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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTRACKS 2 Natural Resources 2025_0423Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–1 Public Review Draft June 2025 2 Natural Resources Historically, Jefferson County was almost entirely a resource- extraction based economy. Today, large areas of Jefferson County remain in natural resource production, and the County must balance competing needs for rural economic development, housing capacity, and the long-term sustainability of forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, and mineral extraction activities. Efforts to protect resource lands include resource-based zoning and overlays, regional conservation stewardship programs, and public and private conservation easements. Jefferson County’s forests, agriculture, fish and shellfish are still vital to our community and must be managed and protected for future generations. Jefferson County This element supports the Vision Statement by conserving agricultural and forest working lands, shoreline and mountain vistas, and natural ecosystems, furthering the County’s rural character. Priorities support growing a robust rural economy with living wage jobs based on mining, forestry, and agriculture, manufacturing, and tourist and recreation-oriented services that benefit the county’s clean quality environment. The element also promotes community safety and well-being through access to nutritious local food, community services, and active recreation that empowers residents to make healthy choices and supports the agricultural economy. Connection to the Vision Statement Commented [DF1]: Mineral Resource Lands are addressed in this element. Should the Connection box below mention MRLs and how they connected to the Vision Statement? Commented [LG2R1]: edited Commented [DF3]: Should overlays be considered a way to protect resource lands? Commented [LG4R3]: added Deleted: resource lands NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–2 Public Review Draft June 2025 2.1 PURPOSE The purpose of the Natural Resources Element is to classify, protect and enhance the yield and function of Jefferson County’s natural resource lands. Because of the complexity of the issues associated with natural resource lands, several other elements of this Comprehensive Plan interact with the natural resource element: ▶ Land Use Element. Natural resource lands and industries are important components of the county’s rural character and economy. The abundance of natural resources provides a strong sense of place and supports the diverse mixture of livelihoods and lifestyles that make Jefferson County unique. A significant percentage of the land in Jefferson County is in natural resource production. To conserve these lands for productive use by natural resource-based industries, it is essential to maintain large contiguous parcels and ensure the compatibility of surrounding land uses. ▶ Environment Element. Natural resource lands provide important environmental functions, including surface water protection, habitat for a number of fish and wildlife species, ground water recharge, and carbon sequestration. Significant environmental features on natural resource lands are preserved using best management practices. ▶ Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element. Forest and agricultural lands provide one aspect of Jefferson County’s open space network that provides important visual and ecological benefits. Recreation services offered by parklands, trails and open space are valuable to County residents and visitors alike because they provide opportunities for meeting social, recreational and cultural needs; economic development; historic and cultural preservation; and for community livability and high quality of life. Natural resource lands are preserved as essential components of the fabric of open space in Jefferson County. ▶ Economic Development Element. Natural resource industries continue to be important sectors of the county’s economy. Despite significant structural changes in these industries in recent decades, they remain essential to a diversified local economy. See the Economic Development Element for additional information about increasing resiliency in agriculture-based jobs by creating value- added products and connecting local goods with local markets. New policies to support and enhance these industries are proposed within this Comprehensive Plan. ▶ Transportation Element. Criteria for agriculture zoning includes consideration of areas that are served by transportation Deleted: enhancement NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–3 Public Review Draft June 2025 infrastructure adequate to facilitate transport of agricultural goods to markets. Regarding all natural resources, Transportation Goal TR- G-5 states to “ensure the transportation system in Jefferson County includes all modes of transportation, and encourages the efficient movement of goods, services, and passengers in coordination with a statewide system.” 2.2 TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES Conditions & Trends Jefferson County is fortunate to claim a rich variety of natural resources, including forests, farmland, fisheries and shellfish beds; and deposits of sand, gravel, and minerals. Natural resource industries have played, and will continue to play, a central role in the culture, history, and economy of Jefferson County. These lands also provide aesthetic, recreational, and environmental benefits to the public while contributing to the diverse character of the county. To conserve these resource lands and ensure the continued commercial viability of these industries, three resource land designations have been developed. These designations address the specific needs of each resource industry and meet the guidelines provided by State law. The three major types of resource lands designations in Jefferson County are as follows: ▶ Forest Lands ▶ Mineral Lands ▶ Agricultural Lands — Aquaculture is a productive activity also addressed along with upland forms of agriculture. Forest Lands Forest lands provide an important and abundant renewable resource in the form of timber, which is milled into lumber and used for the construction of buildings, and other important uses and functions, such as recreation, clean air, and clean water. Timber harvests also provide an important economic benefit to the county by providing jobs and revenue from timber sales, some of which is reserved for public school funding. Small forest land owners can also get help managing their lands for the conservation of natural resource values and for producing value-added forest products, and with approved forest management Deleted: ; Deleted: ; and Deleted: . NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–4 Public Review Draft June 2025 plans, owners of timber land in single ownership, consisting of five or more acres, may receive a current use taxation tax break. According to the Jefferson County Assessor, approximately 158,545 acres are taxed based on a use classification as Designated Forest Land, and a further 186,686 acres are classified as Washington Department of Natural Resources managed timberlands, mostly in western Jefferson County. In total, these two classifications equal about 345,230 acres. These acreages exclude federal lands, which are not counted because they are outside of any state or local jurisdiction’s control. Of the total acreage zoned forest lands by Jefferson County (CF-80, RF- 40, IF), approximately 40% is privately held forest land and approximately 60% is in public ownership. Of the public ownership category, approximately 93% is owned by Washington Department of Natural Resources. A majority of the forest lands in East Jefferson County are privately owned (about 69%), and a majority of the forest lands in western Jefferson County are publicly owned (about 71%). Mineral Lands Mineral lands provide an important non-renewable resource in the form of sand, gravel, and hard rock basalt. These resources are used in a variety of applications, such as making concrete, restoring beaches, and providing gravel for roads. Mining interests have remarked that the County’s gravel deposits are of very high quality (ANSI “perfect”, a materials engineering standard from the American National Standards Institute), which means it is highly useful for roadway and other construction activities without further processing. Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) records 13 active surface mining permits in Jefferson County, primarily concentrated in eastern Jefferson County, though two are in western Jefferson County along the Hoh River. In addition to these sites under active production, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has classified extensive areas in both the eastern and western county as potential source areas for sand and gravel based on soil characteristics. NRCS classifies each soil unit in its soil surveys as a “good,” “fair,” or “poor” source for these mineral resources. A breakdown of acres in each category for sand and gravel sources is shown in Exhibit 2-1. Related to western Jefferson County Related to western Jefferson County Deleted: 160,922 Deleted: 185,683 Deleted: 346,605 Deleted: 99% Commented [JH5]: As of 2/24/25 parcels and 1/29/25 zoning layers: ~328,200 acres zoned forest resource ~117,001 acres owned by business or individual (104,329 business, 12,672 individual) ~13,549 non-profit ~197,658 gov owned -184,285 DNR -274 State parks -423 Jefferson County ~240.772 in W JC, 170,920 gov owned (71%) ~87,398 in E JC, 26,719 gov owned (31%) NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–5 Public Review Draft June 2025 Exhibit 2-1 NRCS Potential Mineral Source Soils NRCS Mineral Source Acres Sand Rating “Good” 10,890 Rating “Fair” 52,463 Subtotal 63,353 Gravel Rating “Good” 0 Rating “Fair” 84,645 Subtotal 84,645 Total 147,998 Source: USDA NRCS, 2025. These soils, which could potentially serve as source areas for future sand or gravel extraction, are mapped in Exhibit 2-5. Surface soil characteristics and other proxy indicators identify sub-surface geology providing initial data for mineral resource mapping. This preliminary information needs to be refined with other data sources. Much of Jefferson County’s forest resources have potential mineral resource value. The forest resource designation provides another level of land use resource protection for unidentified mineral resources within the County. The Department of Community Development and mining interests have periodic discussions regarding mineral resource mapping and locations. Since the County does not have financial resources to conduct independent geological surveys of County-specific resources, available state and federal data sources need to be considered along with ongoing public-private communications. As part of comprehensive planning under the Growth Management Act, a periodic review of potential mineral resource lands of long-term commercial significance is done by the County based upon our available data sources. While sand, gravel, and rock are currently the only mineral resources permitted for active surface extraction in Jefferson County, a variety of other minerals have been recorded in the county, including the following: ▶ Oil and Natural Gas: DNR has recorded the presence of 29 oil and natural gas wells in Jefferson County—all in western Jefferson County. These wells consist mostly of exploratory drillings, and records show generally poor oil and gas showings at most locations. Roughly half of these wells were drilled between 1930 and Commented [JH6]: TO UPDATE Commented [KG7R6]: Updated. Spreadsheet with summary calcs is here: JeffCo_SoilsData_2025_0422.xlsx A little context for the spreadsheet (if you want it): The NRCS data contains two versions of the sand/gravel information. I can’t figure out what the distinction is, but the acreages are noticeably different. For updating this table, I used the version tagged “WA” because its acreage for Good Sand matched the previous plan almost spot-on. Commented [JH8R6]: Thanks that makes sense to me. Appreciate the extra context. Deleted: 10,889 Deleted: 67,239 Deleted: 78,128 Deleted: 60,896 Deleted: 60,896 Deleted: 139,024 Deleted: 17 NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–6 Public Review Draft June 2025 1940, and no new wells have been drilled since 1981. None are known to be producing. ▶ Metallic Minerals: DNR metallic assay records show isolated occurrences of copper and gold on federal lands in the interior of the county, as well as Abbey Island on the Pacific coast. Manganese deposits have also been recorded in the eastern county, primarily on federal lands and in the Dosewallips River valley. USGS Mineral Resources Data System shows 31 historical mineral mines (metallic and non-metallic) located in Jefferson County. ▶ Non-Metallic Minerals: DNR records also indicate scattered occurrences of non-metallic mineral resources, including diatomite (a chalky sedimentary rock), limestone, marble, quartz crystal, and peat. The recorded locations of these resources are mapped in Exhibit 2-5. Agricultural Lands Agricultural lands are an essential and valued part of Jefferson County’s food system, both for local production and export to other areas. To identify areas that are suitable for agricultural use, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assigns classifications to farmland soils based on their physical and chemical characteristics and potential for production. Prime Farmland is land that has the best combination of characteristics for agricultural production and is not urban in nature. Farmland of Statewide Importance is quality farmland that does not meet the criteria to be classified as prime farmland, but still has the capability to produce high crop yields when managed appropriately. Exhibit 2-2 shows the acreage of each USDA farmland soil classification present in Jefferson County. Agricultural lands in Jefferson County are zoned either Prime Agricultural Lands (AP-20) or Agricultural Lands of Local Importance (AL-20). Agricultural zoning accounts for 7,490 acres or approximately 1.7% of all county zoning, including 4,287 acres of AP- 20 and 3,203 acres of AL-20 zoning (see the Land Use Element). The acres zoned are similar to the US Census of Agriculture (2022) at 8,717 acres of land. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (2023) has found 29,350 acres of agricultural land with about 24,280 acres of shellfish production and about 5,070 acres of upland farming based on fields in production rather than parcels. Exhibit 2-2 Jefferson County Farmland Soil Classifications Farmland Soil Classification Acres Prime Farmland 35,544 Prime Farmland if drained 16,924 Prime Farmland if irrigated 3,751 Commented [LG9]: Suggest we add actual land zoned and in ag use which is much lower than the soils Commented [JH10R9]: Added in text. Commented [LG11R9]: Thanks - added a little more info to put in perspective and actual activity being similar to zoned acres rather than the huge amount of ag soils. Deleted: 542 Deleted: 923 Deleted: 10,577 NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–7 Public Review Draft June 2025 Farmland Soil Classification Acres Prime Farmland if drained and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season 796 Farmland of Statewide Importance 215,624 Total 272,640 Source: USDA NRCS, 2024. Most of Jefferson County’s Prime Farmland soils are in the river valleys of western Jefferson County, particularly along the Hoh and Queets rivers, and in the coastal areas south of La Push. Prime Farmland soils in the eastern county are concentrated in the Dosewallips River valley near Brinnon, in the area around Quilcene, and in the area along Snow Creek between Discovery Bay and Crocker Lake. The Chimacum and Beaver Valley areas contain extensive soils that qualify as Prime Farmland if properly drained, and these areas are home to most of the county’s actively cultivated cropland. Eastern Jefferson County also possesses large areas designated as Farmland of Statewide Importance. While these soils may not possess the same physical and chemical characteristics as Prime Farmland soils, they are suited to many types of agricultural activities and represent a valuable potential resource. Aquaculture Resources According to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture, while the number of commercial aquaculture operations in Jefferson County was small, they accounted for more than half of the agricultural commodity value produced in the county. Aquaculture is a preferred, water-dependent use of regional and statewide interest that is important to the long- term economic viability, cultural heritage, and environmental health of Jefferson County. Water quality is both an