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2011-37-Minutes for Meeting January 26,2011 Recorded 2/11/2011DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS CJ NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK Vd COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 02/11/2011 08:03:21 AM 1111111111111111 111111 I I IIII 2011-37 Do not remove this page from original document. Deschutes County Clerk Certificate Page Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF WORK SESSION DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2011 Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Alan Unger and Tony DeBone. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator, Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; and, for a portion of the meeting, Tom Blust, Roger Olson and Dan Sherwin, Road Department; Anna Johnson, Communications; Dave Inbody, Assistant to the Administrator; Tom Anderson, Community Development; David Givans, Internal Auditor; Patrick Flaherty, District Attorney; Heather Richards of the City of Redmond; and eight other citizens. No representatives of the media were in attendance. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Center for Economic Research & Forecasting Presentation. Bill Watkins said their forecast for last year was, unfortunately, quite accurate. Home prices are still falling in this area and are about where they were in 1989. Most trends remain negative, including domestic migration for the region. This is a reversal of a 20+ year trend. This is an indication of what people think the future will bring. He does not see an obvious source for renewed growth in the area. Oregon is bias towards big business, and people are more in debt and businesses are leveraged out. California issues are similar, with serious problems. People say they want to hear the truth, but are not happy when they do. Rose- colored glasses do not help. Chair Baney asked what the Board can do to bring about acknowledgement of reality. They live it every day. Mr. Watkins said there are always those who want to consider the glass half-full, but action needs to take place. There are a lot of groups in this area that should be working towards common goals. It will take a concerted community effort to evaluate where things are and figure out how to get out of it. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Page 1 of 7 Pages Commissioner Unger said he sees the County's role as helping to develop infrastructure to set the groundwork for businesses, and to support businesses, such as the biomass project in La Pine. Mr. Watkins said that centralized land use planning makes things more difficult. He would want to know what projects, by price, are out there. A plan has to be ready so that when funding becomes available, the County is ready to apply for it. Land use, regulation and taxation all stifle business. Even though this area is better than many places, the cost cannot be prohibitive. Commissioner DeBone stated that he is concerned how long this will take. Mr. Watkins stated that even three years after a recession ends, jobs are still being lost. Central Oregon is more closely tied to California than it is to the rest of Oregon. Commissioner Unger asked how banks can be encouraged to allow for easier funding for the purchase of housing and other things. Mr. Watkins stated that recent regulations and issues have made it more difficult. Regulators would prefer fewer and larger banks. Brenda Pace said the Planning Department is beginning an economic opportunity study that is to focus on large lots, uses and the demand for them. Mr. Watkins said that it is increasingly more difficult for the brick & mortar merchant to compete. Office space is subject to more people telecommuting. Manufacturing is labor intensive as well. Mr. Stell asked if, because this area is so remote, what should Central Oregon be. Mr. Watkins said the Bend itself is a case in point. The West is full of ghost towns where there was industry, such as timber, but that industry went away over time. Mr. Stell said that everyone seems to be giving away taxes to get business to come in, not just in Oregon. What else can be done when it all has been given away. Mr. Watkins stated that the costs should be reasonable and the community will have to fall back on its drawing points. You take away as many as hurdles as possible and be ready to help. