HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources September 29 20091
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
September 29, 2009
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Carl Weimer, Seth Fleetwood and Bob Kelly.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Laurie Caskey- Schreiber and Barbara Brenner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE ON THE SOUTH FORK REGIONAL PARK PLAN (AB2009 -343)
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, described the property,
easements, and history of the park project.
Rod Lamb, Design and Development Supervisor, submitted and read from a
presentation (on file).
Discussion included whether the land is currently zoned agriculture; leasing lands out
for agricultural purposes; providing access to the historical home sites; preserving natural
history and being consistent with zoning; the acreage for the total park; the cost of all
improvements versus the cost of a small trail to the Nesset Farm; requirements for public
access, and; whether camping facilities would be developed.
The following people spoke:
• Eric Jacoby, South Fork Heritage Association Member, stated he hopes that
the County's park plan includes careful consideration of all impacts. The
current plan is not the best available and isn't based on public comment.
Explore other options. Most people favor changes to the plan.
• Harry Patz, South Fork Heritage Association, submitted and read from a
presentation (on file) and other handouts (on file). Create the main access
from Hutchison Creek or the southern boundary of the property at Blue
Mountain Farm. Create an elk herd viewing area. Minimize impacts to elk
lands and agricultural lands. Minimize public access to fragile salmon and
trout spawning grounds.
• James Strachilla, South Fork Heritage Association, stated South Fork
residents want to have their comments heard and be involved in plan
development. Parks Department staff should be more receptive to alternative
proposals. The residents would be willing to sponsor a consultant for an
alternative set of plans. The current plan will change Acme, wildlife habitat,
and lifestyles forever.
• Chris Hatch, South Fork Heritage Association, answered questions about
creating an alternative parking lot to provide access to the Nesset Farm.
Discussion included alternative access routes; how Acme will change as a result of
the current design; traffic and safety issues; the Mosquito Lake Road access bringing
thousands of people who can't be controlled; lack of enforcement; whether the association
opposes the entire park or the current design; working with the State Department of Fish
Natural Resources Committee, 9/29/2009, Page 1
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and Wildlife (WDFW) on the elk and fish concerns; the consideration of other designs;
compiling and organizing public comments; Parks Commission review process; public access
causing the elk herd to migrate to agricultural fields, and; the size of the parking area.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�omhatcomma.us
Natural Resources Committee, 9/29/2009, Page 2