HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources April 10 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
April 10, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (9:33:36 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen, and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Ken Mann, Kathy Kershner, Barbara Brenner, and Pete Kremen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. GENERAL DISCUSSION OF AVAILABLE OPTIONS RELATED TO WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PROPERTY IN THE LAKE
WHATCOM WATERSHED (AB2012 -066A)
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES TO WORK WITH MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVOCATES AND
USERS TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN CONTINUED USE OF MOUNTAIN BIKE
TRAILS IN THE AREA OF THE NORTH FORK OF THE NOOKSACK RIVER
(AB2012 -139)
Crawford gave a report and stated this is his way of requesting that the State
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and user groups find alternatives to closing the
trails.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of DNR's position on the closure.
Ben Cleveland, DNR Northwest Region Manager, submitted photos and answered
questions about unauthorized trails on State lands around the state, illegal structures
constructed by the users, safety and liability issues, meeting with user groups, other DNR
lands in the state that the agency has had to shut down, scheduling a strategy meeting to
discuss funding and the best area and design for such a use, removing the illegal structures
and installing a gate, and developing a proposal for the next State biennium budget.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the State would turn a blind eye
if the structures weren't there and if the users are not interested in trails without the
structures.
Natural Resources Committee, 4/10/2012, Page 1
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Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether signage would reduce State
liability if signs indicated use at the biker's own risk, and if the State would allow landscape
architects to volunteer to design a use area.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the liability of other public facilities for
activities that are risky, such as skate parks.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether user groups can do maintenance
through a contractual agreement to reduce liability and whether the DNR should expand its
level of service to include managing recreational activities.
Mann asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether DNR will really allow the user groups to participate in creating a
recreational use on DNR lands.
• Allowing extreme trails that don't meet County standards.
• What is the next step.
Knutzen stated he thanks Mr. Cleveland for discussing this with the Councilmembers.
He stated and there was discussion of the State taking on this liability when the County
won't.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of:
• The long history of unauthorized use and the need for these kinds of
recreational activities, including mountain biking and off -road vehicle (ORV)
use, in the community.
• A portion of gas tax funds levied for the past 25 years for a park that has
never been created.
Brenner stated she would like a task force include private foresters. She asked and
there was discussion of whether the DNR has problems with ORV use on the North Fork.
Mike McFarland, Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department Director, spoke
and answered questions about the different user groups and the contract with Whatcom
Independent Mountain Pedalers (WHIMPS) on Galbraith Mountain.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the County has a written policy
about how the County deals with it in a new park.
The following people spoke:
• Clayton Petree submitted information and stated the users need County rules
so they are allowed to build the trails and a location for the extreme mountain
biking trails. The County should update the recreational plan through the
Comprehensive Plan process for everyone, including mountain bikers. These
concerns have been addressed in other places in the state. The people who
built the structures offered to remove them. People just want access.
• Matt Shelton, Whatcom Trails Co -Op, described his organization and stated
permitting and environmental considerations were addressed by the DNR
years ago when the property was logged. The users have offered to work
with the DNR to go through the steps of the process. The DNR has been
unwilling to talk about access to the existing trails. If there were an actual
agreement with the users, the users would have more stake in upkeep and
stewardship. Today, the issue is continued access. Also develop a long -term
planning process.
Natural Resources Committee, 4/10/2012, Page 2
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Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the mountain bike users are
organized enough to self - police.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the users have looked into
insurance for the area.
Mary Dumas stated develop a process that works.
Crawford moved to recommend approval of the resolution to the full Council.
Weimer stated he is in favor of the resolution, which will keep the collaborative
process moving forward.
Kremen stated he supports the resolution. He suggests an amendment to make the
language more current, "...with Faw its deadline to elese reconsider the closure of the North
Fork of the Nooksack River to off -road mountain bike use...." The deadline has come and
gone.
Weimer moved to amend, "Now Therefore, Be It Resolved ... withdraw its deadline to
dese reconsider the closure of the North Fork...."
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Knutzen and Crawford (3)
Nays: None (0)
The motion to recommend approval as amended carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Knutzen and Crawford (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:37 a.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council &o.whatcom.wa.us
Natural Resources Committee, 4/10/2012, Page 3