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Methow Valley News August 5, 1999 Endangered Species Coverage Publisher's comment - By Lee Hicks Political risk either way Okanogan County faces tough choices in the current endangered species discussions. If the county doesn’t get in line with state and federal agencies, it stands to lose funding for fish recovery programs. All the county commissioners need to do is sign a memorandum of agreement that includes a commitment to issue a building moratorium if "target flows" for basin streams are not met. Never mind that achieving those ephemeral flows is only partly in the county’s control--although it can work with state and federal agencies to achieve results. There was a signal Monday night that the county might not sign the agreement. This produced a reaction from state officials and NMFS to the effect that they’d like to have the county show its commitment. But "we can get the job done without you" was the message--including creating provisions that in effect could establish a de facto building moratorium. The state Department of Ecology could be forced to close the basin to water appropriations, meaning the county can’t issue building permits without available water. Maybe the most discouraging assessment of the county’s cautious approach--right or wrong-- to the MOA was the anticipated perception on the "wet side" of the Cascades. "You’re going to have a hard time from people in the Puget Sound area," said one state official. It would be "politically" risky, he warned if the county doesn’t sign. The only problem is there’s no guarantee the funds will be available even if the commissioners sign the agreement. Or that permits needed from various agencies to make improvements to irrigation ditches and other projects will be expedited. It’s not an easy choice for the Okanogan County commissioners. Opinion | Sports |
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