WAC 222-23-010   Policy and definitions.  (1) Policy. The legislature determined that it is in the public interest to acquire (by purchase or donation) an interest in lands within unconfined avulsing channel migration zones that are offered for acquisition by the landowner, and therefore established a riparian open space program in RCW 76.09.040 to be administered by the department. The purpose of the acquisition is to provide for ecological protection and fisheries enhancement. The department may acquire either the fee interest in or a permanent conservation easement over such lands. This chapter implements the riparian open space program.

     (2) Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

     (a) "Qualifying CMZ land(s)." See WAC 222-23-020(1).

     (b) An "unconfined avulsing channel migration zone" means the area within which the active channel of an unconfined avulsing stream is prone to move and where the movement would result in a potential near-term loss of riparian forest adjacent to the stream. Sizeable islands with productive timber may exist within the zone and are considered a part of the channel migration zone. The unconfined avulsing channel migration zone does not include areas that are permanently restricted from channel movement by a dike or levee.

     (c) An "unconfined avulsing stream" is defined in WAC 222-16-010.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040,[76.09.]050 , [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-23-010, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]