Commissioners press staff on 'best available science' and state influence in Critical Areas update

During the Critical Areas Ordinance discussion commissioners repeatedly challenged how "best available science" is defined and who gets to set it. One commissioner criticized state appointees as political and said counties have limited ability to generate their own science; the chair reflected similar frustration about perceived top‑down mandates.

Adam Trimble, planning manager, described the county's process: the county contracted Facet Inc. to prepare a local "best available science" report that reviews state agency publications and translates their recommendations to county‑level code. "The science itself is, state agencies... and so what you get is the Cowlitz County best available science report is our contractor reviewing what the agency publications say," Trimble said.

Several commissioners and members of the planning commission urged the county to consider investing in local studies over time so the county can produce tailored science for unique local features (Trimble noted the cost and staff limits but said it is possible). Planning commission member Mark Smith urged ongoing review and proactive cooperation with the Association of Counties to shape future requirements.

The exchange framed a central tension in the adopted ordinance: relying on state guidance versus spending local resources to develop county‑specific science. Commissioners resolved adoption details and an effective date but flagged the longer‑term need to consider funding for local scientific work.