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The Growth Management Act requires Washington counties to designate and protect critical areas, such as streams (RCW 36.70A.060 ). For the last 4 years, agricultural, environmental, and tribal representatives have worked on a new, alternative approach to critical areas protection for agricultural activities that the Legislature adopted in 2011 (ESHB 1886 ). The legislation for this new, alternative approach is codified in RCW 36.70A , the Growth Management Act, as the "Voluntary Stewardship Program" (VSP).

Public Open House

On November 30, 2011, as authorized by ESHB 1886 , the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance No 2011-012, electing to participate in the VSP, as an alternative to RCW 36.70A.060 , for protecting critical areas in areas used for agricultural activities.

While the County is not required to implement the VSP until adequate State funding is available, the County will be hosting a public open house event on February 28, 2012 at 7 PM to provide information regarding the various aspects of the VSP and any updates on the timing for availability of funding. The open house event will be held at:

City Council Chambers
City Hall
501 N. Anderson Street
Ellensburg, WA 98926

If you have questions or comments that you would like the County to provide information at during the open house events, please submit written comments to the County by February 21, 2012.

Comments can be submitted via:

Other Information

• ESHB 1886 2011 Legislation implementing recommendations of the Ruckelshaus Center process.
• William D. Ruckelshaus Center, Agriculture & Critical Areas Project website
• Washington State Conservation Commission – information on the Ruckelshaus Process/Voluntary Stewardship Program
• CDS Staff Report and Proposed Ordinance 3.45 MB

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