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Page 2 of 7 Pages Mr. Inbody asked if the absence of higher education is a negative impact. Mr. Watkins said the growth centers in the past are often associated with universities. More interesting to him is that many people will not stay where they went to college. Small colleges often move and set up in new places, and allow for a source of new ideas and energy. Andy High of COBA (Central Oregon Builders Association) stated that the archaic land use system in Oregon is a big negative. It is a State government issue. Mr. Watkins advised that spending money to try to attract business is a waste. Whatever that can be done quickly and with little uncertainty is a big issue. Tom Anderson stated that the destination resorts in the area are a drawing board. They base much of their future market on retiring baby boomers. The recession has had an effect on the mobility of those people. Mr. Watkins stated that they will retire ten years later than they thought. It works like an export industry. Most retirees who are mobile tend to be younger. They will be working longer. Things are more affordable than they were now, for better or worse. Many are not looking for luxury or can get what they want much cheaper. Dave Kanner asked about the in-migration shows the area growing. Mr. Watkins said the total population may be growing, but domestic migration is the number of people who move to or from an area. Mr. Kanner said that there is still growth. Mr. Kanner said that the unemployment rate has decreased. Mr. Watkins stated that jobs are decreasing in number. The fall in the unemployment rate ties in with the people who are leaving the area. It is difficult to forecast an unemployment rate. Some just give up and stop looking. Mr. Kanner asked if the increase relates to temporary hiring. Mr. Watkins said that could be a factor. Mr. Kanner asked what assumptions might be made about taxable assessed value here. Mr. Watkins said he would forecast it as remaining the same o going down. Les Stiles asked about how the crime rate impacts this situation. Mr. Watkins said that safety, health care and amenities are the draw for retirees. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Page 3 of 7 Pages Mr. Inbody asked how that will help with changing the types of jobs beyond tourism and services. Mr. Watkins said there are always professional services needed when there are businesses. Mr. Inbody feels that having no educational center even close limits the ability for people to learn those kinds of professions. Mr. Watkins said this is a long-term goal but important. People have to feel they can have a career here. Commissioner Unger stated that the destination resorts have helped with the airports. The revenue from tourism helps to fuel the need for services. Mr. High said that every community in the area is targeting family-wage jobs. No one seems to be targeting retirees. Mr. Watkins said that there are lots of communities in the west and south who aggressively seek out retirees. Mr. Kanner stated that all of the signs show that tourism is on the upswing. Given that one segment of the local economy, how do they leverage on that. Mr. Watkins said it might be more of the same, someone skills here and decides they want to live here or invest in property. The area is the draw. Some areas try to market what they can offer in the off-season if someone moves somewhere primarily for the sports. Most sacrifice some salary to live in places like this. 2. Weed Advisory Board Update. Paul Stell gave the history of the Weed Board, which began in about 1998. Dan Sherwin was hired in 2002. The program has been building over the years and is now one of the best in the State. The cornerstone of the program is education through various means. An Ordinance was adopted about a year ago to help with enforcement issues. Over 2,200 acres of weeds were treated last year at the weed pull. The priority is education. The weed-free forage program is successful. Going forward, funding is starting to wane. Federal grant funds are drying up, and State grants, never very large, are going away as well. They are looking for alternatives. Dan spends a lot of time working on a number of different programs, and the enforcement portion is not funded and is not easy to do. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Page 4 of 7 Pages Larry Pecenko said a lot of landowners are taking it seriously, but they are now complaining about their neighbors who don't do anything about the problem. Mr. Stell added that Bend Park & Rec pays about $12,000 for staff. Education and cost-share on the one hand, and enforcement on the other, means that the first would be chosen. Brenda Pace said she did a comparison of what the budgets would have on the tax base of the County. She explained the idea behind a tax base and the cost implications. (A copy is attached for reference) A total budget of $330,000 equals $7.42 per year per tax account. This is an important project in the County that costs very little to continue. Commissioner Unger appreciated the possible solutions, but would want to know what this means, as it is hard to ask the public for funding. To stop now would be a step backwards. Weeds are an economic issue in the entire country. Mr. Stell said they can no longer rely on grants and have to think of another way. Some of the issues that may require the Board's help were explained. The Water Conservancy is doing a good job of getting water back in stream, but the land becomes fallow and the land needs to be taken care of. Something needs to be planted to avoid the spread of