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conservation organizations. SNOPAC embodies the public planning process encouraged by Washington's Growth Management Act. As an unincorporated area at the edges of two different counties, the Pass community is rather distant from the seat of their local government. However, the community has come together, through SNOPAC, to complete this update to the Snoqualmie Pass Comprehensive Plan. 1.4 The Planning Area The study area encompasses approximately 26 square miles on both sides of Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Approximately 65% of the study area is within Kittitas County, with the remainder in King County. Nearly sixteen square miles is publicly owned by the United States Forest Service lying within both the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest. An additional five square miles is owned by the Plum Creek Timber Company. The remaining five square miles is under other private ownerships ranging in parcel size from small single-family lots to over 500 acres . Much of the study area is mountainous and not subject to the usual development pressures which typically foster community planning efforts. However, the scenic grandeur and recreational opportunities afforded by these lands are integral to the total environment and character ofthe Snoqualmie Pass community and therefore were included within the planning area boundaries. Mountainous topography is the primary determinant, which provides focus on the areas where development potential exists and where detailed planning is necessary. The valley which constitutes the pass through which Interstate 90 traverses the Cascades, together with Alpental and Gold Creek valleys, comprise the area where residential and commercial development has historically occurred and which holds the most potential for future growth. To aid in understanding the particular amenities and constraints on various portions of the planning area, it has been divided for ease of reference into five subareas. Although particular elements of the comprehensive plan are presented in this subarea format, they should be viewed as integral parts of the entire Snoqualmie Pass Comprehensive Plan. 1.5 Summary Snoqualmie Pass is a year-round alpine community encompassing Snoqualmie Pass summit and the residential, commercial, recreational and open space areas both east and west of the summit, including Alpental, Gold Creek Valley, Denny Creek and Hyak. The area is a unified community of integrated uses and services which should provide for the recreational, cultural and service needs of its owners, residents and numerous recreational visitors . The community seeks to preserve the natural features and recreational amenities, which contribute to its alpine environment and enhance the fabric and character of the community while planning for growth and dev~lopment. Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan December 2016