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Home My WebLink About5 Environment 2025_1219Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–1 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 5 Environment 5.1 PURPOSE Jefferson County enjoys substantial, intact, high-quality ecosystems and natural environmental features. The county stretches from the shores of the Pacific coast over the wilderness of the Olympic Mountains to the banks of Admiralty Inlet and Hood Canal. Protection, enhancement, and sustainable use of the environment are an integral part of Jefferson County’s ethos and a significant reason why people visit, recreate, or relocate here. The county is relatively undeveloped with over 95% current land uses consisting of forestry or parks and open space (including the national park). Likewise, approximately 77% of land with County zoning designations (which does not include the national park) are dedicated to forestry as well as to parks and open space (approximately 331,000 acres). The preponderance of low densities, working forestlands combined with vast acreages devoted to the federal Olympic National Forest, and Olympic National Park create a local environmental quality that is superior to the urban and urbanizing jurisdictions to the east. The County, through its Comprehensive Plan and implementing development regulations, has designated growth management policies and regulations ensuring strong Steve Schauer This element supports the Vision Statement by addressing the conservation of open spaces, shorelines, forests, clean air and clean water, and wildlife and wildlife habitat and by setting forth goals and policies on conserving and protecting important environmental resources. Additional concepts anticipate and respond to climate change and promote use of environmentally friendly development techniques. Connection to the Vision Statement ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–2 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 environmental protections, while addressing the housing, economic, social, and healthy living needs of its residents. While the Environment Element is optional under the Growth Management Act, the County developed this element embodying county leaders’ and citizens’ residents’ deep commitment to sustainably managing the high-quality environment and high-functioning ecosystems while balancing the needs of county residents and visitors. 5.2 TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES Environmental Considerations Jefferson County protects the natural environment in part through its Unified Development Code (UDC) which implements the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), Shoreline Master Program (SMP), stormwater management standards, and other regulations concerning environmental quality. Further, Jefferson County cooperatively plans with other public and private stakeholders to address the following important environmental factors in the county: ▶ Engaging in watershed planning and fish habitat recovery. ▶ Designating and protecting critical areas. ▶ Regulating shorelines. ▶ Addressing environmental impacts as part of conditional use permitting and State Environmental Policy Act reviews. ▶ Recognizing and soliciting the knowledge and experience of the Indigenous population in support of countywide environmental planning and sustainability efforts. ▶ Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change, ensuring that vulnerable populations benefit equally from climate adaptation strategies. ▶ Protecting forestland, kelp forests, and other ecosystems as greenhouse gas sinks. ▶ Implementing environmentally friendly development techniques. ▶ Reducing environmental nuisance factors. Each of these considerations are summarized below. Watershed Planning & Fish Habitat Recovery Jefferson County plans for its watersheds under Washington State rules designating watershed areas. Jefferson County contains Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs) 16, 17, 18 and 22 in East Jefferson ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–3 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 County and WRIAs 20 and 21 in West Jefferson County. WRIA 17 is considered by the Department of Ecology to be one of the 16 critical “water short” basins in the State of Washington, meaning that more water has been allocated via water rights than is available and necessary to support healthy fish populations.1 WRIAs 18 and 22 are on federal lands not subject to local goals, policies, or regulations. See Exhibit 5-1. 1 Washington State Department of Ecology, 2003. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–4 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Exhibit 5-1 WRIAs in Jefferson County Source: BERK, 2025. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–5 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Watershed plans assist in updating land use regulations. Jefferson County specifically considers water resources, watershed plans and the natural environment in UDC development standards for critical areas, shorelines, resource lands, open space, stormwater management, and conditional use standards. Further, Jefferson County partners with local, State, and tribal agencies to jointly develop and implement comprehensive integrated watershed and salmon recovery plans. Under Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 6091, Jefferson County may continue to issue well permits consistent with RCW 90.44.050 in WRIA 16, WRIA 20, and WRIA 21, all of which are not regulated by an instream flow rule. No further action is required by ESSB 6091 to modify WRIA 17, which has a post-2001 instream flow rule that regulates permit-exempt well withdrawals, and thus complies with the GMA. The 2009 Water Resource