noxious weeds. Commissioner Unger stated that he is on their Board and although that is a start, there may be other entities that have more influence. Mr. Pecenka said that this could be a contract item. Land owners should be expected to address their weed issues. There is something in writing for restoration after a piping project, but nothing is done while the project is in process. The projects can cost millions and weed control would be a small amount. Commissioner DeBone asked if this is part of the proposed Road Department budget. Tom Blust explained that the status quo for the weed program has been to try to find grants. The grants don't cover everything, so some is included in the Road Department budget, especially weeds in the road rights of way. There are no funds earmarked specifically for weed control. Mr. Stell added that the work on the comprehensive plan should include this kind of issue. Brenda said that the Planning Commission was interested but it did not get to the policymaking level. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Page 5 of 7 Pages Mr. Stell distributed this year's action plan, which includes a goal to get someone from south County on the Weed Board. Every year they pick up more demonstration sites, and they'd like to include the La Pine area. Brenda said the Weed Board is asking for help through the Road Department or any way to get to funding through enforcement or Code violations. It is a small amount of money, but would help a lot. Chair Baney asked that the request for funding be specifically put into writing so it will be available when budget discussions begin. Mr. Sherwin said that he is working with the Extension Program on "living on a few acres", and he will be presenting a class on weed issues. The local Farm Bureau and Round Butte Seed are sponsors. The Volunteer of the Year for SOLV, a statewide nonprofit that works on environmental issues, is Cheryl Howard, who is retiring from the Weed Board after seven years. The Board presented Ms. Howard with a plaque and thanked her for her service. 3. Update of Commissioners' Meetings and Schedules. The Board will be attending the Economic Forecast meeting on January 27. Commissioner Unger attended a meeting that focused on the use of public transportation to help peoples' health. 4. Other Items. UNGER: Move approval of the minutes from today's Business Meeting agenda. DEBONE: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. DEBONE: Yes. BANEY: Chair votes yes. Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Page 6 of 7 Pages At 2:45 p.m., the Board went into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(h), pending or threatened litigation. DATED this q-- Day of 2011 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. ATTEST: Recording Secretary Tammy Baney, Chai lly-b(-U-O---~ Anthony DeBone, Vice Chair Alan Unger, Commissioner Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Page 7 of 7 Pages Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org WORK SESSION AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2011 1. Center for Economic Research & Forecasting - Bill Watkins 2. Weed Advisory Board Update - Dan Sherwin; Paul Stell 3. Update of Commissioners' Meetings and Schedules 4. Other Items Executive Session: ORS 192.660(2)(h), Litigation PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues. Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. Ifyou have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572. Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible. Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for M. Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information. 4 A to co N .D • + e co N N , y c O a ~ Q V~ N N L 00 V . ~ ~ ~ ~ .ems 1~ ~ \ • a L Z ~J ~ r 4- o 3 ~ d Work Session Deschutes County Noxious Weed Advisory Board January 26, 2011 Deschutes County Weed Board Mission Statement: Work cooperatively to promote and implement noxious weed control in Deschutes County; to contain existing weed populations and eradicate new invaders: to raise the value of the land economically and biologically: to improve the health of the community, promote stewardship, preserve natural resources and provide examples and leadership for other counties and states in effective vegetation management. Vegetation Management Program Outline Deschutes County hired a full time vegetation manager in August 6, 2002. The majority of his duties involve implementing the noxious weed control program for the county. This program has many facets which range from on the ground weed treatments to educating the public on the issue of noxious weeds. Several subprograms included within the scope of this program are bulleted below: • Weed Free Forage Program: This certifies local hay growers as "Weed Free" forage producers, this hay is required for usage on Federal Lands. The grower pays for the inspections • Treatment Cost Share Program: This program assists small landowners with treatment costs associated with chemical applications. This program