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.

The Council has several functions:

• 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).
• Providing guidance for managing natural areas.
• Directing DNR staff in any revisions to the State of Washington Natural Heritage Plan.

For more information, view the Natural Heritage Advisory Council factsheet.

Members

The council has 15 members. The ten members are appointed by the Commissioner of Public Lands and they serve four-year terms. Five non-voting, ex-officio members are appointed by agencies and they serve open-ended terms.

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

2021 MEETINGS

October 13, 2021

June 9-10, 2021

March 11, 2021

2020 MEETINGS

September 18, 2020

June 4, 2020

March 27, 2020

January 15, 2020

2019 MEETINGS

October 22, 2019

June 20 - 21, 2019

April 11, 2019

January 29, 2019

2018 MEETINGS

October 25, 2018

June 13 - 14, 2018

March 19, 2018

January 25, 2018