HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT Resolution re Support for Federal public lands JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Josh Peters,County Administrator
FROM: Heidi Eisenhour, Commissioner
DATE: July 7,2025
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION re: In the matter of supporting Federal Public Lands in
Jefferson County
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Jefferson County is home to a significant portion of Federal public lands, comprising over 75% of its total
area, which are integral to the county's economy, environment, and quality of life. Additionally,we receive
significant Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools funding towards basic county
services from these lands. We are scheduled to receive over$2M in Federal PILT alone this year.
ANALYSIS:
The US Senate has been considering selling off significant numbers of acres of Federal lands including in
Jefferson County. In our county Federal lands are highly valued recreation lands in Olympic National Forest
and Olympic National Park. Changing the designation of these lands would severely impact the tourism sector
of our economy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt and share a resolution supporting Federal public lands in, and their economic contributions to,
Jefferson County.
REVIEWED BY:
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Josh Peters, County Administrator Date
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of Supporting Federal Public
Lands in Jefferson County RESOLUTION NO.
WHEREAS,Jefferson County, Washington, is home to a significant portion of Federal
public lands, comprising over 75%of its total area, which are integral to the county's economy,
environment, and quality of life; and
WHEREAS,these public lands,managed by federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest
Service,National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management,provide essential
resources, including grazing lands for agricultural operations, habitats for wildlife, and
opportunities for outdoor recreation; and
WHEREAS,the residents of Jefferson County deeply value these public lands for their
recreational, economic, cultural, and spiritual significance, recognizing that these lands are
accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender; and
WHEREAS,public lands contribute significantly to the local economy through activities
such as mineral extraction, timber sales, ranching,tourism, and outdoor recreation, which
contributes substantially to Washington's economy; and
WHEREAS, federal management of these public lands ensures that resources are
managed for the benefit of all Americans, addressing complex challenges such as wildfire
management, watershed protection, and wildlife conservation; and
WHEREAS,the costs associated with managing these lands are a national responsibility,
and federal involvement is crucial for the long-term health and sustainability of these resources;
and
WHEREAS,there are ongoing attempts to transfer or sell off public lands, which are
inconsistent with the values and interests of the residents of Jefferson County the broader
Washington community; and
WHEREAS,the 2023 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reveals that outdoor recreation
in Washington contributed $22.5 billion to the Washington's GDP, supported over 121,000 jobs,
and generated $9.9 billion in recreation job compensation, demonstrating the profound economic
significance of public lands and outdoor recreation to the Washington and to Jefferson County.
According to a 2023 Conservation in the West Poll, 84%of Westerners - including 71%of
Republicans- are more likely to support presidents who use their power to protect existing
public lands. Similarly, the 2024 poll found that 85 percent support creating new national parks,
national monuments, national wildlife refuges and Tribal protected areas to protect historic sites
or areas for outdoor recreation.
Protecting these places is also a winning issue on both sides of the aisle. Since the Antiquities
Act was passed, 18 presidents-nine Democratic and nine Republican-have designated or
expanded over 160 national monuments across the country.
WHEREAS,Jefferson County recognizes the importance of multiple uses of public
lands, including but not limited to, grazing, energy development, and recreation.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY,STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses Adopted as Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of
Commissioners hereby adopts the above"Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to:
1. Express its strong support for the continued federal management and stewardship of
public lands within Jefferson County.
2. Oppose any efforts to sell, transfer, or dispose of these public lands.
3. Encourage the Washington Congressional Delegation to oppose any legislation that
would negatively impact public lands and to support policies that ensure their long-
term preservation and sustainable use.
4. We ask you to fully fund our public lands, oppose the sale of public lands in the
Budget Reconciliation Package, and oppose any attempts to change the Antiquities
Act or reduce the size of our national monuments.
5. Recognize the multiple uses of public lands,and encourage a balanced approach to
land management.
6. Urge federal land management agencies to continue to collaborate with local
communities, stakeholders, and other governmental entities to ensure effective and
responsible management of public lands.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or section of this
resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this
resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be
affected.
Section 4. Effective Date. This resolution is effective upon adoption.
Section 5. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19).
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
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APPROVED this day of July,2025.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SEAL: COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
Greg Brotherton, Member
Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date Philip C. Hunsucker, Date
Clerk of the Board Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
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