input and output of Aquaculture. Aquaculture requires high water quality for growing; however, this may impact the overall water quality, such as increased nutrient loads. Aquaculture includes commercial and recreational shellfish farming and harvesting, predominantly bivalve mollusk species. In-water finfish farming is conditionally allowed in some shoreline designations by the Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program (SMP), though the SMP discourages non-native finfish farming except in limited areas, and the State is phasing out certain net pen uses. Fish hatcheries are operated by state, tribal and federal entities. Deleted: 209,818 Deleted: 273,656 Deleted: 17 Deleted: Advancing technology is increasing the feasibility of upland fish farming. Deleted: and are not under the purview of Jefferson County… NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–8 Public Review Draft June 2025 Challenges & Opportunities Forest Lands Forestry has a long history in Jefferson County, and large areas of the unincorporated county are devoted to timber production. Forest resource-based industries at Gardiner and in western Jefferson County have been designated as Resource Based Industrial (RI) zones to recognize active sawmills and related activities at those sites. If an expansion of forest-based industrial activity occurs, additional RI zoning may be appropriate. It is a challenge to maintain the necessary level of forestry infrastructure with the cyclic nature of the forest industry. The forest industry also experiences challenges from changes in natural resource regulations or enforced regulations like the Endangered Species Act. New forest management strategies may also be necessitated by long-term changes in climate, resulting in moisture and fire frequency changes. The U.S. Navy’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program, has proposed to purchase lands and easements in strategic areas of Jefferson County, much of which are natural resource lands, in order to preempt types of future development that could conflict with critically important Navy missions. The County has continued interest in the REPI program, as available, and seeks to collaborate with the Navy to identify strategic areas that meet the dual intentions of the program. Mineral Resources Mineral resource extraction activities in Jefferson County are not widespread, but the county contains significant resources that should be protected for future use. A primary challenge associated with mineral resources is that many of the areas with potential extraction value also fall under the umbrella of agriculture or forest resource lands. At present, the Mineral Resource Lands overlay covers a relatively small area compared to the extent of potential mineral resources available in the county. This Comprehensive Plan includes policies to ensure that mineral lands of long-term significance are adequately protected for long-term use and management, even if they are not actively under production in the short-term. The County will also continue to refine its mineral lands inventory to capture all mineral resources of long-term significance. Refer also to the Land Use Element for additional information on natural resources and zoning Deleted: The County has historically faced challenges managing the interface between forest lands and residential areas and ensuring that both resource production and the needs of rural residents are protected. The County established a Forest Transition Overlay (FTO), which was originally intended to minimize conflicts between forestry and adjacent rural residential uses, but as written, it is not widely applicable in the County, and it has never been implemented on any specific property. Because the FTO has not been shown to effectively respond to the challenge of managing the forestry/rural residential interface, it is no longer addressed in the policies of this plan. ¶ Deleted: development rights NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–9 Public Review Draft June 2025 Agriculture While agriculture is a vital part of Jefferson County’s economy and culture, barriers to the economic sustainability of farming in the county continue to arise. In recent years, the number of individual farms has trended upward, including a rise in total commodity values. However, sales have decreased per farm, as the local industry transitions towards smaller targeted farm operations. As land values continue to rise, starting and maintaining a productive, profitable farm is challenging for many Jefferson County farmers. An additional challenge, Water Resources Inventory Area 17 (WRIA-17), which is located primarily in Jefferson County, is considered by the State Department of Ecology to be one of the 16 critical “water short” basins in the State of Washington (Washington Department of Ecology, 2018). To ensure that agriculture remains an economically viable option for Jefferson County residents, ongoing planning efforts should fully leverage existing tools and resources and consider novel approaches to address the challenges faced by the county’s agricultural community, such as: ▶ Increasing enrollment in the Current Use Taxation Program to reduce property taxes; ▶ Additional agricultural conservation measures, such as new zoning overlays, agricultural production districts, or transfer of development rights programs; ▶ Innovative farm ownership and operation models, such as cluster development or cooperative farms; ▶ Water conservation and water banking possibilities in areas that may become water-limited. The large extent of local agriculture in Jefferson County makes us uniquely situated to provide healthy, local agricultural goods to our communities. This opportunity has been articulated in related elements of the Comprehensive Plan relating to local agricultural food products, opportunities for local markets, and our community’s access to healthy food as one component of a healthy lifestyle. See related information in the Economic Development Element. Jefferson County NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–10 Public Review Draft June 2025 The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a community plan to address Jefferson County’s primary health priorities of: Access to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Care; Chronic Disease Prevention; Access to Care; and Immunizations. The importance of this relationship between local agriculture and community access to healthy food is rooted in chronic disease prevention. According to the CHIP, “healthy eating and active living contribute to decreasing the risks of chronic diseases and the related health outcomes. Many social and environmental factors influence the diet and exercise choices individuals make: built environment, knowledge, skills, social support, policies, cost, access, safety, etc.” Policies of this Comprehensive Plan support the agricultural community in developing local food systems and local food partnerships. These, in turn, increase our community’s access to local, healthy food and improved health outcomes. 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 NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–11 Public Review Draft June 2025 2.3 NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN [Note: Maps were moved from the end of Section 2.3 under each relevant subheading for improved organization. The moves are not shown in tracks for simplicity and legibility.] Under GMA, designation and classification of resource lands should be approached as a county-wide or regional process, rather than a site-by- site determination. Of particular importance are lands of long-term commercial significance for forest, agriculture, and mineral lands. The GMA identifies resource lands activities and charges the Washington Department of Commerce with developing guidelines for their classification. Criteria for the designation of forest, mineral, and agricultural lands are established in RCW 36.70A.050 and Chapter 365- 190 WAC and summarized below by resource land type. Forest Lands Under GMA, forest resources lands are designated or de-designated based on a comprehensive countywide analysis consistent with WAC 365-190-040(10) and the following three factors (WAC 365-190-060):1 ▶ The land is not already characterized by urban growth. ▶ The land is capable of being used for forestry production or is already in use for this purpose. ▶ The land has long-term commercial significance, determined using the Washington Department of Revenue private forest land grade classification system. The County must also consider the effects of proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land consistent with WAC 365-190-060(4). The County may also consider secondary benefits from retaining commercial forestry operations, such as protecting air and water quality, maintaining adequate aquifer recharge areas, reducing forest fire risks, supporting tourism and access to recreational opportunities, providing carbon sequestration benefits, and improving wildlife habitat and connectivity for upland species. These secondary benefits from retaining commercial forestry operations are not used alone as a basis for designating or de-designating forest resource lands. 