Conservation Futures Saved!

A special thanks goes out to all of you that contacted the County Council Office to voice your concern and objections to the proposed raid on the voter-approved Conservation Futures Levy!  Council members Brenner, Mann, Larson and Weimer voted to return the levy to 2009 levels.  Thanks!

So, what's next?

Well, perhaps the County Council and County Executive should begin talking about a strategic plan for how this fund should be managed.  The fund has built up reserves due to neglect -- not due to lack of demand. 

• There are approximately 3,000 development rights (Table 10 in Review of Growth Study) in agricultural zones or rural study areas where development rights might be purchased. 
• Development rights in the Lake Whatcom Watershed could be acquired. 
• Whatcom County Parks and Recreation has a long list of needs identified in their Park and Recreation Plan.
• What projects were not accomplished from ""Preserving a Way of Life": A Natural Heritage Plan for Whatcom County."   (Click here for 1991 plan -- 22 mb)

Consideration might be given to managing the fund as proposed in 2001, where 50% of the fund is set aside for purchase of development rights in agricultural areas.  This ordinance was vetoed by Executive Kremen.  Having a dedictated fund would enable the county to bond against the fund and undertake significant purchases, boosting our local economy and farmers.
There are several other opportunities for the County Council and County Executive to manage this fund as the voters intended in 1996 when they approved the levy by 57.7% vote.  Contact the County Council, thanking them for their action, and asking that they get working on a strategic plan for how these funds can be put to use benefitting future generations and our local economy. 

It is time to strategically plan how these funds can best be used.  Inaction should not be an option.