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01/31/2006: "Shared Strategy Offers Help To County"

(Jim Kramer)

The CC (County Council) has expressed an interest in working with SS (Shared Strategy), a non-profit organization that is working to increase the size of salmon runs in the Puget Sound area.

Jim Kramer, Executive Director of SS, made a presentation to the CC that gave the background and goals of Shared Strategy, and offered his organizations help to the County's requirement to draft Critical Areas Ordinance updates that the County must do under the GMA (Growth Management Act). He also requested the County write a letter of support for the SS that will aid them in obtaining funding for their organization.

(contiued from front page)

Under questioning from Councilman Myhr, Kramer said SS is funded by both private and public sectors, but that much of the public money is no longer available in the same amounts that it once was, however applications have been made.

Councilman Ranker interjected that $60,000 has been committed by one foundation, and that there is a second commitment $250,000 in grant funding available, but Kramer said the second amount is not yet a commitment.

With respect to the Counties role in working with SS, Kramer assured the Council that "The only requirement you have is to adopt regulations", and that "We will only suggest supplemental ways" of protecting the environment.

Kramer emphasized to the CC the need for a collaborate effort that includes the construction industry and developers, as well as policy makers and environmental groups. As an example he cited the recent cooperation in Skagit County between the tribes and the farmers that are working together, instead of against each other, to attempt to resolve shared concerns. He also stressed the importance of resolving land-use issues by trying to "move beyond environmental protection and property rights issues" by expanding a public participation program that also includes local citizens, tribes, technical experts and policy makers, and to evaluate "how we are doing" in reaching our goals.

At the end of the presentation, Ranker suggested to the Council that they move forward with an agreement to work with SS, and to draft a letter of support. Both Lichter and Myhr were supported of the concept, but Myhr was not willing to sign on to a formal agreement until a statement of timelines and details was presented and reviewed by the Council.