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 RENTON - The King Conservation District (King CD) has submitted its proposed system of assessments for 2010-2014 to the King County Council, King County Executive
and other county officials. The proposed 2010 district programs and services would be supported by a $10 per parcel per year assessment in King County, providing approximately $6 million annually to carry out natural resource conservation programs in rural, suburban and urban settings.
The current special assessment expires December 31, 2009. If approved by the King County Council, the system of assessments would become effective January 1, 2010. The proposed system of assessment and related documents are available for review on the King CD website at www.kingcd.org
With assessment funding, the King CD provides conservation information and technical assistance programs available to all landowners within the district's boundaries (most of King County) on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis. It provides grants for conservation-focused projects and programs and initiates community outreach activities that include workshops and education programs, shoreline and bluff management technical assistance, farm planning, and consultation on land, water and wildlife management.
"We've attempted to balance the funding of core programs offered directly by the district while continuing grant funding relationships with member cities, watershed forums and private landowners," said King CD Board of Supervisors President Bill Knutsen.
"This proposed system of assessments reflects the district staff's increased level of service and engagement with landowners within one of the nation's most geographically diverse conservation districts,"
said Knutsen. "We've carefully developed an integrated approach to district programs and corresponding budget appropriations for 2010."
Development of the proposed system of assessments followed three months of public outreach and engagement, including six public hearings, meetings with the district's Advisory Committee, written comments from the public and other citizen input.
Founded in 1949, the King CD is one of 47 conservation districts in the state. It is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission.
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