Voluntary Stewardship Program. Is It Something You Support?

The Board of County Commissioners wants to hear from the citizens of Yakima County about whether to participate in the Voluntary Stewardship Program, an outcome of the Ruckelshaus Process and House Bill 1886. An Open House to receive comments will take place Monday, November 21 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Yakima Convention Center, 10 N. 8th Street, Yakima.

The Voluntary Stewardship Program is an alternative to updating the Critical Areas Ordinance as it applies to agricultural operations. There are several elements to the program that include obtaining adequate funding, establishing a group to administer the program locally, and working with the needs of the farming community while protecting critical areas where agricultural activities take place.

Written Suggestions Due November 28

Any person may provide written comments on issues related to the program. Public Comment will be accepted from November 14th - 28th. Comments may be submitted through one of the following ways:

Email: planning_info@co.yakima.wa.us <mailto:planning_info@co.yakima.wa.us>

Mail:

Public Services - Planning Division, VSP Comment Form

Yakima County Courthouse Fourth Floor

128 North Second Street

Yakima, WA 98901

Drop off:

Open House on November 21st at the Convention Center between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., or Yakima County Public Services, Fourth Floor Courthouse at the front counter.

All written comments received by 4:00 p.m., Monday, November 28, 2011 will be considered.

To download a comment form or for more information, please visit the Voluntary Stewardship Program website at <http://www.yakimacounty.us/planning/VoluntaryStewardshipProgram/Default.htm>