Forest practices consistent with a habitat conservation plan approved prior to March 25, 1996, by the secretary of the interior or commerce under 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq., and the endangered species act of 1973 as amended, are exempt from rules and policies under this chapter, provided the proposed forest practices indicated in the application are in compliance with the plan, and provided this exemption applies only to rules and policies adopted primarily for the protection of one or more species, including unlisted species, covered by the plan. Such forest practices are deemed not to have the potential for a substantial impact on the environment but may be found to have the potential for a substantial impact on the environment due to other reasons under RCW 76.09.050.

Nothing in this section is intended to limit the board's rule-making authority under this chapter.

Effective date—1996 c 136: "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 shall take effect immediately [March 25, 1996]." [ 1996 c 136 § 2.]