Drafter
Clerk 12/11/2007
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A MOTION requiring development of procedural and design standards addressing public safety and health concerns in the placement of large woody debris in the waterways of the county.
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WHEREAS, regional efforts to control flooding and to develop habitat for waterborne species have involved the placement of large woody debris in the waterways of the region, and
WHEREAS, while the placement of large woody debris has been undertaken in support of important and appropriate regional values, the waterways of the region are also used extensively and increasingly for boating and other water-oriented recreation, and
WHEREAS, much of such water use involves untrained and casual water recreationists of all ages, utilizing a wide variety of floatation devices, who may not be aware of, or prepared to respond to, potential hazards associated with large woody debris placements, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to consider, in the placement of such large woody debris, the need to minimize the likelihood of accidental encounter by recreational boaters and other recreational water users, with potential public safety implications, and
WHEREAS, with the implementation of the Flood Hazard Management Plan, and the approval of revenues to support the plan, the region might see an increase in the numbers of river structure rehabilitation projects that might include placement of such woody debris, and
WHEREAS, continuing regional efforts to encourage the enhancement of fisheries habitat, might additionally result in such woody debris placement, and
WHEREAS, these developments create a context appropriate for a more clear, transparent and accessible procedural approach towards large woody debris placement, and
WHEREAS, the council may want to retain the option to adopt standards in county code, or to seek their adoption as rules;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The water and land resources division o...
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