|
CARE recently sent a letter of support for the Assessment to stabilize funding for the Snohomish Conservation District on Camano. It is just $5 plus some change - little more than the cost of a latte. We have added a link to their webpage in our links section of our website. Information about the Assessment may be found at: http://www.snohomishcd.org/camano-island/Fact%20Sheet_July%202009.pdf/view They are looking for individual letters of support. Please send letters of support to John Dean
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
and Bobbi Lindemulder
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Here is a copy of our letter:
August 5, 2009 John Dean District 3 Island County Commissioner P.O. Box 5000 Coupeville, WA Dear John Dean: RE: Snohomish Conservation District and Whidbey Island Conservation District Camano Action for a Rural Environment would like to offer its support for the proposed assessment of $5.00 per parcel and $0.05 per acre beginning in 2010 to fund Snohomish Conservation District services on Camano Island for ten years. Camano Action for a Rural Environment is a broad-based citizen group serving Camano Island. We provide a voice for citizens of Camano regarding proposed land use actions, and provide education to Camano citizens regarding water quality, wildlife protection, and sustainable living. We have appreciated the work provided by the Conservation District in educating rural landowners in proper management of their livestock and hobby farms, and in assisting small farm and forest landowners with the free service of developing farm and forest management plans to maintain the productivity of their land. We have all seen the Conservation District at the Stanwood-Camano Fair and every community outreach event, from Camano 101to the Snow Goose Festival, reaching out to educate the public on best management practices (BMPs) for farm, forest, and residential lands to protect and enhance water quality, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce stormwater runoff. The Conservation District also has provided free classes on pasture management, gardening, or horse paddock design. It would be a relief to have these services not depend on grants and be able to be provided with more continuity. With Camano depending on a sole source aquifer for its water, educating citizens about water quality, and how to properly manage small farm activities to prevent water pollution is a vital service. The Conservation District has a key role as a provider of certified farm planning and technical assistance services to assist rural landowners in compliance with the Island County Critical Area Ordinance. The assessment will ensure the availability of staffing at the District to assist landowners with this and other resource-related issues. In addition, the District can help landowners obtain funding from state and federal sources to install practices ranging from backyard rain gardens to livestock fencing. With the assessment in place, the Districts will have the flexibility to provide services where they are needed in Island County instead of only where grants are available. I have personally witnessed the excellent work by the Snohomish and Island County Conservation Districts and feel that as our islands become more densely populated, their services can only be more vital. Sincerely, Allison Warner C.A.R.E. President |