Management Program for WRIA 17 allocates an amount of water available for future use by reserve management areas (WAC 173-517-150). These reserves are available to a user only if the conditions set forth in WAC 173-517-150 are met, as well as any applicable requirements of law, including, but not limited to, all water resource laws and regulations. When each reserve is fully appropriated, the applicable reserve management areas are closed to any further consumptive appropriation. Under such circumstances, water for new uses may be available in accordance with WAC 173-517-110. Designating & Protecting Critical Areas Jefferson County is required under the GMA to designate and protect critical areas. Protection of Critical Areas includes a review of the best available science regarding the functions and values of critical areas. When updating critical areas rules, counties and cities are required to include best available science in the updates. In addition, counties and cities are required to consider conservation or protection measures necessary to preserve or enhance anadromous fisheries. Jefferson County has a CAO to designate and protect critical areas and to ensure no net loss of the functions and values of critical areas and their buffers. Critical areas is a term in GMA to describe environmentally sensitive natural features as well as resources that are important to public health, safety and welfare. The following are identified as critical areas through RCW 36.70A.030(11): ▶ Critical aquifer recharge areas. ▶ Frequently flooded areas. ▶ Geologically hazardous areas. ▶ Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. ▶ Wetlands. Carolyn Gallaway ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–6 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Regulating Shorelines Jefferson County contains extensive shoreline resources which significantly contribute to the environment, economy, and recreation of the County and its residents. Jefferson County adopted a comprehensive update and a periodic update to its SMP in 2014 and 2025, respectively, with goals, policies, and regulations consistent with the Shoreline Management Act (SMA). The SMP is considered part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations and is subject to a periodic (every ten years) review schedule. The SMP establishes a regulatory framework balancing environmental protection with use and enjoyment of shoreline functions. The overall intent of the SMP is to protect ecological resources, allow for preferred shoreline uses, and promote public access to enjoy the shoreline. Addressing Environmental Impacts in Conditional Use & the State Environmental Policy Act The Comprehensive Plan implementing regulations, the UDC, establish development standards relating to specific uses. Certain uses require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under the UDC. The CUP approval criteria require consideration of environmental factors as a part of the CUP decision-making process. For example, the CUP criteria require that the applicant demonstrate that the proposed use is not likely to cause significant adverse impacts on the human or natural environments that cannot be mitigated through conditions of approval. The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires that all local jurisdictions evaluate the potential environmental impacts of government actions—including the issuance of permits—unless exempt under state statute or rule. The SEPA process is a part of the Jefferson County UDC and applied to all projects. Typically, the SEPA process requires the County to determine if there is a significant adverse environmental impact and whether those impacts can be mitigated or require further, more in-depth, environmental review. Jefferson County works cooperatively with permit applicants to identify, avoid and, if necessary, mitigate environmental impacts of proposed development projects. The SEPA and conditional use permitting processes are part of how the County maintains, oversees and ensures the long-term sustainability of high-functioning environments. Moreover, the SEPA and conditional use permitting process is part and partner with other regulatory processes, such as the SMP and CAO, that help to ensure long-term protection and viability of the County’s high environmental quality. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–7 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Addressing Climate Change Climate change is a global phenomenon that has the potential for significant local impacts to natural resources and ecosystem functions, as well as human health, infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy. The Washington Department of Commerce has developed Climate Planning Guidance.2 In addition, the Climate Impacts Group (CIG) led development of a map tool and summary of local climate change impacts in the Pacific Northwest by county.3 Based on a range of climate change model projections and peer- reviewed scientific publications, climate variability and change may affect the Puget Sound region significantly between 2030 and 2100 by altering key climate-related factors shaping the local environment, including temperature, precipitation, heavy rainfall events, sea level, ocean acidification, and seasonal natural variability.4 See the Climate Element for more information. Environmentally Friendly Development Techniques & Public Health Environmentally friendly development techniques can help communities achieve a balance between growth and quality-of-life. Jefferson County encourages the use of low-impact techniques, and other innovations in housing and industry that benefit overall ecosystem vitality and biodiversity while aiding ecological restoration and adapting to climate disruption. Recognizing