is funded by a grant from the Forest Service. • Education and outreach: This program reaches out to the public to educate about noxious weeds, their impacts, and proper management. A strong component of this outreach is restoration - how can the invasion be prevented. • Gravel pit weed control. This program targets the county's gravel pits. Most weeds tend to run the roads, this program attempts to stop the weeds at their source - mostly gravel pits and quarries. • Yellowflag iris control: This program targets the yellowflag iris, which currently infests the Deschutes River from Bend to Lake Billy Chinook. It is a tri county effort to control the spread of this plant, educate irrigators and other water users, and protect the Deschutes River from being overrun with this aggressive species. The funding for this program comes from grants One of the most essential parts of the vegetation management program is a strong restoration emphasis. Killing weeds is not the end goal of the program, establishing healthy desirable vegetation where noxious weeds once occurred is the goal. A healthy, diverse ecosystem is very resilient and resistant to these outside invaders, and requires very little management to maintain the function. Reduced management means reduced maintenance costs. Historically, funding for the vegetation program comes from a variety of sources. The Deschutes County Road Department provides the bulk of the funding for the program through gas taxes, which is ear-marked for right of way maintenance. The road department also provides administrative support, office space, and vehicles. Other funding sources includes applying for and receiving grants and contracting services to other agencies needing weed treatments. The Vegetation Manager is responsible for applying for the grants, and when successful reporting on the project accomplishments. Agencies that Deschutes County vegetation program has partnered with or contracted to include: City of Bend, City of Redmond, City of Sisters, Bonneville Power Association, Central Oregon Irrigation District, Bend Parks and Recreation, Oregon Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The recent economic downturn has affected the county weeds program in many ways. Two funding sources in particular have almost completely dried up; Grants and contracting with other agencies have been particularly hard hit. Deschutes County had in the past contracted with the City of Bend for $60,000 in weed treatments and $25,000 for weed/vegetation education and consulting - because of budget cuts, Bend completes only a minimum amount of weed control work, this year that contract is nearly zero. As other sources of funding have dried up, competition for grants has increased tremendously. As these grant budgets get tighter, the competition will only increase.-Writing grant applications and the necessary follow up consume valuable time but is necessary as these grants fund many of the county's weed programs. Deschutes County is a leader in the state in the fight against invasive vegetative species. Other organizations around the state continually seek help and advice of the Vegetation Manager because of the award winning program that has been developed here over the past eight years. The cornerstones of the program are education and cost share. Both are positive proactive efforts to help citizens of Deschutes County be good stewards of their lands. The Weed Free Forage program is good for the local economy because farmers can get more money for their hay. All these programs are in jeopardy if these grant funds dry up. Current Issues The current economic situation has everybody scrabbling to keep programs afloat. The Deschutes County Vegetation Program is no exception. Below are several key programs that need to be funded to help achieve the goals of the mission statement. Deschutes County now has an enforcement policy for non-compliant land owners who refuse to treat or remove noxious weeds. However at present, there is no funding specifically identified to implement an enforcement program. Any enforcement activity by the vegetation manager will be very limited as the position is funded by gas tax to perform certain tasks. To keep these programs funded, much of Dan's time is spent writing grant applications and reporting to grantors. Recommended solutions: • Train code enforcement officers in weed identification and add weed enforcement to their list of violations they address incidental to their travels and inspections. This item is also recommended in 2.9.4.a of the New Comprehensive Plan. • Hire a seasonal worker to address enforcement requests from the public. • Create a tax levy to fund the County Vegetation Program. Grants Grant funds are becoming increasingly scarce and competition for them is increasing as well. Weed grants are typically a very low priority compared to other natural resource issues such as fire, water or fish issues. Since weed grants are usually smaller, they are time consuming for the amount received. Deschutes