Ruckelshaus rules now on county books

Whitman County is “in” on new state rules that govern farming around environmentally-sensitive areas.

Commissioners unanimously Monday signed Whitman County onto the Ruckelshaus rules, which requires the county assemble a panel of farmers and regulators to monitor the impact farming has on critical areas.

Critical areas as eyed by the state are wetlands, aquifer recharge zones, flood plains, geologically hazardous areas and critical habitat areas.

Farming is currently allowed to take place anywhere in Whitman County, with no restrictions from environmentally critical areas. New state regulations forbid such laissez-faire zoning.

If the county did not opt in, planning officials would have had to revise critical areas ordinances to ensure they are protected from agricultural activities.

“I really believe that it gives people in agriculture - people in farming - a place at the table,” said Commissioner Pat O’Neill, noting the role farmers play in the new program.

Commissioner Greg Partch, though, said his vote in favor came with “great reservations.”

“I really don’t trust the state, especially the Department of Ecology, to not change the rules on us after we opt in,” he said.

Partch said those reservations were eased, however, after hearing from area ag officials that urged the county opt in to the program. Several area farmers and landowners spoke in favor of signing onto the program at hearings over the past several months.

“When we have people come forward that are representatives from our community, it makes me think this is the right thing to do,” he said.

Commissioner Michael Largent did not comment, saying enough had been said during the previous months of debate on the rules.

The Ruckelshaus rules means the county must assemble a board to govern the county’s Voluntary Stewardship Program. That board will identify areas that need improvement and special protection and develop plans to make those improvements.

Plans will be reviewed by a panel of state officials, who will then work with the Washington State Conservation Commission to acquire funding to implement projects.

County Planner Alan Thomson said joining the Ruckelshaus program allows the county to head off potential lawsuits from farmers and environmentalists. Officials in other parts of the state have been hit with such suits, he noted.

Thomson recommended the county designate watershed for the entire county, with a special emphasis on the Snake River as a priority watershed.

Priority watersheds are identified under the program as areas the local group will pay particular attention in enhancing the condition of critical areas.

The county does not have to craft its plan until it receives funding from the state Conservation Commission.