Welcome to Skagit County

November 13, 2007

WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR THREE YEAR REVIEW OF SKAGIT COUNTY MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Written comments due December 24, 2007

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County is requesting public comment on its Critical Areas Monitoring and Adaptive Management Program as part of its scheduled three-year review. This program monitors water quality and salmon habitat parameters in critical areas on land with ongoing agricultural operations.

A workshop is scheduled for Thursday, December 6, 2007 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Skagit County Commissioners Hearing Room located at 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon. Staff will present background information on the program and its collected data and there will be an opportunity for public testimony.

Interested parties are invited to comment on the program and its methodology, sample techniques, and data analysis. The public can submit written comments through December 24 to:

Tom Karsh
Special Projects
Skagit County Public Works
1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
maam@co.skagit.wa.us

The Washington State Legislature imposed a three-year timeout this year to changes to Critical Areas Ordinances affecting agricultural lands. Skagit County is not contemplating changes to its Critical Areas Ordinance relating to ongoing agriculture at this time. “We’re collecting feedback about our program in preparation for changes at the end of the timeout period in 2010 and appreciate public input,” said Karsh.

For further information, contact Karsh at 360-336-9400 or visit www.skagitcounty.net/salmonstrategy