Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cle Elum Ridge topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners hear update on potential Cle Elum Ridge purchase, partners outline options
Summary
Kittitas County commissioners received a presentation on potential purchase options for Cle Elum Ridge from The Nature Conservancy and partner agencies; staff and tribal and conservation partners discussed next steps, recreation management concerns and fiscal impacts to tax rolls. No public comment or formal action was taken.
Kittitas County commissioners on July 14 heard a presentation on potential purchase options for the Cle Elum Ridge property, with conservation groups, state agency staff and tribal representatives outlining background, partners and remaining work before any transaction. Planning Manager Jamey Ayling introduced the session and said the briefing was intended to inform the board about ongoing conversations.
Darcy Batura of The Nature Conservancy reviewed a PowerPoint that described the Cle Elum Ridge site and preliminary options for acquisition and stewardship. Larry Leach of the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Nicky Pasi of Mountains to Sound Greenway and Noah Oliver of the Yakama Nation each provided information about potential purchasing arrangements and partner roles, according to meeting minutes.
Arden Thomas, the county's Water Resource Manager, spoke in support of the process while also raising concerns related to resource and watershed management tied to any future ownership changes. Vice-Chair Cory Wright said the briefing was "a good start" and emphasized the need for further work; he said the board should be mindful of recreational uses — including motorized vehicle access — and noted appreciation that the Department of Natural Resources had considered the effect on private property tax rolls when moving land into public ownership.
No members of the public spoke during the session. The record shows no motions, votes or formal actions were taken; the item was informational. The board discussed the topic but took no direction that established a formal acquisition step during the meeting.
The briefing signals continuing interagency and tribal coordination; presenters did not announce a finalized purchase or funding commitment during the session. County staff and partner organizations will continue work on options and next steps before any formal action is scheduled.
