PORT ANGELES — The Clallam Conservation District will host a public hearing Friday to discuss a system of rates and charges and an annual parcel fee of $5.
The meeting will be at 5 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St.
“For over 66 years, CCD has provided conservation expertise and assistance utilizing grant funding at no cost to the community,” according to a press release. “However, with increased demand for services, rising operational costs and unstable grant funding, a funding gap threatens our ability to serve the community.”
The fee would be charged to all Clallam County landowners with exemptions for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, District Manager Kim Williams said.
“It’s a local fee, so it’s not tied to your land value or size,” Williams said.
By proposing a parcel fee of $5 per parcel per year, CCD can continue to:
• Maintain and enhance core conservation programs that support viable agriculture, healthy soil and farm planning and other land conservation practices.
• Promote water conservation and protect water quality in streams and rivers by reducing pollutants such as fecal coliform, safeguarding public health and improving water quality.
• Support habitat restoration through an annual native plant sale and habitat programs that plant thousands of native trees each year along streams and rivers.
“It’s going to be a public hearing, so the public will have an opportunity to give public comment and ask questions, and we will explain the process for how the fee was created and what that will look like for everyone,” Williams said. “It’s really an investment, and it’s $5 per parcel per year.”
Questions can be directed to the Clallam Conservation District by calling 360-775-3747 or emailing info@clallamcd.org.
Written comments also may be submitted via email to info@clallamcd.org or mailed to 228 W. First St., Suite H., Port Angeles, WA 98362.
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Reporter Emily Hanson can be reached by email at emily.hanson@peninsuladailynews.com.
