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Commissioners, public weigh in on Department of Ecology buffer proposal; county lacks appointed representative, speakers warn
Summary
Commissioners and public commenters debated a proposed Department of Ecology rule increasing stream buffer widths — potentially extending protections to non‑fish‑bearing perennial streams — and flagged the county's lack of a Forest Practices Board representative ahead of an upcoming vote.
Cowlitz County commissioners and members of the public expressed concern about a proposed Department of Ecology rule that would increase buffers along streams — potentially from 50 to 75 feet — including non‑fish‑bearing perennial streams.
One commissioner summarized the Ecology analysis and said the department "found that Forest Practices Board proposed rule would substantially improve water quality for nonfish bearing perennial streams" and warned that the county has not yet had a representative appointed to the Forest Practices Board to voice county interests before the vote.
A public commenter identified as Mister Kaiser countered that the waters Ecology targets "are not over the lid on the temperature yet" and said the proposal could help keep temperatures below thresholds. Other public speakers characterized the change as a land grab and questioned whether local governments can meaningfully influence the board. A resident asked how much authority the county has over Ecology decisions and was told the county's role is limited; the board can formally express opposition but cannot unilaterally block state rulemaking.
No formal action was taken on the rule at the meeting. Commissioners urged residents to follow the rulemaking record and noted the Forest Practices Board vote was scheduled later in the month.
