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Lake Lawrence co-chair urges commissioners to support Lake Management District renewal
Summary
Barry Halverson, co-chair of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District, asked the Thurston County Board of Commissioners to support a renewal resolution on agenda item 6, saying the LMD received substantial public backing and outlining assessment changes and outreach to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Barry Halverson, co-chair of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District, asked the Thurston County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 3 to support a resolution renewing the district.
"I am Barry Halverson, cochair of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District. I'm here today to respectfully request your support and approval of this resolution on agenda item number 6," Halverson said during the meeting's public-comment period. He told commissioners that "over half a dozen people testified for the LMD, over 60 submitted written testimony in favor of the LMD."
The request matters because Halverson described the LMD as a local tool to "protect lake health" through cooperative management, invasive-species mitigation and treatment planning. He said the renewal process included outreach to state wildlife officials: "We have consistently invited Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to participate in meetings and have provided notice of LMD meetings throughout the year," and that the district had sent a certified letter and a written response after a prior public hearing.
Halverson described how assessments were adjusted in the renewal: "shoreline private properties were increased by a 130%, while public shoreline property assessments were increased by only 10% with no increase at all in 2026," which he said reflected an effort to balance program needs with public-agency budget constraints. He summarized the LMD's goals as improving water quality, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and maintaining recreational opportunities.
No formal action on the resolution was taken during the business meeting; the comment was given ahead of an item listed on the meeting agenda. The board adjourned to public hearings later in the afternoon, where agenda items including county-code amendments were scheduled for consideration.
Halverson said a copy of the district’s written response to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was provided to the clerk of the board. The record before the commissioners at the Feb. 3 meeting consisted of public testimony and submitted written comments; commissioners did not vote on the LMD renewal during the business session.
