HomeMy WebLinkAbout41-0714-25R STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of Supporting Federal
Public Lands in Jefferson County RESOLUTION NO. 41-0714-25R
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 and the National Park Service provide essential resources,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 timber sales, 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 and the
broader Washington community; and
WHEREAS, despite recent changes to federal lands proposals, the recently passed
Federal budget and policy in development has the potential to significantly impact
federal lands in Washington through increased resource extraction, reduced
environmental protections, and changes in energy policy; and
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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, recreation, wildlife habitat, timber harvest and
energy development.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of Commissioners of
Jefferson County hereby:
1. Expresses its strong support for the continued federal management and stewardship
of public lands within Jefferson County and the teams of employees who work in
support of our federal lands.
2. Opposes any efforts to sell, transfer, or dispose of these public lands.
3. Encourages 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. Asks you to fully fund stewardship of our public lands and oppose attempts to
change the Antiquities Act.
5. Recognizes the multiple uses of public lands, and encourages a balanced approach
to land management.
6. Opposes efforts to repeal the"Roadless Rule"which protects about 2 million of
acres of undeveloped national forests from logging and other uses in Washington.
7. Urges 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.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that copies of this resolution be sent to the members
of the Washington Congressional Delegation,the Governor of Washington, and the
relevant federal land management agencies.
Passed and adopted this 14th day of July,2025.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
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ADOPTED and APPROVED this I—t-day of krti(/ , 2025.
SEAL: JE FERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
C TY C MMISSIONERS
-06d et i Ei enhour, Chair
I it, '"E reg otherton, Member
•OF•
WASN,G Rea h dley-Nollette, Member
ATTEST: APPROVED S TO FORM:
Carol allaway, CMC Date Philip C. Hunsucker, ate
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Josh Peters/County Administrator
FROM: Heidi Eisenhour, Commissioner
DATE: July 14,2025
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 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.
The Commissioners reviewed the draft resolution on July 7, 2025 and made proposed edits, which are
incorporated in the updated resolution attached.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt and share a resolution supporting Federal public lands in, and their economic contributions to,
Jefferson County.
REVIEWED BY:
Jos eters, County Administrator Date