Community Survey for Skagit County Comprehensive Plan 2025
Have you ever wondered how our cities and counties decide what can be built where, which types of projects should be prioritized, which lands should be conserved, and how we make our communities livable? These decisions are often made based on cities' and counties' comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan sets priorities and seeks solutions for long-term issues including land use, natural ecosystems, housing, transportation, the economy, etc. Decisions we make today have lasting impact on the future.
Skagit County is currently in the process of updating its comprehensive plan. This year, for the very first time, Skagit County must include a climate change and resiliency element, showing that the County is prepared to adapt to and mitigate the effects of a changing climate on our county. The following climate and resiliency sub elements are now required:
1. The resiliency sub-element must include goals and policies to improve climate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
2. The greenhouse gas emissions sub-element must include ways to reduce emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
3. The climate elements must prioritize reductions that help overburdened communities, maximizing economic, environmental, and social co-benefits, while reducing air pollution.
Skagit Land Trust recently shared our feedback with Skagit County staff on the new climate elements in the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The County has also invited you to share your thoughts by filling out their Community Survey between October 11th and 31st. The survey is available in English and Spanish:
Link to English Survey
Link to Spanish Survey
The survey results will be considered for the County’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. If you have any questions about the survey, contact Tara Satushek at taras@co.skagit.wa.us
Skagit Land Trust understands the essential role that conservation plays in resilience planning and to climate change mitigation. If you are interested to read what we have submitted to the County regarding the Comprehensive Plan, you can find our comments in the pdfs linked below.
Skagit Land Trust's Comments on the County's Comprehensive Plan Climate Element.pdf
Battery Energy Storage System Proposals
Skagit Land Trust does not think the proposed site in Sedro-Woolley is an appropriate place to put a battery storage facility. It is located in the flood zone and next to an active salmon stream. It is very near homes, on land zoned for agriculture, and close to the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe reservation. Risks that have been noted include fire, release of hazardous substances, noise, and pollution of adjacent water bodies. Skagit Land Trust strongly supports the Skagit County Commissioner’s decision to oppose the proposal to install the Goldeneye Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at this site.
Skagit Land Trust recognizes that energy storage using batteries is an aspect of transitioning to green infrastructure since green energy is often tied to wind or solar. Battery storage is needed so electricity can be reliably released when wind or solar sources aren’t producing energy. We also recognize that people have valid concerns about the community and environmental safety of battery storage facilities. We are still learning about what are options for battery storage, what are considered the lowest risk yet still practical locations for battery storage, and the magnitude and likelihood of associated risks.
It seems clear that more battery storage facilities will be proposed in coming months and years as the state transitions to a greener power supply. Thus, we urge city and county governments to develop guidance for “appropriate” battery storage sites and risk management actions, now.
Skagit County is currently working on the 2025 Periodic Comprehensive Plan update. The update is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2025, and will guide development decisions made by the County for the next 20 years. Skagit Land Trust urges the County to address BESS facilities in the 2025 Periodic Comprehensive Plan update. The County must study and consider the level of risk and degree of regulation needed to protect the community’s health, safety, and general welfare, as well as Skagit County’s extraordinarily varied, sensitive, unique land and water ecosystems, and consider adding land use development policies and standards related to BESS facilities to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan.
This fall and winter, Skagit County will be taking public comment on updates to the Comprehensive Plan. Community members interested in sharing their thoughts can find information on submitting comments on the county website. All comments will be processed and shown to the Council that makes the decision for this project. It is recommended that people address why the project is inconsistent with local land use and request a hearing on land-use consistency. Comments on why this project does not fit at this location can be submitted to: comments@efsec.wa.gov
Skagit Land Trust has submitted our comments on this proposal to the Department of Ecology and the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. You can view our comments in the pdf linked below:
Skagit Land Trust signs letter supporting the Outstanding Resource Waters designation of the Cascade River
Click here to see the letter signed by Trust Excecutive Director, Molly Doran
Click here to add your public comments by September 27th.
Skagit Shoreline Management Program
Skagit Land Trust's comment letter is attached here
May 2023 Comment Letter
Nooksack elk herd
In April 2023 the WA State Fish and Wildlife Commission held a meeting regarding the North Cascade elk (commonly referred to as the Nooksack elk herd). Speakers from the Public gave testimony. The comments and presentation give a wide perspective of elk in the Skagit.
From the beginning to 1:42:00 are landowners, conservation groups, and community members giving public comments on elk.
From 3:37:00 to 4: 41:00 is a presentation by the tribal and WDFW Co-Managers. They are presenting to the WDFW Commissioners.
Skagit Land Trust believes that elk and other native wildlife have the right to live within their full range, including on the floor of the Skagit Valley. Their range is shown in the Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW’s) North Cascade Elk Herd Management Plan. We appreciate the tribal and state wildlife co-managers and biologists who have worked hard to find thoughtful pathways to sustain a thriving elk population in the Skagit Valley, while continuing to work on collaborative solutions so that wildlife and people can co-exist. As conservation landowners, our lands are part of the herd's territory.