Thurston County will hold a meeting to discuss its habitat conservation plan (HCP) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Rainier Sportsman’s Club at 404 Alaska St. in Rainier.
Those who attend the meeting can learn how farms and other rural land can provide habitat value and remain working farms or rural residential open space.
“The Thurston County Habitat Conservation Plan is a long-range planning tool to protect federally listed prairie species while enabling continued development around the county,” stated a news release. “It will impact thousands of acres in Thurston County.”
It is estimated the habitat conservation plan will impact approximately 3,500 acres of land, which the county would use to offset impacts to gopher habitat protected through development over the coming decades.
Landowners’ participation in providing acres to offset development is voluntary. They can either complete an outright property sale or do that through the sale of conservation easements. Both of the topics will be discussed at the meeting.
“While the HCP raises concerns, it has the potential to bring millions of dollars into Thurston County to protect both farmland and species habitat at the same time,” stated the release.
Officials with Washington State University and Thurston County will put on the presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to local agencies about their property and find out what kind of conservation options are available.
Food and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, contact Sierra Smith by email at sierra.smith1@wsu.edu or leave him a voicemail at 360-867-2165.