County was funded by Forest Service Region 6 dollars for $54,000 a year, this funding is no longer available. State grants come from lottery dollars. Lottery dollars have decreased because of the economy. It is unknown what the State Legislators will do with lottery funding. Money for programs like Weed Free Forage, education and the cost share programs, all very successful, will most likely have to come from other sources in order to continue. Possible solutions: • Add a nominal charge to county recording fees. • Add a nominal charge to land transfer fee. • Add a nominal charge to building permits or land use fees. • Reallocate existing general funds. • Create a noxious weed levy tax that would create a stable funding source for key vegetation management programs. Other Issues Deschutes River Conservancy The Deschutes River Conservancy is doing a wonderful job getting water back into the Deschutes River system. An unfortunate by-product of that effort is farm land going fallow and being taken over by invasive plants, many of which are on the county's noxious weed list. Recommended solution: • BOCC and the Weed Board work with the DRC, irrigation companies, and land owners to create an enforceable instrument in the lease contracts to ensure proper stewardship. Rights-of-way Utility right-of-ways (ROW) are rife with noxious weeds across the county. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad ROW near Deschutes River Woods and adjacent to the Highway 97 bypass in Redmond are prime examples of poor land stewardship. Utility companies have easements across public and private land. Due to the vegetation management of these easement many of these areas are overrun with noxious weeds, which then spread onto adjacent lands. Recommended solutions: • The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently modified their easement permit to include "activities and procedures to prevent and control the spread of invasive species". Deschutes County should require similar "stewardship clause" in agreements for such easements in Deschutes County where possible. • If necessary, assist the county Vegetation Manager in gaining compliance regarding noxious weeds from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. • Assess a noxious weed charge for new recorded ROWS or easements. Surface mines The Weed Board is exploring different ways to ensure that gravel pits and surface mining operations remain weed free. At present, the background material in the proposed comprehensive plan states: "Additionally, surface mining plays a role in spreading noxious weeds and impacting water quality, and should be examined for potential control measures. A review of County regulations can insure that the Code is adequately protecting the resource and the community, in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. " Recommended solution: • Specifically mention control of invasive weeds among the goals of the comprehensive plan. Work with adjacent counties who have programs in place, such as Klamath County, to certify clean material sources. Deschutes County is a leader in the state in the fight against invasive vegetative species. Other organizations around the state continually seek help and advice the Vegetation Manager because of the award winning program that has been developed here over the past eight years. The cornerstones of the program are education and cost share. Both are positive proactive efforts to help citizens of Deschutes County be good stewards of their lands. The Weed Free Forage program is good for the local economy because farmers can get more money for their hay. All these programs are in jeopardy if these grant funds dry up. And it appears they are doing just that. Respectfully submitted by Paul Stell, Weed Board Chair Deschutes County Weed Board Action Plan for 2011 • County Weed List - The Weed Board will update the County Weed List and present it to the County Commissioners for adoption and publication. The Weed Board will be responsible for this goal. Weed Board assigned Dan Sherwin and Dave Langland to complete the list for the February meeting. • Re-vegetation Sites - The Weed Board will work collaboratively to adopt a demonstration site that has noxious weeds located in the Bend, Redmond, Sisters and the LaPine area. The sites will be revegetated using integrated vegetation management plans. Sites will need a prescription and a site should be in each city area. Specific site for Bend will be Miller Elementary School. Yew Ave in front of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds was selected as a site for restoration. The City of Redmond has implemented this project. A site has been selected in the Sisters area for restoration. The site will be at the Sisters Airport. Photos points should be taken before and after restoration has been completed. • Restoration Model - Create a restoration models that allows a property owner/manager the ability to take into account a complete inventory of site considerations that must be