the interrelatedness of a healthy natural environment and environmentally friendly built environment, the policies addressed in this element help to achieve goals of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and the 2019 Community Health Assessment (CHA) regarding chronic disease prevention. In addition, Jefferson County Public Health recently assessed environmental and climate health threats and adaptation opportunities in east Jefferson County to understand how the health department can best support community resilience and adaptation to current and future health risks related to environmental threats. Goals and policies in this element support key opportunities identified in the 2025 Environmental and Climate Health Threats and Adaptation report (for example, working to restore fish habitat and address flooding and erosion concerns can reduce the impact of heavy rain 2 (Washington Department of Commerce, 2024). 3 (Raymond, 2022). 4 (Climate Impacts Group, 2015), (Chang, 2023). Jefferson County has been proactively addressing greenhouse gas emissions since adoption of its first greenhouse gas reduction goal in 2007 and creation of the 2008 joint Jefferson County and City of Port Townsend Climate Action Committee. In 2024, the County updated its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal and adopted a new carbon sequestration goal (see County Resolution No. 30-0603-24). These were based on the following reports researched, written, and approved by the Climate Action Committee: the 2018 Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 2020 Greenhouse Gas Community Emissions Reduction Opportunities (based on the 2018 inventory), and the Forest and Trees Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 2001–2016 and Next Steps. Proactive Approach to GHG Emissions The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is addressed in the following Elements: Land Use Land Use & Public Health Natural Resources Open Space, Parks & Rec. Challenges & Opportunities Environment Environmentally Friendly Development Techniques Transportation Active Living Community Health Improvement Plan Commented [JH1]: Textbox added per comment 021 from Cindy Jane on 5/23 ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–8 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 and river flooding). See also the Land Use Element and Climate Element. Environmental Nuisance Factors Given the rural nature of the County, individual households are typically located on large lots that exist individually or form a small community or are part of more established higher-density rural communities such as Chimacum, Quilcene, or Brinnon. Each landowner has a right for a nuisance-free quality of life. Occasionally, bright lights, loud noise, offensive odors, or other nuisances disrupt the rural quality of life. Some categories of nuisances, such as bright lights or loud noise related to traffic and other land uses, can also degrade the quality of the natural environment for wildlife. Jefferson County citizens typically make inquiries as to what laws, regulations, or programs exist to help address environmental nuisances. In general, private individual landowners are encouraged to engage in civil dialogue with their neighbors on adjacent properties where nuisances may originate. Where there is legitimate and serious life, safety, or public welfare issues at stake, state and local regulatory enforcement programs are able to address and abate associated nuisance factors. Examples include unauthorized dumping, hazardous solid waste, and threats to environmental public health. Additional examples include unsafe structures, homes without building permits, and derelict structures. Rural living requires balancing civic engagement with maintenance of rural lifestyles. There are not always political or regulatory answers to address environmental nuisance factors. The Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, along with implementing land use regulations, assists in ensuring that future residential developments occur in a way that does not create adjacent incompatible land uses that are associated with environmental nuisance factors. For example, the Jefferson County UDC requires that certain uses obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), allowing the County to proactively limit generation of potential land use-related nuisances through the CUP approval process. Balancing Environmental Protection with Community Needs The resilience of the county’s local environment, economy, and culture all yield benefits for current residents and future generations. Although these objectives are not mutually exclusive, activities that capitalize on one or more of those variables to provide benefits can cause harm to the other variables. The health of Jefferson County’s communities and the environment is strongest when consideration of these values is balanced and integrated into all planning activities. Environmental ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–9 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 protection in Jefferson County must be considered in relation to the goals and policies found within other parts of the Comprehensive Plan, including economic development opportunities and social objectives, such as environmental justice. At the same time, pursuit of economic development and social objectives must be considered in relation to the goals and policies of this Environment element. Jefferson County’s natural setting is one of the county’s economic strengths. Protection of the environment must be balanced with the need for economic development. For example, critical areas and SMP regulations were established to protect critical areas, buffers, shorelands, and shoreline waterbodies, but