1 See https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2023/08/23-08-037.htm. Deleted: ; Deleted: ; and NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–12 Public Review Draft June 2025 To conserve the forest resource land base in Jefferson County and maintain the forestry industry while recognizing the diversity of forest landowners, Jefferson County has established the following forestry zoning districts: ▶ Commercial Forest Lands (CF-80): The purpose of the commercial forest district is to ensure large tracts of forest lands of long-term significance are protected from incompatible uses thereby sustaining the ability of forest resource extraction activities to be maintained as a viable commercial activity. ▶ Rural Forest Lands (RF-40): The purpose of the rural forest district is to ensure forest lands of long-term significance are protected from incompatible uses thereby sustaining the ability of forest resource extraction activities to be maintained as a viable commercial activity, while allowing for diversity in the size of forest tracts. ▶ Inholding Forest Lands (IF): This district encompasses parcels at least 20 acres in size that are entirely surrounded by designated forest resource lands. While important for the preservation of forestry lands, lands in the IF zone are not necessarily forest lands of long-term significance due to their smaller parcel sizes (20 acres). Together, these three zoning districts account for more than 76% of unincorporated areas in Jefferson not under Federal, State, or Tribal jurisdiction. Exhibit 2-3 shows a breakdown of acreage in each of the forest lands zones and forest resource lands are mapped in Exhibit 2-4. Exhibit 2-3 Forest Lands Zoning (2025) Zoning District Acres Commercial Forest (CF-80) 309,059 Rural Forest (RF-40) 12,021 Inholding Forest (IF-20) 7,121 Total 328,200 Source: Jefferson County, 2025; BERK, 2025. Regulations governing the designation of forest land, the allowed uses within Forest land zones, as well as performance and development standards for these lands can be found in the Jefferson County Code, sections 18.15, 18.20, and 18.45. Deleted: 493 Deleted: 204 Deleted: 250 Deleted: 947 Deleted: GIS, 2018. NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–13 Public Review Draft June 2025 Exhibit 2-4 Map of Forest Resource Lands (2025) Note: This exhibit was updated since the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Source: Jefferson County GIS, 2025; BERK, 2025. Deleted: 18 NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–14 Public Review Draft June 2025 Mineral Lands Under GMA, mineral resource lands are designated or de-designated based on the following criteria (WAC 365-190-070): ▶ Counties and cities classify mineral resource lands based on geologic, environmental, and economic factors, existing land uses, and land ownership. It is expected that mineral resource lands will be depleted of minerals over time, and that subsequent land uses may occur on these lands after mining and reclamation is completed. Counties and cities may approve and permit land uses on these mineral resource lands to occur after mining is completed. The County may de-designate mineral resource lands without a comprehensive countywide analysis if mining operations have ceased and the site reclaimed.2 ▶ Counties and cities should classify lands with potential long-term commercial significance for extracting at least the following minerals: Sand, gravel, and valuable metallic substances. Other minerals may be classified as appropriate. ▶ When classifying these areas, counties and cities should use maps and information on location and extent of mineral deposits provided by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the United States Geological Service and any relevant information provided by property owners. Counties and cities may also use all or part of a detailed minerals classification system developed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. ▶ Classifying mineral resource lands should be based on the geology and the distance to market of potential mineral resource lands, including: — Physical and topographic characteristics of the mineral resource site, including the depth and quantity of the resource and depth of the overburden; — Physical properties of the resource including quality and type; — Projected life of the resource; — Resource availability in the region; and — Accessibility and proximity to the point of use or market. ▶ Other factors to consider when classifying potential mineral resource lands should include three aspects of mineral resource lands: — The ability to access needed minerals may be lost if suitable mineral resource lands are not classified and designated; and 2 See https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2023/08/23-08-037.htm. Jefferson County NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–15 Public Review Draft June 2025 — The effects of proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land in both the short and long- term, as indicated by the following: ▪ General land use patterns in the area; ▪ Availability of utilities, including water supply; ▪ Surrounding parcel sizes and surrounding uses; ▪ Availability of public roads and other public services; and ▪ Subdivision or zoning for urban or small lots. — Energy costs of transporting minerals. GMA also requires that counties evaluate future needs for mineral resources and ensure that access to mineral resources of long-term commercial significance is not knowingly precluded. Mineral extraction should be a priority land use for all designated mineral resource lands. Jefferson County has designated mineral resource lands as an overlay to the underlying land use designation. An overlay is used because mining operations are eventually depleted, and sites are restored for other uses, and thus the Mineral Lands designation is not permanent. Upon completion of mining operations and following the reclamation of the site, the overlay is removed, and the site is subject to the underlying land use designation depicted on the Land Use map. Mineral resource lands are mapped in Exhibit 2-5. To be designated as new mineral resource lands for future extraction, lands must have the following characteristics: ▶ They appear to contain the resource, based upon information supplied by the Washington Department of Natural Resources; ▶ They are not primarily constrained by critical areas, for example, the 100-year flood plain or high-quality wetland areas; and, ▶ They are at least 80 acres in size, of which one forty (40) acre parcel or two twenty (20) acre parcels are currently vacant. The Mineral Resource Lands overlay currently covers approximately 2,339 acres, mostly in the eastern county, which represents less than 2% of the NRCS mineral source soils mapped in Jefferson County. Most of the county’s potential gravel source lands are in the Commercial Forest (CF-80) zone, and sand source lands are concentrated primarily in the Commercial Forest (CF-80) and Rural Residential (RR-20) zones. Regulations governing the classification and designation of mineral lands, allowed, and prohibited uses, and performance and development standards for these lands can be found in the Jefferson County Code, sections 18.15, 18.20, 18.30, and 18.45. NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–16 Public Review Draft June 2025 Exhibit 2-5 Map of Mineral Resource Lands (2025) Note: This exhibit was updated since the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Source: USDA NRCS, 2024; Washington DNR, 2025; Jefferson