HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2023-055• Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
1- Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2023-837
File ID: AB2023-837 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Amended
and Approved
File Created: 12/04/2023 Entered by: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Committee of the Whole
Agenda Date: 12/05/2023
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: TDonovan@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Final Action: 12/05/2023
Enactment #: RES 2023-055
Resolution encouraging the County Executive to pursure opportunities for property acquisitions that
promote conservation, economic development, and tourism associated with Bellingham to Mt. Baker
trails
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
See resolution.
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
12/05/2023 Council Committee of the Whole RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL WITH
PROPOSED
AMENDMENT(S)
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 Elenbaas
12/05/2023 Council SUBSTITUTE APPROVED
AS AMENDED
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 Elenbaas
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 121612023
Agenda Bill Report Continued (AB2023-837)
Attachments: Proposed Resolution, AGENDA REVISION NOTICE FOR 12.5.2023, Substitute Resolution
Amended in Committee 12.5.2023
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 121612023
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PROPOSED BY: DONOVAN
INTRODUCTION DATE: DECEMBER S, 2023
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-055
ENCOURAGING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
PROPERTY ACQUISITION THAT PROMOTES CONSERVATION, ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM ASSOCIATED WITH BELLINGHAM TO MT. BAKER
TRAILS
WHEREAS, in 2016, the Whatcom County Council adopted a Comprehensive Plan
that included goals and policies to promote opportunities to link trails from Bellingham to
Mt. Baker; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9 of that Plan includes goals and policies that support parks and
recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9 of that Plan includes Goal 9C: Expand outdoor recreation
opportunities for county residents by providing enjoyable trails for hiking; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9 of that plan also includes Policy 9C-2: Incorporate existing
and proposed trails into a comprehensive and integrated system of looped and
interconnected trails which give users a wide choice of routes and environments; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9 of that plan also includes Policy 9C-3: Trails should link other
recreational uses in the Foothills area and connect to existing trail systems in the National
Forest and state land; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9 of that plan also includes Policy 9C-27: Nooksack River Trail -
Develop and implement a plan to acquire Rights of Way for a trail corridor and picnic areas
along the Nooksack River between Ferndale and Glacier, to provide recreation opportunities,
inter -community transportation, and tourism development; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 10 of that plan includes Goal 10A, Protect natural resources and
systems, life, and property from potential hazards; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 10 of that plan also include Policy 10A-10 Support acquisition,
conservation easements, open space, and other such programs to protect high -value natural
areas as identified through the GMA planning process, the Natural Heritage Plan, the state
Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) program, the Lake Whatcom Management Program, and
other sources; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 10 of that plan also includes Policy 10A-11: Designate high -
value open space and natural areas for acquisition, conservation easements, open space,
and other such programs to protect these natural areas upon request or consent of the
property owner; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 7 of that plan states the goals and policies related to prompting
tourism as a means for economic development; and
WHEREAS, Policy 7H-7 of the that plan states: Encourage growth of tourism,
recreational activities, and businesses that provide for diversity of the natural resource
industry, provided they comply with County regulations and, when located in a rural area,
preserve the rural character; and
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WHEREAS, on February 23, 2016, the Whatcom County Council approved Resolution
2016-005, adopting the 2016 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
(CPROS); and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation & Open Space (CPROS) Plan
outlines goals and policies to protect the environment, preserve historic lands, and
encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational opportunities,
natural resources, and parks; and
WHEREAS, in 2016 Whatcom County Council added the Bellingham -Mt. Baker trail
to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Conceptual Trail Corridors Map; and
WHEREAS, the County remains committed to its stated goals of acquiring land to
further these Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies; and
WHEREAS, on November 21, 2023 Whatcom County Council approved Resolution
2023-049 requesting that the Whatcom County Executive and staff pursue public access
opportunities for trails on all county owned land and easements;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Council requests that the Executive
pursue opportunities for property acquisition and/or acquisition of easements that promotes
these stated goals related to conservation, economic development, tourism, as related to
Bellingham to Mt. Baker trails.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council requests that the Executive consider
property acquisition and/or acquisition of easements opportunities that promote connectivity
near properties that have access existing easements with the County; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that Council requests the County Executive approach
willing sellers w,�o, may be interested in promoting these goals and policies.
3 silfJ6Adld
day of December, 2023.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTE3T��g r ��� WHATCOM COUNTY, WYASHINGTON
Dana Br - ay � llerk of the Council 4Baruieh'afidn,Council Chair
APPROVED, AS TO FORM:
/s/Karen Frakes approved via email on 12/6/2023/MR
Civil Deputy Prosecutor