flexibility was incorporated to accommodate appropriate uses if impacts could be minimized and mitigated while ensuring no net loss of critical areas functions and values. SMPs, in particular, are expressly designed to safeguard the environment in shoreline jurisdiction and simultaneously allow water-oriented uses and public access in those highly desirable lands, which directly and indirectly support economic activity associated with recreation, aquaculture, and maritime businesses, among others. Special administrative pathways, such as CUPs and Variances, also provide project proponents an opportunity to gain approval for a development if they can demonstrate that criteria are met. In addition, social objectives discussed throughout the Comprehensive Plan, such as affordable and diverse housing and healthy living opportunities, are fundamental to the community’s future vision. Protection, rehabilitation, and enhancement of Jefferson County’s natural environment should allow for flexible and innovative development or investment that meets environmental and quality-of-life goals. 5.3 ENVIRONMENT PLAN Jefferson County is required under the Growth Management Act to designate and protect critical areas. Protection of critical areas includes a review of the best available science on the function and values of critical areas. In addition, counties and cities are required to consider conservation or protection measures necessary to preserve or enhance anadromous fisheries. Jefferson County has a CAO to designate and protect critical areas and ensure no net loss of the functions and values of critical areas and their buffers. Jefferson County’s CAO regulates critical aquifer recharge areas (Exhibit 5-2 and Exhibit 5-3), frequently flooded areas (Exhibit 5-4), geologically hazardous areas (Exhibit 5-5), fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (Exhibit 5-6), and wetlands (Exhibit 5-4). The maps Hoh River, Carolyn Gallaway ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–10 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 below generally depict the approximate location and extent of known or potential critical areas. Site-specific studies may be necessary to confirm the presence or absence, boundaries, and/or character of critical areas in support of development applications. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–11 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Exhibit 5-2 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas: Susceptible Aquifer Recharge Areas (SUSC) and Special Aquifer Recharge Protection Areas (SARPA) Note: This exhibit was updated since the 2018 Comprehensive Plan to reflect the most recent data available. Source: Jefferson County Community Development, 2025. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–12 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Exhibit 5-3 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas: Seawater Intrusion Protection Zones Note: This exhibit was updated since the 2018 Comprehensive Plan to reflect the most recent data available. Source: Jefferson County Community Development, 2025. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–13 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Exhibit 5-4 Hydrography: Frequently Flooded Areas, Streams, and Wetlands Note: This exhibit was updated since the 2025 April Public Draft to fix flood zone legend entries.2018 Comprehensive Plan to reflect the most recent data available. Source: Jefferson County Community Development, 2025. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–14 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Exhibit 5-5 Geologically Hazardous Areas Note: This exhibit was updated since the 2018 Comprehensive Plan to reflect the most recent data available. Other data sources, such as the Ecology Coastal Atlas and the DNR mapping, also show potential locations of geologically hazardous areas within the county. Source: Jefferson County Community Development, 2025. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–15 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Exhibit 5-6 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas: Fish-Habitat Inventory & State/Federal Listed Species Habitats Note: The Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound, and Hood Canal waters are also listed species habitat but are not shown on this map for simplicity.This exhibit was updated since the 2018 Comprehensive Plan to reflect the most recent data available. Source: Jefferson County Community Development, 2025. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–16 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 5.4 GOALS & POLICIES The goals outlined below provide direction for the protection of Jefferson County’s environmental features in a balanced relationship with other elements in the Comprehensive Plan As in all elements of this Comprehensive Plan, the goals are general statements while policies are more specific. Goals state the general growth management intentions of the County while the policies are the processes for implementation. Water Resources Goal EN-G-1 Ensure a sustainable and safe water supply for residential, economic, and environmental needs that relies on conservation and other current technologies, while incorporating the most current climate projections into supply planning. Policy EN-P-1.1 Work cooperatively with water supply purveyors, public utility districts, and other experts at federal, state, local, and tribal governments and private non-profit organizations, to preserve and protect existing water supplies. Work with these entities to address future water supply needs, recognizing that future water supplies may be at risk due to droughts or other rainfall variations caused by climate change. Consider