County GIS, 2025; BERK, 2025. Deleted: 17 Deleted: 18 Deleted: 18 NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–17 Public Review Draft June 2025 Agricultural Lands Agriculture is not just important as a resource but is essential to modern human life. Not only does the GMA mandate the protection of agricultural lands, farmland conservation is a centerpiece of that legislation. Under GMA, agricultural resource lands are designated or de-designated based on the following criteria (WAC 365-190-050 and based on a comprehensive countywide analysis consistent with WAC 365-190-040(10)):3 ▶ The land should not already be characterized by urban growth. ▶ The land is being used or is capable of being used for agricultural production. Factors to consider include whether the physical conditions are well-suited to agriculture. Soil conditions are important considerations, but some agricultural operations are less dependent on soil quality than others. — Lands currently used for agriculture and those capable of being used for such must be evaluated for designation, and land enrolled in federal conservation programs is recommended for inclusion. — The land capability classification system of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service shall serve as a primary indicator of agricultural capability. ▶ The land has long-term commercial significance for agricultural production. Counties and cities should consider the following factors, as applicable: — Presence of prime and unique farmland soils and farmlands of statewide importance; — Availability of public facilities and services; — Water availability; — Tax status, such as enrollment in a current use taxation program; — Relationship or proximity to urban growth areas, — Predominant parcel size which may include smaller parcels if contiguous with other agricultural resource lands; — Land use settlement patterns and compatibility with agriculture, including intensity of nearby land uses and history of nearby development permits; — Value of the land under alternative uses; and — Proximity to markets. 3 See also https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2023/08/23-08-037.htm. “It ought to be obvious that in order to have sustainable agriculture, you have got to make sustainable the lives and livelihoods of the people who do the work. The land cannot thrive if the people who are its users and caretakers do not thrive. Ecological sustainability requires a complex local culture as the preserver of the necessary knowledge and skill; and this in turn requires a settled, stable, prosperous local population of farmers and other land users.” —Wendell Berry, Author, from “Bringing It to the Table: On Farming and Food” Importance of Agriculture Resources NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–18 Public Review Draft June 2025 Jefferson County is committed to protecting limited agricultural lands, as well as promoting agriculture as the key component of a strong local food system, which has multiple benefits to the economy, emergency preparedness, health of the local community, and ecosystem services. Successful, commercial agriculture can be practiced on many types of soils, through a variety of environmentally sound means, on small parcels as well as large, and in all zoning classifications in the county. Small ventures that simply augment family income are valuable to both the land owner and the whole community. Agricultural lands are mapped in Exhibit 2-6. To conserve the agricultural resource land base in Jefferson County and maintain the farming industry while recognizing the diversity of agricultural land owners, Agricultural Lands of Long-Term Commercial Significance consist of two designations: ▶ Prime Agricultural Lands (AP-20)—The purpose of the prime agricultural lands zoning classification is to protect and preserve areas of prime agricultural soils for the continued production of commercial crops, livestock, or other agricultural products requiring relatively large tracts of agricultural land. It is intended to preserve and protect the land, environment, economy, and lifestyle of agriculture in Jefferson County. These lands must be protected as “agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance.” — Criteria for Designation: AP-20 ▪ Meet all criteria for agricultural production capability established in WAC 365-190-050 and consist, in substantial proportion, of land with prime agricultural soils as defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Soil Survey of Jefferson County, Washington; and ▪ Is located in rural areas served by transportation infrastructure adequate to facilitate transport of agricultural goods to market; and ▪ Is in an area characterized by a substantial proportion of undeveloped parcels of land 20 acres or greater in size; and ▪ Is outside of any area designated as Master Planed Resort (MPR) or Urban Growth Area (UGA); and ▪ Is in an area where no existing land uses are present that would seriously interfere with the successful long-term practice of a range of agricultural activities; and ▪ Does not include land currently designated Rural Forest (RF-40) presently in a parcel size 40 acres or larger, or Commercial Forest (CF-80) or Inholding Forest (IF). ▶ Agricultural Lands of Local Importance (AL-20)—The purpose of the agricultural lands of local importance is to protect and preserve parcels of land which, while not necessarily consisting of prime Refer to Transportation Element, Goal TR-G-5 Deleted: citizens NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–19 Public Review Draft June 2025 agriculture soil or relatively large acreage, are still considered important to the local agricultural economy, lifestyle, and environment. As such they deserve protection as “agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance. To preserve and stimulate agricultural diversity and to maintain an undeveloped land base for future agricultural use, the owner of a parcel may petition the County for designation as Agricultural Land of Local Importance. When the owner of a parcel or an aggregate of parcels petitions successfully for rezone to agriculture, the land shall be considered Agricultural Land of Long Term Commercial Significance, and as such, it shall be afforded the rights and protections of natural resource land. — Criteria for Designation: AL-20 ▪ The land is located away from existing land uses that would interfere with agricultural practices; and ▪ The land is located outside any area designated as Master Planed Resort (MPR) or Urban Growth Area (UGA) and is not characterized by urban development; and ▪ The land is physically and topographically suitable for the practice of commercial agriculture; and ▪ Is located in rural areas served by transportation infrastructure adequate to facilitate transport of agricultural goods to market; and ▪ If currently designated as Rural Forest (FR-40), the land is already platted into 20 acre of smaller parcels; and ▪ The land is not currently designated as Commercial Forest (CF-80) or Inholding Forest (IF). Regulations governing the designation of agricultural lands, the allowed and prohibited uses, as well as performance and development standards for these lands can be found in the Jefferson County Code, sections 18.15, 18.20.030 (“Ag Code”), 18.30, and 18.45. Agricultural activities, as a use of land, are considered a matter of right in all land use zones and not subject to land use permits or approval from the administrator. Agricultural zoning is implemented using the criteria above, and agricultural zoning is not allowed by GMA in urban growth areas. Examples of the types of agricultural-related activities regulated under JCC 18.20.030 and permittable on Agricultural zoned land include: ▶ Agricultural-related accessory uses that support, promote, or sustain agricultural operations and production such as, — Storage and refrigeration of regional agricultural products; — Production, sales, and marketing of value-added agricultural products derived from regional sources; NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–20 Public Review Draft June 2025 — Supplemental sources of on-farm income that support and sustain on-farm agricultural operations and production; — Support services that facilitate the production, marketing, and distribution of agricultural products; and — Off-farm and on-farm sales and marketing of predominantly regional agricultural