HomeMy WebLinkAbout070918_ra03 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Philip Morley, County Administrator p
DATE: July 9,2018
RE: Discussion and Potential Action re Washington State Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) Grant Application for Washington Wildlife and Recreation
Program (WWRP) Funding.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Board of Commissioners will discuss the Washington State
Department of Natural Resources' (DNR's) grant application for Washington Wildlife and
Recreation Program (WWRP) funding to acquire private and public properties in the Dabob Bay
Natural Area, and may take action to send a letter stating a County position about DNR's grant
proposal. A draft letter is attached for consideration.
ANALYSIS: DNR's John Gamon of the Natural Heritage Conservation section of DNR will
participate by phone. Jefferson County Assessor Jeff Chapman has been invited to participate as
well.
A draft letter and back up information about the grant proposal are attached to this agenda
request memo, including a map showing acquisition parcels A-G, DNR's initial Land
Acquisition Strategy, a June 29, 2018 email and attachment from Chief Deputy Assessor Sherrie
Shold showing the current assessed valuation and the potential AV loss from public fee-simple
acquisition, and a 2016 letter from the Jefferson County Commissioners supporting the
designation of the Dabob Bay Natural Area.
FISCAL IMPACT: None from the discussion, although public acquisition of private properties
would have impacts on assessed valuations subject to property tax.
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss DNR's application and request, and consider finalizing and
submitting a letter.
REV".• •.1 BY:
v 74%0
E nrilip Morle, , ►ounty AdministratoiDate
July 9, 2018
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
ATTN: John Gamon, Natural Heritage Conservation
P.O. Box 4714
Olympia WA 98504-7014
Dear Mr. Gamon,
On July 2 and July 9, 2018, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners reviewed the
Washington State Department of Natural Resources' (DNR's) grant application for WWRP
Natural Areas Category, RCO #18-1517A. We value the waters, shoreline, bluffs, estuaries,
wildlife and fisheries surrounding and within Dabob Bay. In to that end, we continue to support
the preservation of the designated Dabob Bay Natural Area, which is comprised of a Natural
Area Preserve along Dabob Bay and a larger Natural Resource Conservation Area in the
surrounding uplands.
However, we also continue to be concerned about the potential negative financial impact on
our County, the Junior Taxing Districts, and the services which local governments will be able to
afford to provide to our citizens, if private lands are acquired by public agencies, taking existing
and future assessed valuation off the tax rolls, and removing residential structures and human
population.
Jefferson County supports DNR's WWRP Grant application for the Dabob Bay Natural Area, but
in so doing, we request that in protecting and enhancing the natural assets of the Natural Area,
that DNR pursue conservation easements or other deed restrictions as one preferred option
when consistent with physical and environmental site conditions, and also look for
opportunities to exclude developed potions of parcels, especially where valuable improvements
exist. While fee simple acquisition may be appropriate depending on physical and
environmental conditions or for creating recreational access, we ask that DNR look for creative
ways to preserve as much existing private assessed valuation as possible, and provide for
continued, compatible habitation of the area by people.
On parcels that are already publically-owned and are enrolled for preservation, and on private
land where owners are willing, we request that these lands be made accessible for low-impact
recreational use by the public. This access is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence
of our citizens.
In the longer term, we request that DNR work cooperatively with the County and other
stakeholders to develop a long-term conservation strategy for the Dabob Bay Natural Area and
other locations that more fully explores the appropriate use of a variety tools and funding
sources to achieve multiple objectives, including keeping the local government tax base
healthy, while achieving conservation and public access objectives.
In conclusion, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners supports DNR's grant application
for WWRP Natural Areas Category, RCO #18-1517A for the Dabob Bay Natural Area, with the
request that DNR pursue opportunities to use alternatives to fee simple acquisition where
feasible. We also look forward to continuing to work together with DNR and other stakeholders
to develop a long-term conservation strategy for Dabob Bay and other areas.
Sincerely,
David Sullivan, Chair
Dabob Ba'
Dabob Bay
NaturalIdiri
Area
,.,_ 1 14 '1 014 I—
E
. .„
2 ,,,,,,„,,., :.„..,.._ i ' , ,
r i0 `'P ' i .., ,.. : At.: T27N
1114. ,.,:..,,, , ,. ...4..,. l•orth I '\.5"':: 4 . .. "44'‘. -:::
r‘ - ,..:,,-„ii,-,..,,-..., -,-, „I. ,-; !.. --- - , ... ,,,ii ., . . . .
