HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources July 12 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
July 12, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (9:33:25 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Tony Larson and Kathy Kershner
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE LILY POINT MARINE PARK
DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PROJECT FUNDED BY GRANTS AWARDED TO
WHATCOM COUNTY FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE RECREATION AND
CONSERVATION OFFICE) - AB2011 -214
Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department Director, gave a staff report.
The following person answered questions:
• Rod Lamb, Parks and Recreation Department
Weimer asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether the staff have talked with the County's resource partners and come
to a conclusion.
• Concerns from the community.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the design schematic is the
actual plan.
Crawford moved to recommend approval of the plan as presented to the full
Council.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether there are any changes to the plan as previously presented.
• Hiking trail use versus multi -use trails.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of trail width and number of parking spaces.
Larson stated he would like to find out the specifics of the restroom facility.
Natural Resources Committee, 7/12/2011, Page 1
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Knutzen and Crawford (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE FROM FARM FRIENDS ON NATURAL RESOURCE MARKETING -
AB2011 -239 (9:44:41 AM)
Henry Bierlink, Farm Friends, submitted a brochure (on file) and gave a report. He
discussed:
• The market being an addition to existing regulations.
• A pending Economic Development Investment (EDI) request.
• An upcoming presentation of the strategic plan.
Heather MacKay, Farm Friends, gave a report. She discussed:
• Last year's feasibility study for a natural resources market.
• The different types of natural resource credits that might be traded or cross -
traded.
• Water quality trading precedents around the country and around the world.
• Focusing now on pilot projects that demonstrate actual trades.
• Developing protocols to verify, monitor, and track trades long -term.
• Prioritizing transactions and encouraging people to participate.
Weimer stated the pilot projects will make natural resource trading and credits clear
to understand.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Using the Conservation District as the entity to handle these transactions.
• Whether anyone has tried to assign a dollar value to water rights.
• Whether Farm Friends has been working with the Tribes.
• Potential funding from the Puget Sound Partnership and private funding
sources.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of:
• Providing incentives to allow small- acreage farms buffer agricultural land.
• Whether Farm Friends has surveyed farmers about the program.
Bierlink stated Farm Friends is working with other organizations to be proactive.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of creating incentives that add value and
not using this in the future as excuses to downzone.
OTHER ITEMS
There were no other items.
Natural Resources Committee, 7/12/2011, Page 2
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 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.w hatcom .wa.us
Natural Resources Committee, 7/12/2011, Page 3