Back to Walla Walla Plan Contents
Contents of the Continuing Process:
Primary Soils, Vegetation And Watershed Resources
Water, Water Quality, Riparian, & Fish Resources
Locatable Mineral, Fluid Mineral & Mineral Materials
Hunting, Fishing & Other Recreational Resources
Wilderness, Wild And Scenic Rivers And Visual Resources
Areas Of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)
Local Planning Under The Endangered Species Act
THE CONTINUING PROCESS
The Walla Walla County Coordinating Planning Committee and the Board recognize that the coordinated planning process is an on-going process. Progress does not come easy. Some federal personnel are far easier to work with than others. Some still resist the "coordinated" planning which is mandated by Congress. As long as progress in maintaining quality of resources can be made, the multiple uses of the federal lands can be maintained, the economic stability, custom and culture of the County can be preserved, and private property rights and interests can be protected, the County will continue to urge federal personnel to "coordinate". Should hesitance on their part interfere with the stated goals, then action may have to be taken to secure judicial orders that the agencies comply with the coordination mandate of the Congress.
As the Planning process continues, scientific studies and reports, team evaluations, and other planning reports and studies will be added to the documents which contain the Walla Walla County Land Use Plan. Such documents, when approved by the Board, will be attached to this Plan and utilized in making planning decisions.
GOAL; To maintain or improve the primary landscape soil, vegetation and watershed resources in a manner that perpetuates and sustains a diversity of uses while fully supporting the custom, culture, economic stability and viability of Walla Walla County and our individual citizens.
WATER, WATER QUALITY, RIPARIAN, & FISH RESOURCES
GOAL:
Meet the requirements for water quality contained in the State of Washington water quality plan to the extent they can be met while complying with Washington constitutional and statutory law as to vested water rights and control of in-stream flow and to maintain or improve riparian areas and aquatic habitat that represents a range of variability for functioning condition.
19.04.80 Cultural Resources. Recreation. Wildlife and Wilderness
The custom and culture associated with cultural resources, recreation, wildlife and wilderness in Walla Walla County are significant to the livelihood and well-being of its citizens and protection and use of their environment. It is the continuing policy of Walla Walla County to (i) assure for all citizens safe, healthful, productive and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings,
(ii) preserve important historic, cultural and natural aspects of our County heritage, and (iii) maintain whenever possible an environment which supports diversity and variety of individual choice. The purpose of this section is to provide clear guidance to federal and state agencies when actions by such agencies may affect cultural resources, recreation, wildlife and wilderness in Walla Walla County.
A. Before any action is considered, proposed or taken affecting cultural resources, recreational, wildlife or wilderness uses in Walla Walla County, federal and state agencies shall (i) notify the County of any proposed action, (ii) provide a detailed statement assessing the specific effects on custom, culture, economy and environment of Walla Walla County, including, without limitation, public health and safety, (iii) consider all alternatives to the taking of such actions, and (iv) to the extent permitted by law, take appropriate mitigation measures adopted with the concurrence of the County.
B. Federal and state agencies shall avoid taking actions affecting recreational, cultural, wilderness, and wildlife opportunities within Walla Walla County that are incompatible with local custom, culture and economic stability or preservation and use of the environment, or that otherwise fail to protect private property rights and local determination.
