HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2019-021Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
�.
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
y. Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2019-216
File ID: AB2019-216 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 04/03/2019 Entered by: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
First Assigned to: Council Natural Resources Committee
Agenda Date: 04/09/2019 Next Mtg. Date:
Primary Contact Email: BBrenner@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Hearing Date:
Resolution supporting funding for Stewardship Forester positions in the Department of Natural
Resources Small Forest Landowner Office
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution supporting funding for Stewardship Forester positions in the Department of Natural
Resources Small Forest Landowner Office
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
04/09/2019 Council Natural Resources Committee RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL
04/09/2019 Council APPROVED
Attachments: Proposed Resolution
Final Action:
04/09/2019
Enactment Date:
04/09/2019
Enactment #:
RES 2019-021
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 411012019
PROPOSED BY: Brenner
INTRODUCTION DATE: April 9, 2019
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-021
SUPPORTING FUNDING FOR STEWARDSHIP FORESTER POSITIONS IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SMALL FOREST LANDOWNER OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requested funding of four
Stewardship Forester positions in the Small Forest Landowner Office (SFLO); and
WHEREAS, the commitment to fully fund the SFLO has not happened for several
years and was not included in the Governor's budget; and
WHEREAS, in Whatcom County and throughout the state, small family forest owners
play a vital role in providing clean water and salmon habitat, along with clean air, recreation
opportunities, wildlife habitat, and forest products; and
WHEREAS, keeping forest lands healthy and well cared for is critical to all of us; and
WHEREAS, because of the increased risk of wildfires, invasive species, and forest
conversion, it is important that family forest owners have technical assistance available to
help them sustainably manage their lands; and
WHEREAS, the DNR Stewardship Foresters, along with their Extension Forester
partners, have provided on the ground classroom and educational service for Whatcom
County; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County will no longer have the availability of a local
Stewardship Forester to assist with small family forest owner education unless it is put in
the state budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council supports
all efforts of our legislators to understand the importance of this issue and include the DNR
request of at least four Stewardship Forester positions in the Budget.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this request will have positive results for Whatcom
County and other timber counties and will end up reducing the state significant costs by
saving the forests from wildfires, noxious weeds, and diseases.
�9th day of April 2019.
Wmo,
IN
WHAT O C
ATT ,1 � CC������� WHAT O �
Dina Br�rT� e r k of the Council Rud 6rowne,
t
� a
APPROVED AS TO`�ORM:
Civil e uty Pr dutor
UNCOUNCIL
UN WASHINGTON
Council Chair