utilization of alternative water sources that are compatible with environmental protection. Goal EN-G-2 Protect the quality and quantity of surface, ground, and marine water resources through locally implemented shoreline and critical areas regulations, and other related environmental programs. Policy EN-P-2.1 Ensure that County regulations and water quality programs are designed to complement related regulations and programs developed and implemented by other local as well as state and federal agencies. For ease of administration and enforcement, reference related programs implemented by other agencies within relevant county plans and regulations. Policy EN-P-2.2 Preserve the environmental functions of surface and ground water resources by retaining native vegetation and open spaces where feasible and by requiring mitigation measures for land use activities that may adversely impact surface and ground water. ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–17 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy EN-P-2.3 Work with the Department of Ecology and other agencies to minimize saltwater intrusion, to evaluate ground water resources that have been damaged either by salt water intrusion or other contamination, and to identify technically and financially feasible measures for remediation of adverse impacts. Areas prone to saltwater intrusion should be mapped, and appropriate limitations on development in those areas should be considered. Policy EN-P-2.4 Promote best management practices and voluntary open space conservation to protect critical areas in land use regulations related to septic systems, forest management, agricultural practices, industry, and other development. Goal EN-G-3 Cooperatively manage, protect, enhance, and conserve water resources through a comprehensive watershed management program that is integrated with recovery plans for listed species. Policy EN-P-3.1 Take an active role in implementing watershed plans for WRIAs 16, 17, and 20, as funding allows. Policy EN-P-3.2 Participate in collaborative watershed, shoreline, and salmon habitat conservation planning processes with local, state, federal, and tribal governments, including partner organizations, and local stakeholders. Commented [JH2]: Revised per comment from Hood Canal Coordinating Council to incorporate info ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–18 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Shorelines Goal EN-G-4 Implement Chapter 18.25 JCC to protect shoreline functions and processes while allowing appropriate development and uses within the shorelines of Jefferson County. Policy EN-P-4.1 The goals and policies of the Jefferson County SMP, as amended, are considered an element of the Comprehensive Plan and are adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. Refer to JCC 18.25 Articles III, VI, VII, and VIII for goals, policies, and regulations related to the shorelines and how the SMP’s goals are implemented. Jefferson County contains significant shoreline resources and completed a comprehensive update of the SMP’s goals, policies, and regulations consistent with the SMA in 2014. The SMP is considered part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations and is subject to a periodic review schedule in the SMA. The overall intent of the SMP is to protect ecological resources, allow for preferred shoreline uses, and promote public access to enjoy the shoreline. 18.25.120 Conservation. (1) Purpose. …conservation goals address the protection of natural resources, scenic vistas, aesthetics, and vital shoreline areas for fisheries and wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations. 18.25.130 Economic development. (1) Purpose. …economic development goals address the location and design of industries, transportation facilities, port facilities, tourist facilities, commerce and other developments that are particularly dependent on their location on or use of the shorelines. 18.25.140 Historic, archaeological, cultural, scientific and educational resources. (1) Purpose. … goals address protection and restoration of buildings, sites and areas having historic, archaeological, cultural, scientific, or educational significance. 18.25.150 Public access. (1) Purpose. … public access goals address the ability of the public to reach, touch, and travel on the shorelines of the state and to view the water and the shoreline from adjacent locations. 18.25.160 Recreation. (1) Purpose. … recreation goals address the creation and expansion of water-oriented public recreational opportunities including, but not limited to, parks, tidelands, beaches, and ecological study areas. 18.25.170 Restoration and enhancement. (1) Purpose. … restoration and enhancement goals address reestablishment, rehabilitation and improvement of impaired shoreline ecological functions, values and/or processes. 18.25.180 Shoreline use. (1) Purpose. … shoreline use goals address the general distribution, location, and extent of housing, business, industry, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, aquaculture, recreation, education, navigation, and other categories of public and private land use. 18.25.190 Transportation, utilities and essential public facilities. (1) Purpose. … transportation and essential public facilities goals address circulation and the general location and extent of thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other public utilities and facilities. SMP Purpose & Goals ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–19 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy EN-P-4.2 Work cooperatively with the Washington State Department of Ecology for Periodic Review and associated updates to the Jefferson County SMP, consistent with state law. Policy EN-P-4.3 Work