C. In connection with any action related to sensitive, threatened or endangered plant or animal species, a federal or state agency shall:
(i) At the earliest possible time, give actual notice to Walla Walla County of the intent to consider or propose a species for listing, or to change or propose critical habitat;
(ii) Base the listing of a species on the best scientific and commercial data relating specifically to Walla Walla County and not generalized over a wider geographic area;
(iii) List a species as threatened or endangered only after taking into account the efforts of Walla Walla County to conserve the species;
(iv) Only implement a recover/plan if it will provide for conservation of a species;
(v) In designating critical habitat, base the designation on the best scientific data available and, after taking into consideration economic impacts, exclude as critical habitat all impacted areas unless, based upon the best scientific and commercial data available, failure to designate would result in extinction of the species;
(vi) Complete and forward to Walla Walla County in a timely manner all documentation required by law when designating critical habitat;
(vii) Consider and directly respond to comments submitted by Walla Walla County;
(viii) Not develop protective regulations or recovery plans if a Walla Walla County plan is in place to protect effectively the species within Walla Walla County;
(ix) Protect the species through alternatives with the least impact on the custom, culture and economic stability and preservation and use of the environment of Walla Walla County; and
(x) To the extent permitted by law, take appropriate mitigation measures adopted with the concurrence of the County to mitigate adequately any impact on custom, ulture, economic stability, and protection and use of the environment, including any impact on public use and access and private property rights.
GOAL:
Maintain, improve or mitigate habitat in order to sustain viable and harvestable populations of big game and upland game species as well as wetland/riparian habitat for waterfowl, fur bearers and a diversity of other game and non-game species.
GUIDANCE:
The Federal Land Policy & Management Act provides that it is the policy of the United States that Federal Agency administered lands be managed in a manner that will protect the quality of multiple resources, will provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife and domestic animals, and will provide for outdoor recreation and human occupancy and use.
OBJECTIVES:
1) Consult with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, all affected land owners, lessees and permittees to develop specific wildlife population targets, harvest guidelines, depredation mitigation and guidelines for future site specific management plans affecting upland, water fowl and big game habitat
2) Conduct rangeland studies, pellet group plots, breeding bird transects and other appropriate studies to monitor wildlife relationships to available habitat as well as impacts of vegetation manipulation projects on wildlife.
3) Accelerate the planning, approval and completion of additional water developments, rangeland treatment projects and prescribed burns with objectives for enhancement of big game and other wildlife habitat.
4) Include considerations of wildlife habitat requirements in the design and reclamation of mineral development projects through approved Plan(s) of Operations.
5) Assure that management agencies provide all necessary maintenance of enclosure fences not specifically placed for improved management of livestock.
6) Initiate cooperative studies with willing private land owners, of wildlife depredation and related concerns regarding wildlife habitat on private land.
Monitoring:
· Document the participation of affected parties in the development and establishment of population targets and management guidelines for upland game, water fowl, and big game species.
· Document the inclusion of wildlife habitat objectives in activity plans and BLM approved Reclamation Plans.
· Document the frequency, and extent of water developments and vegetation manipulation projects and prescribed fires for wildlife habitat improvement.
· Periodically monitor range improvement projects, rights-of-way, woodcuts, mining activities, multiple recreation uses, and materials leases, to document habitat improvement or disturbance.
· Document the incidents of wildlife depredation and extent of game animal harvest in designated management areas of both land and wildlife management agencies.
Evaluation:
· Track the participation of agencies, landowners and sportsmen and their progress in development of designated management area plans. .
· Reconcile wildlife population fluctuation related to both habitat condition and non habitat impacts on reproduction and survival.
· Track the numbers and time required for-the initiation and completion of water developments, prescribed burns and range treatment projects for wildlife habitat improvement.
· Track the incidents and disposition of wildlife depredation on private lands and property.
GOAL:
Utilize, to the greatest extent possible, agricultural or mining entry, land exchange, and or land sale for disposal of all public lands which by virtue of their size or location render them difficult and expensive to manage and do not serve a significant public need or where disposal will serve important public objectives. Authorize as needed the use of those lands, not currently authorized, for rights-of-way, leases and permits.
GUIDANCE:
Federal Land Policy & Management Act provides for effective use of the Federal Agency administered lands by providing continuity of uses for roads, power, water, and natural gas. The Federal Land Policy & Management Act mandates multiple use of the Federal Agency administered lands, provides for continuing inventory and classification reviews of the Federal Agency administered land, authorizes the Director to acquire lands when necessary to provide more efficient management through consolidation, and authorizes disposal of certain Federal Agency administered lands. Lands currently under the jurisdiction of other agencies or lands currently withdrawn need a management plan to assure multiple use development when that existing withdrawal is revoked. The Federal Agency is required to comply with federal, state and local government laws relating to hazardous materials.