addressed to achieve a specific desired future condition. • Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan - Continue ongoing work to provide weed and re-vegetation information to the Planning Commissioners for the updated Comprehensive Plan. • LaPine Goals - Find a person to provide leadership with weed and vegetation management in the South County area of LaPine and who would like to serve on the Weed Board and that would help develop a weed/restoration demonstration area. • Educational Events - The Weed Board and WeedNegetation Manager will implement the following educational events during 2010. o Lets Pull Together- County Weed Pull o County Fair weed display o Follow-up on demonstration areas o Radio Public Service Announcements o Newspaper articles o Home and Garden Show o Sportsman Show and Earth Day • Assist County WeedNegetation Manager - o Weed Board will work with the WeedNegetation Manager to develop a budget for 2011 - 2012 o Weed Board members will provide assistance at events when the Weed Wagon is utilized. Tax Base of Unincorporated Deschutes County Compared to Weed Budget 2009-2010 Countv Areas Deschutes County City of Bend City of Redmond City of Sisters City of La Pine Remainder- Unincorporated County Tax Base Alternatives Taxable Accounts Assessed Value 99,496 17, 612, 789, 038 39,081 8,097,077,212 12,304 1,784,947,367 1,945 305,341,871 1,698 133,746,393 44,468 7,291,676,195 Private Acreage 380,699 Weed Budget Total Budget Management and Control Activities 330,000 330,000 155,100 155,100 Cost Share 80,000 80,000 Unincorporated County Weed Budget Comparison Costs Amt. per $1000 of Amt. Taxable Account Assessed Value Total Budget $7.42 $0.045 330,000 155,100 80,000 Amt. Per Private Acre $0.87 Management and Control Activities $3.49 $0.021 $0.41 Cost Share $1.80 $0.011 $0.21 Sources: Deschutes County Summary of Assessment Role 2009-10 OISC Statewide Management Assessment of Invasive Species July 9, 2009 Deschutes County GIS Current Draft and Proposed Changes concerning weeds in proposed Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan A. Current Draft a. . Agricultural Lands A.2.2.6 i. Action Item p. 2-23 Control noxious weeds as described in the Environmental Quality section of this Plan. b. Forest Lands- no Mention. Water Quantity and Quality, p2-63, to develop Total Maximum Load Requirements, the County must have "Erosion and sediment control requirements at construction sites. Retention of vegetation and/or re-planting requirements at construction sites." i. Goals 2.5.5 "Expand the range of tools available to protect ground water quality including a wellhead protection ordinance, site grading and drainage ordinance and innovative technologies." d. Rivers, Streams and Fish p2-102 "These indirect effects can include changes in riparian habitat, floodplain function, erosion control, or other practices that could negatively impact fish populations or habitat where steelhead trout are present." e. Rivers, Streams and Fish p2-104 "Reservoir operations lead to huge seasonal flow fluctuations in this reach. Winter storage reduces flows as low as 20 cfs, and summer discharge raises flows up to 1,800 cfs. These fluctuating flows cause bank erosion, decrease water quality, and limit spawning habitat." f. Wildlife, p2.129 "Development also increases the impacts from non- native and invasive species." g. Wildlife, p2-132 "Invasive Species "Invasive Species Non-native plant and animal invasions disrupt native communities, diminish populations of at-risk species, and threaten the economic productivity of resource lands." h. Wildlife, p2-139 "The population management objective for sage-grouse in this region (Prineville District), which includes portions of Deschutes and Crook counties, is to restore sage grouse numbers and distribution near the 1980 spring breeding population level, approximately 3,000 birds. Sagebrush conversion to agricultural lands, wetland degradation, invasive plants, mining, transmission lines, grazing practices that affect necessary cover or forage, recreational disturbance - motorized and non-motorized, and residential and wind energy developments can all impact local sage-grouse populations and could be considered conflicting uses relative to conservation of greater sage-grouse." i. Goals-None, Actions-None i. Open Space and Scenic Views i. Goals-None, Actions-None j. Energy 2.10 Page 1.161 "Construction of commercial-scale wind projects has direct on-site land impacts. Excavation, trenching and road construction can result in dust emissions and erosion unless appropriate measures are taken to minimize these risks. Ground disturbance may also allow the spread of noxious weeds unless control measures are imposed." i. Goals-None, Actions-None k. Environmental Quality Clean Land, p 2-173 "Three specific areas have been identified where the County can take action for cleaner land. These are controlling noxious weeds, minimizing the impacts of development and managing solid waste. Other issues such as preserving wildlife