Yakima
County’s Non-Regulatory Critical Areas and
Natural Resources Program (Non-Regulatory Program)
The Non-Regulatory Program is a new program designed to provide incentives and options to landowners interested in the conservation and enhancement of priority critical areas and natural resources lands. Key program goals include:
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Review and adoption of a policy basis and goals for the protection and restoration of priority natural resources and critical areas through non-regulatory measures.
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Utilization and revision of tools and procedures for fee-simple acquisition, conservation easement, property tax reduction and donation of critical properties.
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Establishment of ownership, operations, maintenance guidelines, and receiving entities for program participants.
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Securing and maintaining links between projects, landowners, receiving entities and funding sources to leverage outside dollars.
While there are multiple benefits for preserving open space, the main benefits fall into four primary categories including environmental (protecting groundwater, wildlife habitat, etc.); agricultural (preserving farming industries and communities); aesthetic (preserving rural character and scenic beauty); and managing growth. Education and outreach are a primary function of the program and public comment and feedback will be solicited throughout 2004 in conjunction with the Critical Areas and Shoreline Master Program update.
For more
information on program resources and future public outreach efforts,
please contact Mike Kerins(Long Range Planning Manager) at (509)
574-2253; or Mike.Kerins@co.yakima.wa.us.
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