(1) The commission shall:

(a) Manage timber and land under its jurisdiction to maintain and enhance aesthetic and recreational values;

(b) Apply modern conservation practices to maintain and enhance aesthetic, recreational, and ecological resources; and

(c) Designate and preserve certain forest areas throughout the state as natural forests or natural areas for interpretation, study, and preservation purposes.

(2) Trees may be removed from state parks:

(a) When hazardous to persons, property, or facilities;

(b) As part of a park maintenance or development project, or conservation practice;

(c) As part of a road or utility easement; or

(d) When damaged by a catastrophic forest event.

(3) Tree removal under subsection (2) of this section shall be done by commission personnel, unless the personnel lack necessary expertise. Except in emergencies and when feasible, significant trees shall be removed only after they have been marked or appraised by a professional forester. The removal of significant trees from a natural forest may take place only after a public hearing has been held, except in emergencies.

(4) When feasible, felled timber shall be left on the ground for natural purposes or used for park purposes including, but not limited to, building projects, trail mulching, and firewood. In natural forest areas, first consideration shall be given to leaving timber on the ground for natural purposes.

(5) The commission may issue permits to individuals under RCW 4.24.210 and 79A.05.090 for the removal of wood debris from state parks for personal firewood use.

(6) Only timber that qualifies for cutting or removal under subsection (2) of this section may be sold. Timber shall be sold only when surplus to the needs of the park.

(7) Net revenue derived from timber sales shall be deposited in the state parks renewal and stewardship account created in RCW 79A.05.215.

Intent—2014 c 43: "It is the intent of the legislature to recognize that the parks and recreation commission currently has the authority to manage numerous public recreation trails throughout the state. The intent of this act is to authorize the parks and recreation commission to manage the Milwaukee Road corridor in the same manner and with the same authority as the commission manages all other recreation trails currently under its jurisdiction." [ 2014 c 43 s 1.]

Severability—1999 c 249: See note following RCW 79A.05.010.