SB 1343 Summary

• Creates the "Working Lands Fund" in the state treasury, funded by legislative appropriations, grants, donations, and bequests, with all interest income appropriated to the Working Lands Fund Committee for program administration.

• Establishes an 8-member Working Lands Fund Committee appointed by the governor, including representatives from livestock, farming, forestry, hunting/fishing/wildlife conservation, Department of Fish and Game, Office of Species Conservation, Department of Lands, and State Department of Agriculture.

• Committee authority includes administering a grant program, conducting needs assessments on working lands loss, developing a strategic plan with criteria and priorities, establishing application procedures, evaluating applications, and completing annual reports on fund usage and program success.

• Permits grants for voluntary incentives to owners of working lands and project sponsors to enter conservation agreements for natural resource stewardship, fish and wildlife habitat protection or enhancement, and recreational opportunities including hunting and fishing.

• Requires project sponsors to match fund grants so working lands fund support does not exceed one-half of total project monetary support, with matches obtained from other funding sources; allows up to 15% of fund moneys for administrative costs.