cooperatively with other jurisdictions, agencies, tribes, and organizations to restore previously degraded areas, including coordination to pursue funding that addresses shoreline protection and/or restoration efforts. Environmental Nuisance Factors (Excessive Light, Glare, Odor, & Noise) Goal EN-G-5 Provide technical assistance and information to all residents regarding environmental nuisance factors affecting the habitability and environmental quality of life. Policy EN-P-5.1 Provide practical information and technical assistance to citizens regarding methods to reduce, mitigate, and where possible eliminate problems associated with environmental nuisance factors. Encourage civil dialogue and neighborhood level conversation to resolve conflicts associated with environmental nuisance factors that are not part of a regulatory program or enforcement code. Critical Areas Regulated Under the Critical Areas Ordinance Goal EN-G-6 Continue to implement, periodically review, and update critical area regulations under the Jefferson County CAO consistent with GMA requirements, including best available science. Policy EN-P-6.1 Continue to protect critical aquifer recharge areas from depletion of aquifer quantity or degradation of aquifer quality under the CAO. Continue to periodically review and update CAO regulations relating to aquifer recharge, including best available science, especially climate science on drought. North Beach Tidepool, Carolyn Gallaway ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–20 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy EN-P-6.2 Continue to protect flood hazard areas from development and uses that compromise the flow, storage, and buffering of flood water; normal channel functions; and fish and wildlife habitat; and minimize flood and river process risk to life and property under the CAO. Continue to periodically review and update CAO regulations relating to flood hazards, including best available science, especially climate science on flooding. Maintain CAO regulations in compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements. Policy EN-P-6.3 Continue to ensure that geologically hazardous areas are appropriately designated and that measures protecting public health and safety are implemented for hazardous areas under the CAO. Continue to periodically review and update CAO regulations relating to geologically hazardous areas, including best available science, especially climate science related to variations in precipitation that can increase channel migration and landslide risk. Policy EN-P-6.4 Continue to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat under the CAO. Continue to periodically review and update CAO regulations relating to fish and wildlife habitat, including best available science, especially climate science related to variations in precipitation and temperature that can degrade habitat suitability. Give special consideration to anadromous fisheries. Policy EN-P-6.5 Continue to protect existing wetland area and functions, while encouraging wetland enhancement and restoration under the CAO. Continue to periodically review and update CAO regulations relating to wetlands, including best available science, especially climate science related to variations in precipitation and temperature that can alter wetland hydroperiods and vegetation communities. Goal EN-G-7 Capitalize on outside resources to increase County staff capabilities to effectively manage and protect critical areas. Policy EN-P-7.1 Coordinate with other agencies, tribes, and local organizations to protect critical areas. Policy EN-P-7.2 Submit applications for grants that support public outreach and education or development of incentive programs that would encourage critical areas protection Policy EN-P-7.3 Provide continuing educational opportunities for County staff about climate science and the potential ramifications of climate change on critical areas. Carolyn Gallaway ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–21 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 5.5 ACTION PLAN [Limited draft revisions to the action plan are shown below based on early public input and discussion with County staff. The action plan will continue to be refined following the release of the public draft and additional input from the public and Planning Commission on community priorities.] Exhibit 5-7 highlights key activities the County can use to implement the Environment Element. Exhibit 5-7 Environment Action Plan Action Description Watershed Planning and Fish Habitat Recovery Management Continue to support and participate in watershed and fish habitat studies and planning. Integrate water resource management for human needs with fish and wildlife habitat protection and restoration. Engage local tribes in County environmental planning and sustainability efforts. Evaluate and pursue equitable distribution of conservation efforts so that vulnerable populations benefit equally. Critical Areas Protection Periodically update critical areas development standards and include as Best Available Science and considerations of anadromous fish. Ensure appropriately updated regulations for critical aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, and wetlands Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change Encourage businesses and homeowners to reduce building energy and water consumption. Focus greenhouse gas reduction efforts on those sources and reduction programs that can have the greatest impact on greenhouse gas reduction. Provide support for implementing new modes of transportation such as infrastructure for active transportation to encourage safe walking, biking and rolling, and the use of electric vehicles and transit buses, as feasible and as funds are available. Environmentally Friendly Development Techniques Encourage the use of low- impact development techniques and other innovations that benefit ecosystem vitality. Support resiliency of the county’s local environment in coordination with other community needs, such as economic development, affordable housing, and healthy living opportunities. Potential for reduced site preparation costs, resulting in savings to developers. