MEDIA ADVISORY
March 19, 2012
Public hearing on Columbia Hills NAP proposed boundary expansion
Evening meeting March 28 in Goldendale
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on the proposed boundary expansion of Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve (NAP).
Meeting details
| Who: | DNR Natural Areas Program
|
| What: | Columbia Hills Boundary Hearing |
| When: | 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 |
| Where: | Public Utility District (PUD) Building, 1313 South Columbus Ave, Goldendale, WA |
Why: | DNR is proposing to expand the outer boundary of lands eligible to be included in a natural area. This proposal would expand the potential boundary by 50 acres. Within the area are located three rare plant species and their associated grassland ecosystem.
At the meeting, staff from DNR’s Natural Areas Program will present the boundary proposal and a brief overview of natural area designation and management. This proposal has been reviewed and recommended by the Washington State Natural Heritage Advisory Council, a citizen review panel that helps to guide DNR’s conservation programs.
Written testimony may be provided by April 15, 2012, and addressed to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources SE Region, Natural Areas Program, 713 Bowers Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Or email comments to tony.sachet@dnr.wa.gov with the subject line “Columbia Hills Boundary Hearing.” |
Expanding a boundary of a natural area
A proposed natural area boundary is a designation of lands eligible for inclusion within a state-owned natural area. Lands located within the boundary only become part of the natural area if they are acquired by DNR. The boundary is simply an administrative tool to indicate where DNR will work with willing property owners to expand the natural area. A proposed natural area boundary imposes no change in land use zoning, development code requirements or any other restrictions on landowners. Land is purchased only from willing sellers at market value, which is determined by an independent, third-party appraisal.
Media Contact: Jane Chavey, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1721, jane.chavey@dnr.wa.gov
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