products and experiences, locally made art and arts and crafts, and ancillary retail sales or service activities. ▶ Permanent and/or seasonal farm worker housing. ▶ Agritourism. Agriculturally related activities designed to bring the public to the farm on a temporary or continuous basis, such as U- Pick farm sales, retail sales of farm products, farm mazes, pumpkin patch sales, farm animal viewing and petting, wagon rides, farm tours, horticultural nurseries and associated display gardens, cider pressing, wine or cheese tasting, etc. ▶ Classes and Schools related to agriculture. ▶ Veterinary clinics and hospitals. ▶ Farm Restaurants. ▶ Campgrounds. ▶ Tourist lodging. ▶ Guide services. ▶ Commercial display gardens. Agricultural zoned land is also eligible to participate in the County’s Open Space Tax Program for reduced property tax rates. Owners of agricultural land can receive technical assistance from the Jefferson County Conservation District, and Washington State University (WSU) Extension. NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–21 Public Review Draft June 2025 Exhibit 2-6 Map of Agricultural Resource Lands (2024) Note: This exhibit was updated since the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Source: USDA NRCS, 2024; Jefferson County, 2025; BERK, 2025. Deleted: 17 Deleted: GIS Deleted: 18 NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–22 Public Review Draft June 2025 Aquaculture Resources Because land use activities upslope of aquatic areas can affect water quality and other parameters of a healthy aquatic system, the County recognizes the importance of responsibly managing land adjacent to commercially designated aquaculture resource areas, as well as subsistence and recreational harvest areas. The Department of Commerce does not issue guidelines for the classification of aquaculture resource lands. However, GMA does define agriculture as including finfish in upland hatcheries in RCW 36.70A.030(2): “…land primarily devoted to the commercial production of horticultural, viticultural, floricultural, dairy, apiary, vegetable, or animal products or berries, grain, hay, straw, turf, seed, Christmas trees not subject to the excise tax imposed by RCW 84.33.100 through 84.33.140, finfish in upland hatcheries, or livestock, and that has long-term commercial significance for agricultural production.” (RCW 36.70A.030(2)) Because aquaculture is a water-dependent use primarily located in shoreline areas, policies and regulations related to aquaculture are addressed in the County's Shoreline Master Program (JCC 18.25.440). Jefferson County’s SMP identifies aquaculture as an important water dependent use along shorelines for its rural economy as well as to ensure it develops in a sustainable manner. An excerpt of policies includes: 18.25.440 (1) (a) Aquaculture is a preferred, water-dependent use of regional and statewide interest that is important to the long-term economic viability, cultural heritage and environmental health of Jefferson County. (b) The county should support aquaculture uses and developments that: (i) Protect and improve water quality; and (ii) Minimize damage to important nearshore habitats; and (iii) Minimize interference with navigation and normal public use of surface waters; and (iv) Minimize the potential for cumulative adverse impacts, such as those resulting from in-water structures/apparatus/ equipment, land-based facilities, and substrate disturbance/modification (including rate, frequency, and spatial extent). (c) When properly managed, aquaculture can result in long-term ecological and economic benefits. The county should engage in coordinated planning to identify potential aquaculture areas and assess long- term needs for aquaculture. This includes working with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), area tribes and shellfish interests to identify areas that are suitable for aquaculture and protect them from uses that would threaten aquaculture’s long-term sustainability. More detailed policies are included in the SMP about aquaculture location and operation. Aquaculture in Shorelines NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–23 Public Review Draft June 2025 The SMP includes several policies noting the importance of aquaculture and how it may be developed and operated in an environmentally sensitive and economically viable manner. Upland aquaculture outside shoreline jurisdiction is governed by the County’s zoning code. Upland aquaculture may qualify as agriculture of long-term significance according to criteria in WAC 365-190. 2.4 GOALS & POLICIES The goals outlined below provide a general direction for both the conservation of Jefferson County’s natural resource lands and the enhancement of resource-based industries. These goals are based on the requirements of the GMA, which outlines specific criteria for the conservation of natural resource lands element, and on the issues and opportunities identified by county residents. The Natural Resource Lands policies will provide the basis for a review of the development standards contained in the Jefferson County Forest, Mineral, and Agricultural Lands Ordinances and other regulations as implementing activities following adoption of this Comprehensive Plan. Goal NR-G-1 Encourage the conservation and long-term sustainable use of resource lands so their continued future use will not be precluded by other uses; and encourage the long-term sustainability of natural resource-based economic activities throughout Jefferson County. Policy NR-P-1.1 Support resource-based economic activities that comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Policy NR-P-1.2 Support cooperative resource management among natural resource landowners, environmental groups, state, federal and tribal governments. Plan in coordination with Tribes for natural resource areas that overlap tribal boundaries or with a tribal interest. Policy NR-P-1.3 Consider incentive programs to support resource-based economic activities in rural areas. Policy NR-P-1.4 Locate natural resource-based economic activities throughout rural areas in close proximity to designated agricultural, forest or mineral resource lands upon which they are dependent. NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–24 Public Review Draft June 2025 Policy NR-P-1.5 As part of the Comprehensive Plan Update Periodic Review Process under the Growth Management Act, regularly review and update the inventories and designations of forest, mineral, and agricultural resource lands of long-term commercial significance in Jefferson County to ensure that all such designated lands meet requirements of state law, and are available into the future. Policy NR-P-1.6 Encourage non-agricultural uses to be located on lands with poor soils or otherwise not suitable for agricultural purposes. Goal NR-G-2 Encourage resource-based economic activities, including markets for ecosystem services, that are compatible with environmental quality. Policy NR-P-2.1 Ensure resource-based practices do not cause cumulative adverse impacts, and ensure they mitigate adverse impacts to the environment and adjacent properties. Policy NR-P-2.2 Work with stakeholders in cooperative processes to evaluate direct, quantifiable ecosystem services provided by Jefferson County’s natural resources, the prospects of participating in economic markets for these services, and the County’s role in developing markets. Participate with existing broad-scale planning groups that define uniform standards, characterize and locate areas providing ecosystem services, describe their economic value, examine prospects for markets; and participate at a county level to provide market-based conservation and stewardship based land use plans and actions. Policy NR-P-2.3 Explore incentives that encourage compliance with "best management practices" by resource-based economic activities. Goal NR-G-3 Conserve and protect Forest Resource Lands for long-term economic use and environmental and health benefits. Policy NR-P-3.1 Encourage the continued diversity and scale of forestry lands and management practices, and the full utilization of forest lands as a natural, environmental, carbon sink, and economic resource. Policy NR-P-3.2 Consider parcels designated as Forest Land in common ownership separated by a public right-of-way as a single parcel. Policy NR-P-3.3 Allow commercial forest management and harvest, mineral extraction, sand