The department is authorized to offer and pay a reward not to exceed ten thousand dollars in each case for information regarding violations of any statute or rule relating to the state's public lands and natural resources on those lands, except forest practices under chapter 76.09 RCW. No reward may be paid to any federal, state, or local government or agency employees for information obtained by them in the normal course of their employment. The department is authorized to adopt rules in pursuit of its authority under this section to determine the appropriate account or fund from which to pay the reward. The department is also authorized to adopt rules establishing the criteria for paying a reward and the amount to be paid. No appropriation shall be required for disbursement.

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