HomeMy WebLinkAboutBriefing re Dabob Bay JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
FROM: Heidi Eisenhour, Commissioner
DATE: October 7,2024
SUBJECT: Dabob Bay Natural Areas - Economic Assessment
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will expand the Dabob Bay Natural Resources
Conservation Area(NRCA)by approximately 3,943 acres,per Commissioner's Order 202422 signed
September 23, 2024. The expansion was announced following a public hearing in Jefferson County on June
17, 2024 and a public comment period through June 28. We will be presented with an economic assessment
of the recently approved Dabob Bay Natural Area boundary expansion and discuss next steps in working
with DNR to get replacement lands.
ANALYSIS:
From the associated press release: The Dabob Bay NRCA boundary expansion will provide more
complete protection and improved long-term viability offeatures within the current site of Dabob Bay's
ecosystem, including its productive fish and wildlife habitats and water quality by further protecting
hydrologic influences on streams, wetlands, and bays, expanding terrestrial-aquatic linkages, and
improving connectivity of forest habitats. DNR is authorized to transfer state-owned trust lands and
acquire private lands from willing land owners for the creation of NRCA's per Chapter 79.71 RCW.
The expansion also allows DNR to seek funding from grants or the state legislature to purchase
replacement lands for the Trust beneficiaries.
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD. The purpose of this discussion is to ensure that productive replacement lands are acquired and funds
get distributed to affected Junior Tax Districts (JTDs). This expansion and purchase of replacement lands is
likely to net more revenue for JTDs than if these lands continued in their previous status due to other State
level regulatory constraints.
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss.
REVIEWED BY:
07
Mark McCauley, &nty Administrator Date