County to ask irrigation districts to tell landowners to check permits before clearing creeks

After several large code cases stemming from creek‑clearing work, Yakima County public‑services staff told commissioners Monday they will send letters to irrigation districts advising that property owners consult the county and state resource agencies before clearing waterways.

Staff said irrigation districts and other service providers sometimes advise property owners to clear ditches or creek channels to maintain irrigation conveyance. In some cases property owners cleared vegetation or material, and Ecology or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) later required costly mitigation, wetland delineations or restoration work.

Public‑services staff and commissioners said they want irrigation districts and other field partners to warn landowners to contact county staff and the relevant state agencies before undertaking clearing work, even if the channel appears to be only seasonally wet. Commissioners and staff said county site visits can help determine whether simple clearing is appropriate or whether additional permits and interagency coordination are required. Several commissioners emphasized the need to protect property owners from unexpected regulatory and restoration costs.

Commissioners agreed staff should notify irrigation districts and other partners and continue working with Ecology and WDFW to clarify roles and response times. No enforcement policy changes were adopted; staff will send the advisory letter and continue on‑site reviews when landowners report proposed work.