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Commissioners ratify WOSAC-backed letter asking Ecology for more data on proposed timber-harvest setbacks
Summary
Skamania County commissioners voted to ratify a letter drafted with WOSAC urging the state Department of Ecology to provide more substantial data before adopting new timber-harvest setback rules, citing potential revenue impacts for counties and schools.
The Skamania County Board of Commissioners on June 10 approved a letter, coordinated through WOSAC, asking the Washington Department of Ecology to reconsider or delay proposed rule changes that would alter setbacks for timber harvesting until more data is provided.
Staff presented the letter and said counties were concerned the new setback rules could significantly reduce harvestable timber on proposed timber-sale parcels and therefore reduce revenue that supports county and school budgets. The letter asks Ecology to hold rulemaking until more substantial data justifies the change or to adopt less restrictive models.
Commissioners agreed to file the letter and to add the remaining commissioners’ signatures after ratification so the comment could be sent to the department within Ecology’s timeline. The board adopted the motion by voice vote.
Speakers noted the request came at the prompting of county stakeholders and WOSAC and that staff had prepared the letter quickly due to rulemaking deadlines. Commissioners did not alter the letter’s substantive language during the meeting.
