By PAUL BORING

Staff reporter

The state of Island County wetlands will be presented at an Island County Planning Commission public meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 at Oak Harbor High School’s Parker Hall.

Personnel from Planning and Community Development and Dr. Paul Adamus, a wetland biologist retained by the county to review and update its wetland regulations, will present the first of three reports.

Regulating wetlands is one of the most sensitive issues in Island County, often pitting farmers against environmentalists.

The Phase I report provides a description of the county’s wetlands and their general health. Prepared over the last 12 months, the report is based on a scientific literature review, computer-based modeling, and field surveys of more than 100 wetlands in Island County.

“The purpose is to start engaging the community in wetlands issues,” said Jeff Tate, Planning and Community Development assistant director. “We want an informed public.”

The presentation will include wetland-related issues like wildlife habitat and water quality. Tate said the meeting will ideally help determine if the current regulations are serving their intended purpose and, if not, what needs to change.

Phases 2 and 3 are currently being prepared and will be presented at a later date. They will consist of the best available science as it pertains to wetlands, and a review of existing wetland regulations and, if necessary, recommendations for amending the regulations.

“The second phase will synthesize the science that’s out there,” Tate said.

A pamphlet about wetlands and regulations was recently mailed to every property owner in Island County. The information describes wetlands in layman’s terms and discusses how they have been regulated over the past 20 years.

A second mailing to property owners will take place in the fall, laying out any proposed changes to help residents determine the effects of the revisions. The mailing will also include information about when, how, and where one can learn more and share their opinions and observations about the changes.

As the county sees it, the broad outreach effort is essential to ensure that the communities are informed and have an opportunity to influence the final outcome. Costs for the outreach project are covered by permit fees and state grant funds.