies language and resolves issues with landowner-tribe meeting requirements. This rule language was developed and supported by the Timber/Fish/Wildlife Cultural Resources Roundtable.

Forest Practices Board members will hear oral testimony at the hearings; hard copies of testimonies are appreciated.