Natural Resource Lands
Farmland Legacy Program, Forest Advisory Board, Agricultural Advisory Board, Voluntary Stewardship Program
Natural Resource Lands
|
|
The AAB shall make recommendations to the County Commissioners and the County Administrator on agricultural plans, policies, and programs concerning: a) existing and proposed legislation and regulations affecting agriculture; b) land uses as they impact agriculture; c) ways to maintain, enhance, and promote agriculture and agricultural products in the region; and d) any other agricultural issues as requested by the County Commissioners and/or consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan. |
|
The Skagit County Farmland Legacy Program is a county initiative that purchases agricultural easements on Skagit farmland, and works to support policies, programs, and plans that enhance the protection of farmland. Funding comes from the conservation tax and is often leveraged with federal and state grants and private donations. |
|
The Forest Advisory Board (FAB) shall advise and make recommendations to the County Commissioners and the County Administrator on forestry plans, policies, and programs including, but not limited to: existing and proposed legislation and regulations affecting forest lands in Skagit County, local forest product and affiliated industries; land uses as they impact forestry; ways to maintain, enhance and promote active forest management and the related forest product manufacturing in the County; and any other forestry issues as requested by the County Commissioners and/or consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan.
|
|
The Voluntary Stewardship Program enables an enrolled county to protect and restore riparian streams and other critical areas on agricultural land through new voluntary programs and coordination of existing programs, instead of new regulation. It provides focus and direction for agricultural stewardship, measurable goals and benchmarks, and relies on local watershed groups to develop work plans for implementation. |
