In response to clarity from the state on application of the Methow Rule, the Okanogan Board of Commissioners voted to adopt Ordinance 2021-1 which places a moratorium on no new subdivisions for one year – with an exemption for large lot segregations.

Methow Valley Citizens Council applauds the County for taking this step forward and is urging the commissioners to bring the ordinance into full compliance with the law to protect existing water rights, agriculture, recreation, and wildlife habitat in the valley – important elements that make the Methow thrive.

When the reserves are improperly used and overused to support new development, the water in the Methow River, and in some cases its tributaries, is reduced. Over time, this means that water rights holders will be curtailed earlier and earlier in the growing season. This harms agricultural producers. The reduced flows also harm recreation because low flows mean that opportunities for fish production and fishing, rafting, and other forms of water-based recreation are jeopardized.

Additionally, wells in the valley are running dry, particularly on south facing slopes where less snow falls or melts off more quickly. It makes no sense to allow the approval of more lots that do not have a legally and physically available water source while existing residential wells are going dry. This could have grave consequences for existing residents, water rights holders, farmers, fish, and the Methow River.

Comments Due by Feb. 22nd at 2pm
The Okanogan Board of Commissioners is holding a hearing on Ordinance 2021-1 during their regular session on Feb 22nd at 2pm.

Please send your comments prior to the hearing or attend the hearing to deliver verbal testimony. Instructions for commenting at the hearing will be posted here the week prior.  Comments can be emailed to Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board: ljohns@co.okanogan.wa.us or mailed to: Board of Commissioners for Okanogan County, c/o Laleña Johns, Clerk of the Board, 123 Fifth Avenue North, Room 150, Okanogan, Washington 98840

Please let the Commissioners know you support Ordinance 2021-1 but that it must apply to all subdivisions and should apply to “exempt segregations” and large lot segregations to protect our valley’s water rights, agriculture, fish, wildlife, and recreation while we work on identifying on long-term solution.