habitat or promoting organic farming are addressed in other sections of this plan. 1. Environmental Quality, Noxious Weeds section p 2-174 "Noxious weeds are a big issue in Deschutes County. These non-native and sometimes poisonous species overrun native vegetation, shelter undesirable insects, steal scarce water and infest crops. They can and do grow anywhere, but thrive on disturbed surfaces. Roadsides, former farmlands and non-landscaped areas around construction sites are all prime habitat. The County has a Weed District as defined by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 570.500-600, with a Board that oversees education and active weed eradication along roads. Stronger regulations for controlling noxious weeds should be adopted due to the effect that allowing weeds to grow has on neighboring properties. These regulations should require not just eradication but also restoration, to prevent further infestations" i. Environmental Quality Goal 1.11.6 "Promote Control of Noxious Weeds" and ii. Action 2.11.10 " Revise County Code to require weed-control on disturbed lands as allowed by ORS 570.500-570.600." iii. Action 2.11.11 "Educate the community and the county road and planning departments to recognize and report on noxious weeds." m. Surface Mining i. No comment, no goals, no actions. n. Rural Growth Management i. No comment, no goals, no actions. o. Natural Hazards i. No comment, no goals, no actions. p. Public Facilities and Services i. No comment, no goals, no actions q. Rural Recreation i. No Comment, no goals, no actions r. Destination Resorts i. No Comment, no goals, no actions B. Proposed Additions to Draft a. 2.2 Agriculture (Do we have an estimate of farm acres infested with weeds? i. Policy 2.2.5 Add "weed-free seed, hay and grain." ii. Add Policy 2.2.7 "encourage outlets for local products like farmer's markets, meat processors." iii. Add Policy 2.2.8 "understand constraints on large suppliers and retailers that prevent their using local products." iv. Add Policy 2.29 "Encourage coordination with Deschutes County Weed Control District to protect healthy land and organic and weed free crops." b. Forest i. Actions shall conform to Envirorunental Quality Goal 1.116 and Actions 1.11.10, 2.11.11 c. Rivers, Streams and Fish i. Can we say that fluctuations in water- levels encourage invasive species and discourage the growth and survivability of native plants and shrubs? ii. Add Policy Actions shall conform to Environmental Quality Goal 1.116 and Actions 1.11.10, 2.11.11 d. Wildlife i. Add Policy-Control weeds to protect habitat and wildlife food sources, operations shall conform to Environmental Quality Goal 1.116 and Actions 1.11.10, 2.11.11. e. Energy i. Add Policy Construction of facilities can spread invasive weeds, therefore, operations shall conform to Enviromnental Quality Goal 1.116 and Actions 1.11.10, 2.11.11. f. Environmental Quality-Discuss Additions i. Coordinate with Weed Inspector under Deschutes County Weed Ordinance. ii. Cooperate with Section 4-Education and Coordination of the Deschutes County Weed Ordinance. iii. Incorporate weeds as defined in the Deschutes County Weed Ordinance as a Condition of Approval. iv. Others. g. Surface Mining i. Add Comment-Need comment concerning level of noxious weeds and weed seeds in fill transported from mines to other areas in the County. ii. Add Policy-A mine site with noxious weeds is a particularly important vehicle for the transport of weeds, therefore, operations shall conform to Environmental Quality Goal 1.116 and Actions 1.11.10, 2.11.11. h. Natural Hazards i. Add Comment-Certain noxious weeds are particularly fire prone and burned areas are particularly attractively to weeds, therefore, operations shall conform to Environmental Quality Goal 1.116 and Actions 1.11.10, 2.11.11. i. Public Facilities and Services i. Add Comment- Certain services such as utility lines pass through various and sometimes many ownerships. Lines especially with maintenance roads are particularly attractive to noxious weeds allowing them to spread over large areas. Further, the easement holder shall be encouraged to control weeds in easements and the property owner shall be supported in asking the easement holder to do so. ii. Add Policy-Operations of service providers whether on owned land or easements shall conform to Environmental Quality Goal 1.116 and Actions 1.11.10, 2.11.11. j. Rural! Recreation i. Add Comment, bottom of page 3-64 in existing paragraph referencing noxious weeds. ii. Add Policy 3.8.20- Encourage agencies to institute weed free access to recreation areas, to develop volunteer systems controlling weeds in recreation areas and to coordinate weed activities with the Deschutes County Weed District. i Document Reproduces Poorly (Archived) I ! F 9 t ! M r+~ fir' O 1ti~ CC °o II 0 ~II C M I 'il 41 f NO I ~ V GJ I ~ N LU ~ w o L LL t0 H t N N C c O Ln U m LL H O v o H ' lL ~ ~ d L w Z ~S !n a-+ O 0 U H U a m Cal 0 I ~ N O C 7 O O O O O O C. 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