HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources February 28 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
February 28, 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 (9:32:01 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Pete Kremen, Kathy Kershner and Ken Mann.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE WRIA 1 STATE OF THE WATERSHED REPORT
(AB2012 -093)
Peter Gill, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted a handout and
presentation (on file) and gave a staff report regarding the purpose, content, and structure
of the report. Several departments and agencies participated in creating the report. He
would like feedback about what information is or isn't useful in the report, to refine future
reports. He described the various graphs in the report regarding water quantity, water
quality, land cover and permitting,
Brenner asked and there was discussion about the new data that is included in the
report.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the amount of buffer and wetland
affected and mitigated in comparison to the acreage of the entire watershed.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of mitigating on the shoreline, but not the
streams and wetlands.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the mitigation ratio and why they have
to mitigate more acreage than what is impacted.
Mann asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether offsite mitigation is allowed.
• Whether there is data on the effectiveness of the replacement wetlands.
Gill concluded the presentation about the various graphs in the report regarding fish
habitat and salmon recovery.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether there has been a study on how
much water is necessary to sustain 100,000 acres of agriculture.
Natural Resources Committee, 2/28/2012, Page 1
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Brenner asked if they are going to require pre - development conditions and mitigation
to offset impacts 100 percent.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of plans to update this report in the future.
Sue Blake, Washington State University (WSU) Cooperative Extension, gave a report
and presentation (on file) on the purpose of Whatcom Watershed Information Network
(WWIN).
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• How they ensure things are not biased.
• Whether they support people with different expertise.
Knutzen asked for an example of bio -toxin concerns in Whatcom County.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of who is the target of their outreach.
Kremen stated they could outreach to the local media to enlighten and inform people
who need to be educated.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SOUTH FORK REGIONAL PARK CONCEPTUAL
PLAN (AB2012 -101) (10:12:17 AM)
Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department Director, submitted handouts (on
file) and gave a staff report and presentation.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether Mr. McFarland has worked with
the Sheriff about enforcement issues.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the reconveyance from the State
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of the Overby Farm property and its associated
timber rights.
McFarland continued the presentation regarding alternative development plans that
were rejected, trail sizes, and the cost of maintenance and operations. The intent is to keep
the use low impact and preserve the agricultural use and scenery.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of:
• The effect of approving a conceptual plan.
• The timeline of getting easements from DNR.
• How they prevent people who inner -tube along the river from using this as
their parking lot.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• What is included in the costs estimates.
• Whether the remaining reconveyance would be dropped if the easement
comes through.
Natural Resources Committee, 2/28/2012, Page 2
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Kremen asked and there was discussion of:
• The feedback the County staff received about the plans from the DNR and
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
• How they plan to prevent potential adverse impacts to wildlife in the area.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of:
• Addressing enforcement concerns from the Sheriff.
• More trails encouraging more all terrain vehicle (ATV) use.
• Liability costs.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether there is potential to return the
214 acres that has already been reconveyed and get a refund of some of the money the
County already spent.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• Past plans to put the equestrian parking lot closer to the main parking lot.
• Neighborhood concerns about a park designation exacerbating problems of
partying, trash, vandalism, and other negative uses.
• Whether neighborhood concerns about park development at Point Whitehorn
have been realized.
• Whether the timing of spending this money is an issue.
• How this fits in to the long term park plans in the Comprehensive Plan.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Salmon enhancement on the property.
• Whether the County is over its Comprehensive Plan level of service
Brenner stated the ATV use is different in this area from Point Whitehorn. An open
space /open space designation must generally be open to the public and should be included
in the available parkland calculation.
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people spoke:
• Russ Pfeiffer -Hoyt, Saxon Road, described the history of the timber rights
purchase on the Overby Farm. He supports the park.
• Mike McGlenn, Backcountry Horsemen, stated that a park designation
discourages negative use. He supports the park, especially the stock horse
trailhead and alternate A, which is a compromise.
• Theresa Sygitowicz stated the County doesn't have money to create a park.
The County used taxpayer money to buy landlocked land. Mr. Pfeffer -Hoyt is
the head of the Nesset Foundation. The Land Trust easements are limited.
• Natalie Everett stated her family's property is surrounded by the park on
three sides. The Parks Department never invited the residents to participate.
The residents have fought to participate. Table the vote so the new County
Executive can get to know the community and understand their concerns.
Build a new vision based on what they have been working on the last 18
months.
Rand Jack, Whatcom Land Trust, Nesset Foundation, and valley resident,
stated most of the people in the valley support the park. Only a small
number of people are opposed to the park. He supports the park.
Natural Resources Committee, 2/28/2012, Page 3
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• John LaMonte stated he disagrees with Mr. Jack. There are enough existing
parks. He questions where the money comes from. Only two or three groups
are driving this issue. Most of the people in the valley don't want the park.
• Harry Patz referenced the Town Hall meeting with the community and Council
last year.
Knutzen stated he is against the motion. They must listen to the valley residents
and show them consideration.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer and Crawford (2)
Nays: Knutzen (1)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:17 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@�omhatcomma.us
Natural Resources Committee, 2/28/2012, Page 4