OBJECTIVES:
1) Identify and give priority consideration to requests for exchanges or purchases from private land owners with isolated tracts or to adjust irregular boundary lines.
2) Develop an inventory of those Federal Agency administered lands which should be disposed of in the public good and make available for further application for agricultural or mining purposes those lands currently under DLE application or Patent application that are relinquished or rejected.
3) Seek legal administrative access only through purchase or exchange where significant administrative need exists, construct new roads around private lands where easement acquisition is not feasible, and consider significant public access needs in all land tenure adjustment transactions.
4) Manage newly acquired lands and lands that have been returned to Federal Agency management through revocation of withdrawals in accordance with existing land use plans for adjacent land.
5) In coordination with federal agencies and state and local government planning agencies and in cooperation with interested members of the public through the NEPA process, develop and implement an Action Plan for management of hazardous materials on state and public lands. .
Monitoring:
· Document the review procedures and acres of land classified for priority disposal.
· Document all applications for rights-of-way, leases and permits and the actions taken on each.
· Document access needs and procedures and methods utilized to achieve such access.
Evaluation:
· Determine annually the degree of progress in achieving disposal of lands classified for priority disposal.
· Evaluate the degree to which access needs are being met.
LOCATABLE MINERAL, FLUID MINERAL & MINERAL MATERIALS
19.04.120 Mining and Minerals. Walla Walla County recognizes that the conservation and use of mining and mineral resources are significant to preservation of the custom, culture and economic stability of its citizens and protection and use of their environment.
A. Any federal or state action that has or could have the effect of changing existing use of mining or mineral resources within the County shall be critically considered in relationship to the historic and current use of such resources in the County.
B. It is the intent of the County to act within the existing legal framework concerning planning and management of the County's natural, cultural, economic and environmental resources related to mining and minerals.
GOAL:
Facilitate environmentally responsible exploration and development based on a preponderance of scientific evidence for locatable mineral, oil, gas and geothermal, and common variety mineral resources on Federal and/or State administered lands opened to location under mining and other appropriate statutes.
GUIDANCE:
The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 as amended, Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, as amended, the Mining and Mineral Policy Act of 1970, all declare that it is the continuing policy of the federal government to foster and encourage private enterprise in the development of domestic mineral resources. The 1872 Mining Law along with the Mining and Mineral Policy Act of 1970 declares that it is the continuing policy of the United States to foster and encourage private enterprise in the development of domestic mineral resources. The Federal Land Policy & Management Act, reiterates that the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 is to be implemented and directs, that the Federal Agency administered lands are to be managed in a manner which recognizes the nation's need for domestic sources of minerals and other resources. The National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980 restates the need to implement the 1970 Act and requires the Secretary of the Interior to improve the quality of minerals data in land use decision making. The Mining Law of 1866 guaranteed certain rights which allow for orderly and efficient use of the public lands for commerce.
OBJECTIVES:
1) In coordination with federal agencies and state and local government planning agencies and in cooperation with interested members of the public, develop a land management mineral classification plan to evaluate, classify and inventory the potential, for locatable mineral, oil, gas and geothermal ,and material mineral exploration or development, in Walla Walla County to insure that lands shall remain open and available unless withdrawn through the NEPA process. Active areas, such as rock quarries, will continue to be managed for their high mineral values.
2) Develop an evaluation program .which relies upon and uses all available data retrieval and interpretation methods, including, but not limited to: Reviewing existing data, geo-chemical and geophysical testing, geological mapping and sampling, and, where appropriate, drilling testing.
3) Provide for mineral material needs through negotiated sales, free use permits and community pits.
