HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources May 24 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
May 24, 2011
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 (9:33:08 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer and Sam Crawford.
Absent: Bill Knutzen.
Also Present: Kathy Kershner and Barbara Brenner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. OVERVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE AMERICAN ALPS LEGACY PROJECT -
AB2011 -188
Jim Davis, North Cascades Conservation Council, described park areas that were left
out of the original north Cascades National Park. He submitted and read from a
presentation and described the history of the park and the current project to include more
lands in the National Park.
Weimer asked if all the proposed land is already in federal jurisdiction.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Making the park more accessible to the public and under the same
designation.
• The differences between recreation areas and national parks.
• Whether the Conservation Council has talked to federal representatives.
• Who would oppose such a project to include these lands into the park.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• What they're protecting the lands from.
• Why designating the area a National Park would truly attract more people.
• Whether Seattle City Light supports the project.
• Whether the land stays taxable to benefit the City of Newhalem.
• Why they would leave a swath of recreation area to the east of Ross Lake.
• Why certain areas weren't originally included in the Park.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether there is a risk of having to remove the dam if it became a national
park.
• Whether there would be plans to keep Highway 20 open during the winter.
• Whether the proposal includes entrance fees to the Park.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• How this new Park area would be funded.
• Whether people could camp in the new park area.
Natural Resources Committee, 5/24/2011, Page 1
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Paul Engel, Wild and Scenic River Tours Owner, described the benefits of protection
for the future, including economic benefits.
Davis stated their goal is to bring businesses, recreation groups, and local
governments on board before going to Congress.
Weimer stated they need to start capturing a bigger share of park business by tying
recreation to the park.
Crawford stated he would like to find out more information from hunting groups.
Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated he supports the American Alps Legacy
Project. The goals and objectives achieved by the proposed plan, especially with the
Whatcom County portion included, the County has much to gain economically, due to its
proximity to Canadian tourists. Additional revenue from tourism and recreation are much
needed locally. They're clean dollars. The goals of this plan are consistent with the core
values of Whatcom County.
Weimer stated he can schedule a presentation from the North Cascades National
Park Superintendant.
2. UPDATE ON SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICTS - AB2011 -189 (10:20:27
AM)
Erika Stroebel, Public Works Department, submitted and read from a presentation
(on file).
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether there has been enough sampling
of the creeks to determine the contamination sources.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• A sampling method that tests the color of the water to determine
contamination sources.
• Whether conditions are improving, worsening, or staying the same.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether any of the Drayton Harbor areas have sewer service.
• The kinds of bacteria they're measuring.
• Higher contamination counts due to wet, rainy conditions.
• Whether buffers are effective, especially during rainy seasons.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the contamination sources in Dakota and
California Creeks.
Geoff Menzies, Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee
Chair, stated he no longer has an oyster business in Drayton Harbor. He described the
history of the problems in Drayton Harbor. He continued the presentation regarding
Drayton Harbor.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the status of a $500,000 grant.
Natural Resources Committee, 5/24/2011, Page 2
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Jackie Goodsir, Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee
Member, concluded the presentation regarding agricultural issues.
Kershner asked if the committee made a unanimous recommendation.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the status of the Conservation Program
on Agriculture Land (CPAL) program with the Conservation District.
The following person answered questions:
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
Crawford asked and there was discussion of online homeowner training for septic
inspections.
OTHER ITEMS
There were no other items.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:09 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(g-.o.w hatcom .w a.us
Natural Resources Committee, 5/24/2011, Page 3