Planner says to opt in to Ruckelshaus law

After hearing nothing but support during a pair of public meetings last month, County Planner Alan Thomson recommended county commisisoners “opt in” to the state’s new Ruckelshaus rules.

The new rules allow counties to come up with boards that will set local priorities while regulating farming around environmentally-sensitive areas.

If the county does not opt in, it must revise its critical areas ordinances to ensure they are protected from agricultural activities.

Farming is currently allowed to take place anywhere in Whitman County, with no restrictions from deemed environmentally critical a...