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Commented [AS3]: County to update - strike items already completed and add in new items Commented [AS4R3]: I think this comment still needs to be addressed by the County Commented [JP5R3]: I don’t see action items to strike. They are still relevant for this update. Commented [AS6]: Added possible language here based on the EJC Equity Analysis. Commented [JP7R6]: I think we can leave this as- is. Commented [AS8]: Either remove altogether or keep heading but refer to Climate Element. Commented [AS9R8]: Comment still to be addressed - what is County’s preference? Commented [JP10R8]: Please move to Climate Element Commented [JH11R8]: Moved to Climate action plan Commented [LGT12]: Consider adding - encourage preservation of forestlands and other greenhouse gas sinks. Encourage sustainable and regenerative farming as greenhouse gas sinks and green economy options. Commented [AS13R12]: Per my comment at top of this section, was my understanding that County would update Section 5.5 - direction from County? These suggested items might be best placed in the Climate element’s action plan Commented [JP14R12]: Please move this action category to Climate Element Action Plan Commented [JH15R12]: Moved to Climate action plan ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–22 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 [ This page intentionally blank ] ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–23 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Remove prior intentionally blank page from PDF if needed—formatted as a placeholder to ensure each element starts on a right hand spread. Do not publish from this point forward. Remove pages from consolidated PDF. These sections should be updated and copied into their appropriate chapters (TOC, References) as needed. References Caulkins, N. (2016, October 13). Approaching Your County’s Post Hirst Water Resource Responsibilities. Retrieved March 2018, from MRSC: http://mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Informed/MRSC- Insight/October/Post-Hirst-Water-Resource-Responsibilities.aspx Chang, M. L. (2023). Chapter 27. Northwest. Retrieved from Fifth National Climate Assessment, U.S. Global Change Research Program: https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/chapter/27/ Climate Impacts Group. (2015). State of Knowledge Report: Climate Change in Puget Sound. University of Washington. Retrieved March 2018, from https://cig.uw.edu/resources/special-reports/ps-sok/ Dvorkin, J. (2018, January 23). Legislature Addresses Whatcom County v. Hirst. Retrieved March 2018, from MRSC: http://mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Informed/MRSC-Insight/January-2018/Legislature- Addresses-Hirst-v-Whatcom-County.aspx Raymond, C. M. (2022). Climate Mapping for a Resilient Washington. Retrieved from Prepared by the Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington, Seattle and Research Data & Computing Services, University of Idaho, Moscow.: https://cig.uw.edu/resources/analysis-tools/climate- mapping-for-a-resilient-washington/ Washington Department of Commerce. (2024, January 11). Climate Element Planning Guidance. Retrieved from www.commerce.wa.gov: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving- communities/growth-management/growth-management-topics/climate-change-2/ Washington Department of Ecology. (2016). Focus on Water Availability: Quilcene-Snow Watershed, WRIA 17. Washington Department of Ecology. (2024). Hirst Decision. Retrieved October 2024, from https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-supply/Water-rights/Case-law/Hirst-decision Washington Department of Ecology. (2024). Streamflow Restoration. Retrieved October 2024, from https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-supply/Improving-streamflows ENVIRONMENT Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5–24 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Contents 5 ENVIRONMENT 5–1 5.1 Purpose 5–1 5.2 Trends & Opportunities 5–2 Environmental Considerations 5–2 Watershed Planning & Fish Habitat Recovery 5–2 Designating & Protecting Critical Areas 5–5 Regulating Shorelines 5–6 Addressing Environmental Impacts in Conditional Use & the State Environmental Policy Act 5–6 Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Addressing Climate Change 5–7 Environmentally Friendly Development Techniques & Public Health 5–7 Environmental Nuisance Factors 5–8 Balancing Environmental Protection with Community Needs 5–8 5.3 Environment Plan 5–9 5.4 Goals & Policies 5–16 Water Resources 5–16 Shorelines 5–18 Environmental Nuisance Factors (Excessive Light, Glare, Odor, & Noise) 5–19 Critical Areas Regulated Under the Critical Areas Ordinance 5–19 5.5 Action Plan 5–21 Exhibit 5-1 WRIAs in Jefferson County 5–4 Exhibit 5-2 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas: Susceptible Aquifer Recharge Areas (SUSC) and Special Aquifer Recharge Protection Areas (SARPA) 5–11 Exhibit 5-3 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas: Seawater Intrusion Protection Zones 5–12 Exhibit 5-4 Hydrography: Frequently Flooded Areas, Streams, and Wetlands 5–13 Exhibit 5-5 Geologically Hazardous Areas 5–14 Exhibit 5-6 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas: Fish-Habitat Inventory & State/Federal Listed Species Habitats 5–15 Exhibit 5-7 Environment Action Plan 5–21