Monitoring:
· Document all exploration activity and requests for and the issuance of patents through a system of tracking paper work associated with such activity
Evaluation;
· Determine the degree to which mineral exploration and development are occurring as compared to needs and potential for the County.
· Determine whether the time required to obtain necessary permits and approvals is excessive.
HUNTING, FISHING & OTHER RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
GOALS:
Provide for multiple recreation uses in Walla Walla County including Federal Agency administered lands located within its boundaries, including high quality recreational opportunities and experiences at developed and undeveloped recreation sites by allowing historic uses and access while maintaining existing amenities and by providing new recreation sites for the public's enjoyment. Pursue increased public access opportunities in both motorized and non motorized settings through the acquisition of rights-of-way or easements, both public and private. Recognize that multiple recreation uses are mandated by the multiple use concept and that adequate outdoor recreation resources must be provided on the Federal Agency administered lands and waterways.
GUIDANCE:
The Federal Land Policy & Management Act declares it to be the policy of the United States that Federal Agency administered lands be managed on the basis of multiple use in a manner which provides for outdoor recreation and human occupancy and use, while at the same time protecting scenic, ecological, environmental, water, and archaeological values. The Act also mandates that outdoor recreation be considered one of the principle uses in the multiple use concept for the Federal Agency administered lands. In 1963, Congress enacted the Outdoor Recreation Coordination Act declaring it "desirable that all American people of present and future generations be assured adequate outdoor recreation resources". See 16 U.S.C. ' 460L. The Secretary of Interior was authorized to prepare and maintain "a continuing inventory and evaluation of outdoor recreation needs and resources". 16 U.S.C. '460L-1. This Act also requires consideration of the plans of federal agencies, states, and the political subdivisions of states, and required the Federal Agency to cooperate with states, political subdivisions of states and private interests with. respect to outdoor recreation. ' 460L-1 (c)(d). The Intermodel Surface Transportation Efficiency Act 16 U.S.C. ' 1302; National Recreational Trails Fund, 26 U.S.C. ' 9511; and National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C. ' 1241 provide for the preservation, development and funding of roads and trails for recreation use.. These statutes mandate that trails for multiple recreation uses be made available for a diversity of motorized and non-motorized uses. Multiple recreation uses must also be provided for the elderly, physically challenged and very young in order to provide diversity of recreation opportunities. See, Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. ' 12111 et seq. All areas historically accessed by off-road recreational vehicles, mechanized vehicles, horses and boats should continue to be available for their historical uses.
OBJECTIVES:
1) Provide for continued multiple recreation uses in special and extensive recreation management areas, including those areas where state, federal and/or private funds and materials were or are considered to be used to provide for recreational facilities.
2) In compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws, identify specific areas for: national wild and scenic river system potential, additional trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized access, development and/or maintenance of roads, trails, and waterways for both motorized and non-motorized access, restoration of those areas formerly available for historical recreational uses, e.g. motorized and equestrian access for recreational and competitive events, hunting and boating.
3) Provide for adequate outdoor recreation resources by revising the designated areas to decrease or eliminate limitations and restrictions where the review and evaluation shows that the limitations and restrictions are no longer appropriate and necessary.
4) Plan and establish designated equestrian, foot, and off-road vehicle trail systems and waterways for compatible recreation, commercial, and other multiple uses so that such uses can continue unabated.
5) Maintain existing facilities at developed recreational sites and upgrade, reconstruct and/or increase recreation facilities, when needs are indicated by monitoring data, at currently undeveloped sites.
6) Describe methods of minimizing or mitigating documented use conflicts or damage and define the manner in which each method is expected to accomplish minimization or mitigation.
MONITORING:
EVALUATION:
· Meet annually with interested hunters, fishermen and other recreation users and review the data regarding recreation demands, outdoor recreation resources, and multiple recreation uses and their impact.
· Coordinate with federal agencies and state and local government planning agencies, to annually review and analyze recreational inventory, classification and designation information to validate the relevance and importance criteria, the impact on land values and on recreation uses, historic and present.
