Washington Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on February 8, 2011, to establish the Voluntary Stewardship Program (Program) that allows participating counties to protect critical areas in areas used for agricultural activities through the Program rather than through regulatory requirements of] the Growth Management Act. Directs the Washington State Conservation Commission, with the advice of a statewide advisory committee, to administer the Program. Establishes operational and implementation requirements for the Program

The vote was 95 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 not voting

(House Roll Call 0 at House Journal 0)

Click here to view bill details.

 I've just read this bill, and there seems little that's really "voluntary" about it.   Counties must "opt-in" or "opt-out" by resolution or ordinance within six months.   Those opting-in will be subject to management from afar.   Those opting out will still be subject to periodic REVIEW from afar.

Those opting-in are rewarded with funding.   Those who have received funding (and opt-out) have lingering obligations...   And so on.

How much funding, and "what for" are all "to be determined" -- yet, counties must decide how to "participate" soon.

The relationship between the "statewide advisory council" will not displace the existing WSCC (Washington State Conservation Council)?

I fail to see why this was so widely accepted.   I dislike it immensely.