`
/ •
Ni
- .1 ,AAi•rp A . , .... / 1.,,,,, Adraii,„ ..., , , ....., gill fi .
,,,,,,, ,., 4
ig
-- k . '- ..4:...;:, (
• ,,,,..i0e,. .. „,,,,,
.4441i
Ity
pi .!,...... t , iit
t."'LIB r Dabob `-44...t.:17, - .* •.,' i111 .,. r , ib ?z-71 y ‘ r:::,,,,,, 7 EL:::,7,--f', "Ili., ...,... -...zi or ,„...„,„, - , .,*,14114 ,„ - 7....::-.' ' L.s..' Dp
1
Bilk P' ,,,'iP;•f. .'IP ie. - 's - -'
i ,,.
� � r y-spt .� �,,
ter.`
„ . , . ., .... ,
Aft
;
, ,„. ,, f - ' Thorndvke
,...,3:4,,,,,,,
•t ^� 4 � t( Ray
.. 4 Alla
?- ,a,
{j r
aft'
t 4
4 5$' 3 t�� .lMINIF q' 4dc � .. ilw
-,0.
Pen , �� r Hood
�. • t 1 %/1 � Canal °
`` $ ', .... Disc
Er ' Ng— this
_ owr
�� � �l�t foe,
2. -° whit
r".,,mt
�� q� v � .4gT.sap CC
.0.,,
//•ice �ytr �'
,. t` T26N
0
'
-,,..-tiz;-,...,,, '?!--:
.:.,,
X
-is ,
6
, .
R02W R01 W r.,,, , ,
°�
For Grant Presentation Purposes Only
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Dabob Bay Natural Area 2018
WWRP Natural Areas Category, RCO#18-1517A
April 25, 2018
Land Acquisition Strategy
The boundary for the Dabob Bay Natural Area (NA) has been officially approved by the Commissioner of
Public Lands. The process of approval included holding a public hearing in Jefferson County. The long-
term goal is to have all lands within the boundary (the project area; see map) under some form of
conservation management. These lands are considered high priority for conservation management in
perpetuity and are important for protecting the natural function of one of the highest quality estuarine
wetland and shoreline habitats remaining in Puget Sound.
This proposal identifies seven specific properties that DNR intends to acquire in fee (red/black cross-
hatch on map). DNR and/or its partner, Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI), has consulted with each
of the current landowners, and all have expressed interest in conveyance to the State for inclusion in the
NA. The acreages and cost figures in this application are estimates specific to these eight priority
properties. While DNR will pursue the identified priority properties upon contract award, in the event
negotiations are unsuccessful, DNR proposes to use awarded funds in consultation with RCO to acquire
other properties within the NA boundary, as it has under previous WWRP land acquisition grants.
Selecting alternative properties for acquisition will be based on factors such as landowner willingness,
ecological significance with emphasis on shoreline and proximity to the Natural Area Preserve (NAP),
threat of development, existing improvements on the property, parcel size, purchase price, and land
management obligations.
Priority Properties:
Shoreline property that includes a mature riparian forest along Lemonds Creek and
A 22 acres rare plant community extending from DNR's abutting Lemonds Forest. Property
also includes a beach cabin residence.
80-acre State Forest Board and 5-acre Common School trust lands containing a
B 85 acres rare forest plant community in good condition that includes older forest with
scattered old growth trees(known as Lemonds Forest).
C 40 acres Shoreline property abutting State Forest Board trust land. Property includes an A-
frame cabin and is used for recreation.
D 5 acres Shoreline property within Natural Area Preserve. Property contains a yurt and is
used for recreation.
E 6 acres Shoreline property within Natural Area Preserve along Tarboo Bay. Property
includes a log cabin and is used for recreation.
F 1 acre Shoreline property on the mud spits of Tarboo Bay. Property includes a 1,200sqft
residence.
G 5 acres Shoreline property, partially within Natural Area Preserve. Property is
undeveloped, but includes a poured foundation.