· Analyze data on multiple recreational use in areas with special use designations or which are under study for such designation to identify any adverse impacts on multiple recreational use.
· Review data regarding implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and whether ADA implementation actions are adequate.
WILDERNESS, WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS AND VISUAL RESOURCES
GOAL:
Seek immediate Congressional designation action on all WSA’s and Wild and Scenic Rivers recommendations in Walla Walla County to release these areas for multiple use management and in the interim prevent, minimize or mitigate impairment or degradation of such areas to the extent that Congressional actions are not pre-empted.
GUIDANCE:
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act provides that the Secretary shall review agency administered lands and recommend those which he finds to meet wilderness characteristics. Between submission of the Secretary's recommendations and final Congressional action, the Act provides that the lands be managed in such manner so as not to impair their wilderness characteristics, "subject, however, to the continuation of existing mining and grazing uses and mineral leasing in the manner and degree in which the same was being conducted on" October 21, 1976. The Act directs prevention of "unnecessary or undue degradation of the lands and their resources" and implementation of environmental protection. Enabling legislation will identify specific management direction for each Wilderness Area or specify that these lands be placed under multiple use management. The Federal Lands Policy & Management Act declares as the policy of the United States that Federal Agency administered lands will be managed in a manner that will protect the quality of scientific, scenic, historical, ecological, environmental, air and atmospheric, water resource and archaeological values, that will provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife and domestic animals that will provide for outdoor recreation and human occupancy and use, and, where appropriate, will preserve and protect certain Federal Agency administered lands in their natural condition.
OBJECTIVES:
1) Within one year develop a comprehensive recommendation to Congress seeking immediate release of all WSA's and Wild and Scenic Rivers recommendations to multiple use management.
2) Provide for optimum scenic value in Walla Walla County through achievement of vegetation and soils watershed objectives and implementation of non-degrading non-impairing range improvement activities, construction, use and maintenance of livestock management facilities, and facilities for public enjoyment of the land.
3) Upon Congressional release, return management policies for the affected area to those consistent with land use plans and the non-wilderness full multiple use concept mandated by the Federal Land Policy & Management Act and Public Rangelands Improvement Act.
4) Develop and establish objective scientific classifications based upon vegetation condition and trend criteria which comply with the Federal Land Policy & Management Act.
Monitoring:
· Track the development of Congressional recommendations and Congressional action on WSA's and WSR recommendations.
· Track the data obtained from rangeland studies and document the location, pace, and extent, of improving trends in rangeland vegetation and soil stability.
· Document the implementation of multiple use management on lands released through Congressional action.
· Collect data regarding the multiple recreation uses occurring in areas designated or being subjected to potentiality study for special designees such as a wild and scenic river, or wilderness.
· In coordination with federal agencies and state and local government planning agencies, and in cooperation with interested members of the public, re-evaluate current VRM classifications within 3 years and every 10 years thereafter.
Evaluation:
· Compare current WSA acres and Wild and Scenic River mile recommendations with those remaining at the end of each decade.
· Determine the extent of change in condition class and trends for watershed uplands and riparian habitat.
· Compare management of released land and river miles for compliance with multiple use guidance provided in land use plans for adjacent land and the Federal Land Policy And Management Act.
AREAS OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (ACEC)
GOALS:
In order to promote multiple use and release management agencies and affected land owners from the burden of an added layer of management, conduct an evaluation of all existing ACKC designations and release those that reflect changes from conditions existing at the time of designation and/or newly acquired information and data indicate they no longer qualify. Conduct NEPA and FLPMA statutory review individually on each new area proposed for designation as Areas of Critical Environmental concern.
