The Natural Heritage Advisory Council (established by RCW 79.70.070) advises the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the State Parks and Recreation Commission about implementing the Natural Area Preserves Act.
One of the council’s primary functions is to review potential Natural Area Preserves and Natural Resources Conservation Areas. Based on its evaluation, the council approves or rejects proposed sites. When the council approves a site, its recommendation is forwarded to the appropriate state agency head (Commissioner of Public Lands, Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, or Director of State Parks).
The council has two additional functions:
- Providing guidance for managing natural areas
- Directing DNR staff in any revisions to the State of Washington Natural Heritage Plan
Check out our fact sheet for more information on the Natural Heritage Advisory Council.
Meetings
(view agendas and minutes)
Membership
(view council membership - 22KB PDF)
The council has fifteen members:
- Ten members appointed by the Commissioner of Public Lands:
- Five of whom must also be recognized experts in the ecology of natural areas
- At least one who is (or represents) a private forest landowner
- At least one who is (or represents) a private agricultural landowner
- Five non-voting, ex-officio, members appointed by their agency heads to represent DNR, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Ecology, State Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Recreation and Conservation Office
Member Terms
The ten members appointed by the Commissioner of Public Lands serve four-year terms. The five non-voting, ex-officio members appointed by agencies serve open-ended terms.
(view member terms - 22KB PDF)