and gravel operations, and inert landfills, consistent with State law, on designated commercial forest lands. Carolyn Gallaway Commented [LGT12]: Consider adding as a greenhouse gas sink as well. Commented [LG13R12]: Added NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–25 Public Review Draft June 2025 Policy NR-P-3.4 Support and facilitate the improvement of state and local environmental regulations affecting the forest products industry in order to improve operational predictability, minimize regulatory costs to forest land owners, and encourage protection of the forest environment and surrounding watersheds. Policy NR-P-3.5 Promote the concept and practice of community forestry, where forest land owners are assisted in properly managing their forests for conservation and natural resource value and climate mitigation, as well as value-added economic development. Policy NR-P-3.6 Encourage small forest land owners to use the Washington Department of Natural Resources Small Forest Land Office and other educational and management assistance providers, to help forest land owners manage their property. Policy NR-P-3.7 Promote the use and experimentation of new forest management practices through the DNR and University of Washington School of Forestry’s Olympic Natural Resources Center in Forks. Policy NR-P-3.8 Recognize and support Firewise and similar programs as part of any educational or management effort to prevent fire destruction, promote the conservation of forest lands, and promote climate resiliency. Prioritize opportunities to work with traditionally underserved communities or vulnerable populations. Goal NR-G-4 Minimize potential conflicts between forest management activities and land use activities within or adjacent to designated forest lands. Policy NR-P-4.1 Restrict the extension of service areas of utility local improvement districts, fire districts, or sewer, water, or public utility districts into designated Forest Lands. Policy NR-P-4.2 Cooperate with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, forest landowners, and the general public in management of forest lands. Goal NR-G-5 Encourage the continuation of forestry on lands which are not designated as commercial forest resource lands. Policy NR-P-5.1 Endorse the use of Forest Management Plans and the planting of a diversity of native trees that would be expected to survive based on existing environmental conditions and, to the extent possible, that are resistant to laminated root rot. Jefferson County Refer to Climate Element, Goal CE-G-15 Deleted: and Commented [LG14]: CAC rec was to add this “Incentivize forest management techniques that reduce forest fire risk and improve carbon sequestration.” Could make a sidebar to link this similar NR-P-38 in sidebar to the Climate Element. Commented [JH15R14]: Added cross-reference Deleted: , especially trees like Western red cedar, red alder, and Western white pine NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–26 Public Review Draft June 2025 Goal NR-G-6 Conserve and protect Mineral Resource Lands for long-term economic use, while providing for mitigation of potential adverse impacts associated with mineral extraction and processing operations. Policy NR-P-6.1 Work with Washington Department of Natural Resources to develop standards and guidelines to identify and address the impact of mining operations on adjoining properties. Conditions placed on mining uses should not have the intent of rendering mining operations economically unfeasible. Policy NR-P-6.2 Evaluate small mining operations to determine when the cumulative impact of small operations becomes a significant adverse impact upon the land or upon adjacent lands. Policy NR-P-6.3 Preserve water resource quality and quantity now and under future climate conditions in the regulation of mineral extraction activities. Policy NR-P-6.4 Designate mineral resource lands as follows: — Mineral Lands of Long-Term Commercial Significance: Properties that have been approved with a mineral resource lands overlay consistent with JCC 18.15.170 and those properties actively being mined for commercial production in compliance with State and County permits, as appropriate. — Provisional Mineral Lands: Areas known to be potential sources of valuable mineral resources, including sand, gravel, stone, or rock, but not included in the MRLO overlay and not in production. These areas include: ▪ Maps and information provided by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the United States Geological Service, and any relevant information provided by property owners; ▪ Lands classified by NRCS as “good” sources of sand, gravel, or road fill material; and ▪ Lands classified by NRCS as “fair” sources of sand, gravel, or road fill material, and which are located outside cities and urban growth areas. Policy NR-P-6.5 The provisional mineral resource designation is an interim measure to protect mineral resources until the presence of a commercially viable mineral deposit can be verified through a geologic study. — Property owners who wish to finalize designation of their property and undertake mining activities may submit a study by a qualified geologist indicating the presence of commercially significant, accessible mineral resources and NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–27 Public Review Draft June 2025 request a mineral lands overlay. Likewise, property owners may request removal of their property from the provisional mineral lands designation by submitting a study from a qualified geologist confirming the absence of such resources. — The County may evaluate whether non-mineral lands activities on the provisionally designated areas may foreclose the potential for mineral extraction and request a study of development applicants. The county may condition uses to ensure that significant deposits are not foreclosed over the long term. Goal NR-G-7 Ensure, through Washington Department of Natural Resources reclamation plans, that County mineral resource lands are restored to safe and useful condition with enhancement and mitigation of damage to the function and aesthetics of the environment and subsequent land uses. Policy NR-P-7.1 Ensure that County-required reclamation plans preserve the safety, function and value of adjacent lands including aesthetic and environmental and water resource values. Policy NR-P-7.2 Encourage reclamation plans that provide enhanced public value such as parks, playgrounds, open space, trails, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitat. Policy NR-P-7.3 Encourage reclamation that occurs on an ongoing basis as mineral deposits are depleted. Goal NR-G-8 Conserve and protect the agricultural land base and its associated economy and lifestyle. Policy NR-P-8.1 Support the conservation of agricultural land through prioritization and protection of parcels large enough to maintain viability of agricultural use, tax incentive programs, the purchase or transfer of development rights, Option to Purchase at Agricultural Values (OPAV), and other methods developed in cooperation with agricultural landowners and managers and stakeholders. Policy NR-P-8.2 Coordinate with local, state and federal agencies and organizations to encourage conservation of productive agricultural land through best management practices that support soil and water conservation, drainage control, livestock waste management, and climate resiliency. Policy NR-P-8.3 Investigate water conservation and water banking possibilities in areas that may become water-limited as climate change impacts such as drought threaten water availability. Jefferson County Commented [JH16]: Revised per CAC recommendation Commented [LG17R16]: 1)Looks like the had a recommendation for a version of this policy in the Climate Element? Support research, education and investments in climate adapted food system methods and infrastructure suited to Jefferson County’s soils, including collaborating with and capacity building of partners such as North Olympic Development Council (NODC), Washington State University (WSU), and Jefferson County Conservation District. (Commerce, Comp Plan NR-P-8.6) Deleted: , including Deleted: and Deleted: programs NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–28 Public Review Draft June 2025 Policy NR-P-8.4 Support the preservation of family-owned farms by discouraging the conversion of these lands to other uses. Policy NR-P-8.5 