GUIDANCE:
The Federal Land Policy & Management Act, in 43 U.S.C. §1711 requires the Federal Agency to prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of Federal Agency administered lands and their resource and other values, giving priority to areas of critical environmental concern. The Act farther requires that the inventory must be kept current in order to reflect changes in conditions and to identify new and emerging resource and other values. The Act also mandates that neither the preparation and maintenance of the inventory or the identification of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern shall in and of itself change management or use of the lands. The Federal Land Policy & Management Act also requires, in 43 U.S.C. §1712, that the Federal Agency coordinate the land use inventory, as well as the planning and management activities for land uses with other federal departments and agencies of the states and local governments within which the land lies. The Federal Land Policy & Management Act also requires, in 43 U.S.C. §1712, that the Federal Agency give priority in the planning process to designation and protection of areas of critical environmental concern. Such areas are defined as areas where special management attention is required to protect and prevent damage to important historic, cultural or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, or other natural systems or processes, or to protect life and safety from natural hazards. The inventory and planning process mandated by the Federal Land Policy & Management Act was re-emphasized in the Public Rangelands Improvement Act. The National Environmental Policy Act requires the Federal Agency to use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which will insure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences in planning and decision making "which may have an impact on man's environment". 42 U.S.C. §4332. The National Environmental Policy Act further requires that the Federal Agency decision making process give appropriate consideration to presently un-quantified environmental amenities and values, and to economic and technical considerations. The Act also requires an EIS prepared in accordance with 42 U.S.C. §4332 prior to any major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment
OBJECTIVES:
1) In compliance, with the planning process set forth in the Federal Land Policy & Management Act, inventory the lands in the Walla Walla County, identify specific areas of critical environmental concern by describing the statutory criteria present in the areas, and develop and implement a Management Plan for providing the specific management protection required.
2) In coordination with federal agencies, and state and local government planning agencies, develop and implement an ACEC classification plan utilizing the NEPA, EIS process, to inventory, evaluate and classify and re-classify ACECs in the Walla Walla County, including within the Plan the following:
3) Describe the important uniqueness (one of a kind), historic, cultural or scenic value, the fish and wildlife resource, or other natural systems or processes in any proposed ACEC, and describe and document the damage which will occur to such value unless special management attention is given to the area, or describe and document the natural hazards of the area which will endanger life or safety unless special management attention is given.
4) Describe and document the special management attention which is necessary to protect the proposed area from imminent damage to the statutory unique (one of a kind), relevance and importance values, or to protect life and safety from natural hazards, and quanta the manner in which such special management attention is expected to provide the needed protection.
5) In developing and implementing the ACEC Management Plan, and in conducting the ongoing evaluation of existing and proposed ACECs, take the following actions:
- Use a systematic interdisciplinary approach in order to achieve integrated consideration of physical, biological, economic, and other scientific data.
- Use and observe the principles of multiple use and sustained yield set forth in federal statutory law.
- Consider present and potential uses of the land and the impacts of special management on private holdings, adjacent private lands and state leased lands.
- Consider the relative scarcity of the values involved and the availability of alternative means and sites for realization of those values.
- Weigh long term benefits to the public against short term benefits of the existing or proposed action regarding ACEC status.
6) Annually evaluate the status of the ACECs, the impact on multiple use by continuing the ACEC designation, and the adverse impact of such designation on the multiple use concept mandated by the Federal Land & Policy Management Act.
7) Where the NEPA process was not followed or changing conditions or new evidence indicates an area may no longer qualify as an ACEC, change the status from "existing" to "proposed" and follow the Objectives set forth above. If the determination is made that the existing ACEC no longer qualifies as an ACEC in accordance with federal statutes, then show the area as being returned to non-ACEC multiple use status.
Monitoring:
· Document the NEPA process which was followed in evaluating existing ACEC's and establishing new ACEC's.
· Document, physical, biological, economic and other scientific data relating to the existing and proposed ACECs.
Evaluation:
· Meet annually with other federal agencies, state and local government planning agencies, affected land owners, and interested public users to review data regarding existing and proposed ACECs.
