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About
the OSA
The Open Space Amendment (OSA) is a proposed amendment to the
King County charter that will appear on the November 2009 general
election ballot. The OSA would provide enhanced protection for
approximately 156,000 acres of natural open space owned by the county.
These properties are among our most treasured conservation and recreation
spaces. County lands to receive additional protection include Squak
Mountain/Tiger Mountain Corridor, Cedar River Waterways, Cougar Mountain,
the Upper Raging River Forest, and the Snoqualmie Forest.
The OSA would strengthen the protection of these properties by requiring a
supermajority vote of the County Council (at least seven of nine affirmative
votes) in order for the county to sell, transfer, or expand the uses of
these lands. Before a vote is taken, a public hearing would be required, as
well as a finding of fact that either 1) the property's conservation value
has been degraded, 2) maintaining the property in public ownership is no
longer practical, for specific reasons set forth in the ordinance; or 3)
overall open space values would be better served by substituting another
property.
The properties under consideration are located throughout unincorporated
rural King County and are already set aside for conservation. The county
already owns the land, or the development rights.
Vote “Yes!” for the Open Space Preservation Act. It amends the King
County Charter to enhance protection for over 156,000 acres of land
already owned or held in a conservation easement by King County.
These irreplaceable properties include treasures such as Cougar and
Taylor Mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, wildlife, and salmon
habitat. They are truly special places, whether to walk, bike, bird
watch, or simply enjoy their beauty from a distance. With high
conservation and resource values, they are also working forests,
preserving jobs and nearby natural riches.
The amendment requires no new land to be purchased and involves no
direct costs – the properties are already publicly owned. The amendment
strengthens protection against the sale or transfer of these properties
by requiring a 28-day public comment period, finding of facts, and a
supermajority vote (7 of 9) of the County Council before any change in
property status can occur.
The Open Space Preservation Act is unanimously supported by the County
Council, Executive, environmental groups and community leaders. Check
the website for a complete list. It provides strong protection to our
most cherished green spaces through a defined public process and leaves
a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
www.openspaceamendment.org.
- Written by Councilmember
Reagan Dunn, Councilmember Bob Ferguson, and Terry Lavender
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