The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

     (1) "Department" means the department of natural resources.

     (2) "Natural areas" and "natural area preserves" include such public or private areas of land or water which have retained their natural character, although not necessarily completely natural and undisturbed, or which are important in preserving rare or vanishing flora, fauna, geological, natural historical or similar features of scientific or educational value and which are acquired or voluntarily registered or dedicated by the owner under this chapter.

     (3) "Public lands" and "state lands" have the meaning set out in RCW 79.02.010.

     (4) "Council" means the natural heritage advisory council as established in RCW 79.70.070.

     (5) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public lands.

     (6) "Important bird area" means those areas jointly identified by the natural heritage program and a qualifying nonprofit organization using internationally recognized scientific criteria. These areas have been found to be necessary to conserve populations of wild waterfowl, upland game birds, songbirds, and other birds native to and migrating through Washington, and contain the habitats that birds are dependent upon for breeding, migration, shelter, and sustenance.

     (7) "Instrument of dedication" means any written document intended to convey an interest in real property pursuant to chapter 64.04 RCW.

     (8) "Natural heritage resources" means the plant community types, aquatic types, unique geologic types, and special plant and animal species and their critical habitat as defined in the natural heritage plan established under RCW 79.70.030.

     (9) "Plan" means the natural heritage plan as established under RCW 79.70.030.

     (10) "Program" means the natural heritage program as established under RCW 79.70.030.

     (11) "Qualifying nonprofit organization" means a national nonprofit organization, or a branch of a national nonprofit organization, that conserves and restores natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitat.

     (12) "Register" means the Washington register of natural area preserves as established under RCW 79.70.030.

[2004 c 180 § 4; 2003 c 334 § 548; 1981 c 189 § 1; 1972 ex.s. c 119 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Intent -- 2004 c 180: See note following RCW 79.70.110.

     Intent -- 2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.