· Annually review the inventory and classifications established in the Walla Walla County by analyzing data as to the relevance and importance criteria, the special management actions, the effectiveness of such management actions, and the adverse impact created by such management actions on the multiple use concept mandated by the Federal Land Policy & Management Act.
GOAL:
To comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Act and State of Washington regulations and their standards to prevent significant deterioration of the high air quality found in Walla Walla County.
GUIDANCE:
The Federal Clean Air Act and State of Washington regulations, establish standards and provide guidance to management agencies regarding parameters affecting air quality. Smoke management is one element (both prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) and total suspended particulate (TSP)) of several elements in the National. Ambient Air Quality Standards established in tile Clean Air Act (1967) and amendments to the Act (1972,1977).
OBJECTIVES:
1) Obtain a determination from approximate agencies of the maximum tonnage per burning event allowable under air quality standards.
2) Manage smoke from prescribed burn through techniques of smoke avoidance, dilution and emission reduction and limit unnecessary emissions from existing and new point and non-point sources through development and implementation of Best Management Practices.
3) Develop an annual plan for prescribed burns for restoration of appropriate site specific vegetation which includes air quality considerations.
4) Conduct prescribed burning at maximum allowed by Clean Air Act and State regulations.
Monitoring:
· Maintain records of both acreage and tonnage burned and compare to allowable values.
· Review compliance with best management practices for point source emissions.
Evaluation:
· Review burn calculations and plans to assure that maximums are observed.
· Evaluate conformance of prescribed burning plans with requirements and guidelines for air quality and smoke management being developed by the State of Washington.
· Review Best Management Practices as necessary to assure applicability and compliance.
· Review annually the backlog of prescribed burns and applications and requests for additional prescribed burns to incorporate them into the following year annual plan.
LOCAL PLANNING UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
In the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended) the United States Congress has established it to be the national policy to maintain a balance in the ecological systems upon which human and all life depend which prevents the unnatural, unnecessary extinction of a species offish, economic and social hardship which would lead to extinction of human activities on the other.
In 16 U.S.C. Section 1533 the Congress has specifically required the Secretary to consider "economic impact" before designating a critical habitat, all governmental agencies, local, state and federal are called upon to cooperate with each other and with other interested parties to conserve the ecological systems upon which all species depend.
The specifically expressed purpose stated in 16 U.S.C., Section 1531 is to provide a legislative and financial means through which conservation of ecological systems could be maintained with such balance. The Congress declared the national purpose to be to encourage states "though Federal financial assistance and a system of incentives" to develop and maintain "conservation programs." Such programs were defined to include scientific resource management activities such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live trapping, transplantation and other activities designed to bring about the balance in the ecological system which make protective actions under the Endangered Species Act no longer necessary.
Local planning must play a critical role in the development of programs which will work toward that balance in the ecological system which will protect all species of life, including human. In 16 U.S.C., Section 1533 (b)(l)(A) the Congress mandated that the Secretary must make his determinations to protect species "on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available to him" and only AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THOSE EFFORTS, IF ANY, BEING MADE BY ANY STATE...OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF A STATE...TO PROTECT SUCH SPECIES". So, the Congress declared it to be the national policy that local conservation programs, research programs and habitat maintenance programs be looked to initially as the means to achieve the balance desired in ecological systems upon which all life depends. .Of particular importance in the arid lands of the western counties is the requirement stated in 16 U.S.C. Section 1531(c)(2) that "Federal agencies shall cooperate with State and local agencies to resolve water resource issues in concert with conservation of endangered species."
The County will expect all federal agencies to follow the mandate of the federal statutes and to consult and cooperate with the County as it implements its local responsibility in accordance with the Endangered Species Act.
Moreover, Walla Walla County expects the Federal Agency planning for the protection of any species in Walla Walla County, to coordinate its efforts with the County in light of the specific statutory mandate of coordination set forth in 43 U.S.C. Section 1712 (c)(9).