Support the work of Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and the Jefferson County Conservation District, for technical and marketing assistance for small-scale commercial farmers. Policy NR-P-8.6 Collaborate with partners to assess likely impacts of climate change on agriculture, develop mitigation and adaptation strategies suited to Jefferson County’s soils and farm economy, and improve climate resiliency and food security within the county’s agricultural systems. Policy NR-P-8.7 Consider an Agricultural Production District overlay for lands in cultivation that are not zoned for agriculture to promote continued production and flexible tools, such as clustering. Policy NR-P-8.8 Analyze the benefits and feasibility of new or revised development regulations to implement cluster development in rural and resource areas, such as in association with cooperative/joint ownership farming operations. Policy NR-P-8.9 In lieu of subdividing agricultural zoned lands, explore innovative zoning techniques, as described under RCW 36.70A.177, to help facilitate the availability of more affordable farm land and create opportunities to expand the market for local food. Policy NR-P-8.10 Consider incentives or zoning allowances that support current and new generation farmers with access to land and housing. Policy NR-P-8.11 Allow for value-added, agriculturally related, accessory commercial or educational uses on working farms including agritourism that support the primary agricultural activity of the land and its economic viability, consistent with RCW 36.70A.177. Policy NR-P-8.12 Strengthen Jefferson County’s local food system, including access to fresh produce. Explore additional partnering opportunities with local farmers, farmers markets, and food banks to increase access in remote communities of the county. Policy NR-P-8.13 Review agricultural zoning policy to optimize local food generation capacity. Deleted: such as North Olympic Development Council (NODC), Washington State University (WSU), and Jefferson County Conservation District … Deleted: and to Commented [LG19]: CAC Feb comment were to “Move into climate element, combined with NR- P-8.2, see that comment” Deleted: allowing tools Deleted: Commented [LG22]: Added per CAC recommendations on food policy. Could also combine with 8.10? NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–29 Public Review Draft June 2025 Goal NR-G-9 Conserve and protect lands covered with water, aquaculture resources and the lands that sustain them, and associated facilities in order to ensure a long- term commercial and recreational resource base. Policy NR-P-9.1 Refer to the Shoreline Management Plan, JCC 18.25.440(1) for all policies related to aquaculture in Jefferson County. Policy NR-P-9.2 Minimize potential conflicts between commercially designated aquaculture resource areas and uses and adjacent land use activities. Apply appropriate shoreline master program policies and regulations to address water dependent uses and ecological conservation. Policy NR-P-9.3 Support the development of climate resilient multi-tier aquaculture such as combined seaweed and shellfish production. Deleted: & Commented [JH23]: Comment from Donna: Many commercial aquaculture farm proposals have strong public opposition. A goal, similar to NR-G-4 for forestry, could be added to the aquaculture section to address adjacent property owner concerns about commercial shellfish farms. Commented [JH24R23]: Added a policy Commented [LG25R23]: Added a second sentence on how the County would do that. Commented [LGT26]: Could we add something along the lines of: “Support the development of climate resilient multi-tier aquaculture such as combined seaweed and shellfish production.” Commented [LG27R26]: Added a new policy. NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–30 Public Review Draft June 2025 2.5 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 2-7 highlights key activities the County can use to implement the Natural Resources Element over the next eight years (prior to the next periodic update), several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 2-7 Natural Resources Action Plan Action Description Forest Resource Lands Forest Health and Resilience Implement climate adaptation actions to address forest health and resilience. Mineral Resource Lands Mineral Lands Inventory and Assessment When new mapping becomes available from federal, state, or local sources, conduct a detailed review of available data on mineral resources in Jefferson County, including assessment of economic impact of mineral extraction and projected future needs. Establish an updated baseline inventory of lands to be protected for future mineral resource extraction. If new data and review warrants, refine and expand mineral lands overlay to capture all areas of long-term commercial significance. Agricultural Lands Conservation Agricultural Use Regulation Review Evaluate current development regulations for agricultural activities and accessory uses including agritourism and other innovative techniques per RCW 36.70A.177 to address land supply and affordability challenges for local farmers. Agricultural Community Outreach Continue and strengthen communication with Jefferson County agricultural producers, including the Jefferson County Climate Action Committee Local Food System Group regarding innovative methods to grow the local agricultural economy and conserve farmland. Agricultural Lands Resilience Implement climate adaptation actions to address agricultural viability and resilience. Local Food Systems and Public Health Local Food Partnerships Work with the Jefferson County Local Food System Council, Jefferson County Public Health, Community Health Improvement Plan, local schools, Peninsula Food Coalition and other community groups to identify opportunities to strengthen Jefferson County’s local food system. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Deleted: Remove the Forest Transition Overlay (FTO) District Concept from the Unified Development Code. Deleted: ¶ Deleted: Update UDC to remove the FTO, which was originally established to minimize conflicts between forestry and adjacent rural residential uses, but is not widely applicable in the County, has never been implemented, has not responded to any conflicts, nor shown to be protective of natural resources. Deleted: D Deleted: R Deleted: Council Commented [JH28]: Revised per CAC recommendation Deleted: 18 NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–31 Public Review Draft June 2025 [ This page intentionally blank ] NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–32 Public Review Draft June 2025 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 [to be updated] Jefferson County. (2016, October). Jefferson County Community Health Improvement Plan, Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2 and Jefferson County Public Health. United States Department of Agriculture. 2014. 2012 Census of Agriculture—Washington State and County Data. Volume 1, Part 47. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. 2017. USDA-NRCS Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO). February 14, 2017. Available: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/surveylist/soils/survey/st ate/?stateId=WA Washington Department of Natural Resources. 2018. Geology GIS Data and Databases. Accessed March 1, 2018. Available: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and- services/geology/publications-and-data/gis-data-and-databases NATURAL RESOURCES Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2–33 Public Review Draft June 2025 Contents 2 NATURAL RESOURCES 2–1 2.1 Purpose 2–2 2.2 Trends & Opportunities 2–3 Conditions & Trends 2–3 Forest Lands 2–3 Mineral Lands 2–4 Agricultural Lands 2–6 Aquaculture Resources 2–7 Challenges & Opportunities 2–8 Forest Lands 2–8 Mineral Resources 2–8 Agriculture 2–9 2.3 Natural Resources Plan 2–11 Forest Lands 2–11 Mineral Lands 2–14 Agricultural Lands 2–17 Aquaculture Resources 2–22 2.4 Goals & Policies 2–23 2.5 Action Plan 2–30 Exhibit 2-1 NRCS Potential Mineral Source Soils 2–5 Exhibit 2-2 Jefferson County Farmland Soil Classifications 2–6 Exhibit 2-3 Forest Lands Zoning (2025) 2–12 Exhibit 2-4 Map of Forest Resource Lands (2025) 2–13 Exhibit 2-5 Map of Mineral Resource Lands (2025) 2–16 Exhibit 2-6 Map of Agricultural Resource Lands (2024) 2–21 Exhibit 2-7 Natural Resources Action Plan 2–30