Okanogan County is finalizing its Comprehensive Plan – a detailed master plan for zoning and growth. As the Methow Valley and other areas in the County face immense pressure from growth, it’s more important than ever that we have an effective and visionary Comp Plan in place. On Feb 4th, the County released a new draft of the Comp Plan and an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing four separate alternatives, including the Citizens’ Alternative (Alternative 4). MVCC has reviewed and evaluated the new draft and EIS, and put together a commenting guide to help you make your voice heard.  

On March 8th the Okanogan Planning Commission will be reviewing written comments from the public and accepting public verbal testimony in consideration of their recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. Even a short, brief comment stating your support for Alternative 4 is enough to make a BIG difference. Below is a list of some major areas where MVCC believes the Comp Plan needs improvement.

The Comp Plan must:

• Recognize the current water realities and encourage policies that support water conservation, mitigation and storage, and direct residential and commercial development toward cities and towns.
• Direct growth away from areas of high wildfire danger, areas with single lane roads, and areas that do not have two ways out.
• Define and protect Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
• Protect and encourage agriculture for future generations.
• Plan for the future of the whole Methow Valley by including the whole watershed in the “Methow More Completely Planned Area”
• Protect our ridgelines and dark night sky
• Include maps

It is okay to keep it simple and only choose just a few points, but make sure they are the ones that matter most to you!

How and when to comment:

1.    PREPARE AND SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS: 
Mark your calendars: Deadline is March 8, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Email: mallen@co.okanogan.wa.us
Snail mail or hand delivery to:
Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission
123 5th Ave N. Suite 130, Okanogan WA 98840.

2.    PROVIDE VERBAL TESTIMONY
It makes a BIG difference for the Planning Commission to hear directly from its residents. Verbal testimony is limited to 5 minutes or less. Contact us if you would like ideas for the perfect short verbal comment!
March 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Okanogan County Regional Planning Commission Meeting Online via Webex:
https://okanoganwa.webex.com/okanoganwa/j.php?MTID=m7255a60868510bd45862c083f65c9345
Meeting number (access code): 146 977 3703
Meeting password: i7Z76Me2Z35
Join by phone: 1-844-992-4726 United States Toll Free

3.    SPREAD THE WORD AND RECRUIT A FRIEND OR TWO!
Via email, social media, or while out on a ski

For more ideas on how to comment, check out the comment guide, and please feel free to contact us with further questions!