Natural Heritage Advisory Council

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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