The Whatcom Conservation District wants to charge every property owner in the county a flat annual fee to support programs that protect salmon habitat, farmland and other natural resources.
The Whatcom County Council must approve the new fees and will hold a public hearing on the proposal near the start of its 6 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
The district proposes charging $5 a year per parcel — the maximum fee allowed by state law — for all residential, open space, public, agricultural and undeveloped properties in the county, including incorporated cities. Commercial properties would be charged $4.99 per parcel, while each forest landowner would pay $2.99 annually.
At those rates, the district would collect $510,529 a year, including 72% from residential landowners and 5.4% from owners of farmland. The new fees would begin in 2023 and continue for 10 years.
Those who wish to speak at the County Council’s public hearing may attend in person at 311 Grand Ave., Bellingham, or connect to the meeting remotely. Instructions for online attendance can be found at whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil.
The Conservation District has no enforcement or regulatory authority. It collaborates with landowners on conservation planning and voluntary habitat restoration programs.