All properties within the project area are important for potential conservation management. If
circumstances change during the grant period, DNR retains the flexibility under this proposal to acquire
any properties within the project area. In addition, while fee acquisition is preferred to establish secure,
Philip Morley
From: Sherrie Shold
Sent: Friday,June 29, 2018 5:19 PM
To: Philip Morley
Subject: 2018 DABOB NATURAL AREA PRESERVE.xlsx
Attachments: 2018 DABOB NATURAL AREA PRESERVE.pdf
Philip,
Attached is a basic spreadsheet showing the parcels,their current AN and potential loss.
Two of the parcels listed are Exempt-DNR and Forest Board so I did not include those assessed values.
She rrI ei
SherrteiShold/
Chief Deputy Assessor
Jefferson County Assessor's Office
360-385-9105-Phone
360-385-9197-Fax
sshold@co.jefferson.wa.us
1
I-
I
N
O
w
Z LL
O T Q
R- m 0
w
0 z
m 0 0
CO
LO
z
LL COtfl
o
P
> 0 0
a z z
1- as o
V, m
ZZ m LL
0 0
O a a U
Q U 0 z
Z ko u.1
Ill O Z w
w K ~ Lu
Q Z z
0 a 0 °m 0
z -i z z
U
m J
rl 7
N W
a Q I
LL LL. U
Q C J
J C
Li-
Q V1 C <
C O = _
r O Z
CF w Z W O
Zw > w
3 1 Z z w a aCC
o omC2 I-
am
m
0
m
Q
0 O
2
0
0
0
N o0 N O at a a
to
j .-1 M LO 0 co m O
rVD
LO
LmO h .moi O01' czi
Q N N N 1-1Nott
l H 00
Q N M V1 Li) 01 Li,
Q Lai, LLOO lN0 .. L.0 R
J .1 N1-1
E_
! !J: er 00 r N O O 01 0 CO N
Q• m Oat N h` N N fn N 0011
O N en N IA .i N .-1
Z
5
Lel
V1
CI.
2
al LO O N oo .iN
01 N
Q Or• ri < re" 4P ti. N M
i O . tN 01o+1 Q1
J T .I a - u1 .-1 N .i
U
C
Q
0
Q
1-
O
H
o c et
o Lel
o tri
$ 0 0
N N ti N 1-1 rv1 a a M
O O O O rn .Ni ..-i-I
N
O O 0 0 O O O O O
Z. Z. '-O 0 N N N N N
it
Lu
U
C
Q
Ct.
u
U
LuQ
C C
LLLI_ 0
LuCL
Q
C F -4 N
0 Q FO m Ci, U 0 W W W
CO
Or 1820 Jefferson Street
e 6 PO Box 1220
40A
4r Port Townsend, SVA 98368
Phil Johnson, District 1 David W. Sullivan,District 2 Kathleen Kier, District 3
N
October 26,2016
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Conservation,Recreation&Transactions Division
ATTN: Proposed Conservation Area Boundaries
PO BOx 47014
Olympia WA 98504-7014
The Board of Commissioners of Jefferson County, Washington support the Proposed
Conversation Area Boundaries for Devils Lake Conservation Area and Dabob Bay Natural
Area. We thank the DNR staff,especially Mr. John Gamon, for the time spent in presenting,
explaining and responding to the many questions raised about this proposal during our Board
meetings and at the informational and public hearing in Quilcene.
This was a decision taken after much consideration, as questions were raised about the financial
impact on our county citizens and the Junior Taxing Districts affected by the proposal. We
commissioners have a fiduciary responsibility to our county;the potential loss of developed tax
parcels and home values carried weight during the discussions in both the public hearing and
among the commissioners. The PILT monies do not fully cover the loss of tax revenue, and
calculations have too many factors in the future for cost/benefit analysis to allay fears. However,
we decided that the vision for preserving the waters, shoreline,bluffs, estuaries,wildlife and
fisheries will be appreciated and valued for the present and future generations as an investment
in the quality of life we cherish.
Because this is an investment for both the public's benefit and the environment, we also request
that these lands remain accessible for low-impact recreational use by the citizens. This access is
essential for maintaining trust and confidence of our citizens as we negotiate these and any future
forest land transfers.
With our support,
"Ka, -YL._4<-(-0&_
Kathleen Kler,Chair
Phone (360) 385-9100 Fax (360) 385-9382 jeffbocc(Ico.jefferson.wa.us