The legislature finds that:

     (1) As the number of people in the state grows and wildlife habitat is altered, people will encounter wildlife more frequently. As a result, conflicts between humans and wildlife will also increase. Wildlife is a public resource of significant value to the people of the state and the responsibility to minimize and resolve these conflicts is shared by all citizens of the state.

     (2) In particular, the state recognizes the importance of commercial agricultural and horticultural crop production and the value of healthy deer and elk populations, which can damage such crops. The legislature further finds that damage prevention is key to maintaining healthy deer and elk populations, wildlife-related recreational opportunities, and commercially productive agricultural and horticultural crops, and that the state, participants in wildlife recreation, and private landowners and tenants share the responsibility for damage prevention. Toward this end, the legislature encourages landowners and tenants to contribute through their land management practices to healthy wildlife populations and to provide access for related recreation. It is in the best interests of the state for the department of fish and wildlife to respond quickly to wildlife damage complaints and to work with these landowners and tenants to minimize and/or prevent damages and conflicts while maintaining deer and elk populations for enjoyment by all citizens of the state.

     (3) A timely and simplified process for resolving claims for damages caused by deer and elk for commercial agricultural or horticultural products is beneficial to the claimant and the state.

[1996 c 54 § 1; (2001 c 274 § 1 expired June 30, 2004).]

NOTES:

     Expiration date -- 2001 c 274 §§ 1-3: "The following expire June 30, 2004:

     (1) Section 1, chapter 274, Laws of 2001;

     (2) Section 2, chapter 274, Laws of 2001; and

     (3) Section 3, chapter 274, Laws of 2001." [2001 c 274 § 5.]

     Effective date -- 2001 c 274: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2001." [2001 c 274 § 6.]