2023-04-24-minutes-public-works-study-session

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In 2022, the Kittitas Conservation Trust was awarded a $3 million grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to identify a suitable owner for "Cie Elum Ridge Phase 1", the southernmost 1,250 acres of Cie Elum Ridge lands and move ahead with its acquisition. This prompted discussions among potential owners and interested parties which surfaced key questions and information needs related to the entire 9,600 -acre Cie Elum Ridge lands currently owned by CCF; this economic analysis is intended to address some of those needs. TNC and Yakima Basin Integrated Plan partners are seeking an economic analysis to identify mechanisms to expand public benefits and address costs to Kittitas County and fire protection districts related to the development and/or expansion of community forest on the Cie Elum Ridge. Purpose for Economic Analysis The scope of work described in the tasks below addresses key needs recognized by TNC, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan Watershed [ands Subcommittee and the Checkerboard Partnership in planning for eventual community forest management of the Cie Elum Ridge parcels. 1. Aid collaborators in working together to achieve a collective vision for these lands that provides enduring value for the local community. 2. Understand current economic drivers in upper Kittitas County, and the pressures that currently exist related to recreational use, affordable housing, and demands for public services. 3. Provide a basis for informed decision-making regarding eventual ownership and management of the Cie Elum Ridge parcels; identify direct and indirect benefits and costs of integrating the Cie Elum Ridge lands into Teanaway Community Forest and enable the local community to influence these decisions to minimize community impacts. 4. Understand and develop ability to plan for expected benefits and develop strategies to mitigate impacts. SCOPE OF WORK TNC and its collaborators intend to work closely with the consultant to review preliminary findings and provide direction related to assumptions, data categories, and allowable uses within Cle Elum Ridge lands. Major checkpoints are identified below under task descriptions. Task 1—Characterize Existing Economic Conditions related to the Cie Elum Ridge lands in Upper Kittitas County Cie Elum Ridge is situated in upper Kittitas County Exhibit 1 which has experienced a huge population increase in recent years and is also heavily accessed by the Puget Sound population centers. Many people come to recreate in the area and there are also many second homes that are not permanently occupied or are used as vacation rental properties. This includes the 4,400 -unit planned development Suncadia and several adjacent recreational home developments. Two decades of 20% growth within the county has placed a strain on affordable housing and county infrastructure. The recent pandenii:. County part time residences being converted to full time as PUEel>ound owoeu discovered a work from home employment status. The added residents out additional pressure on existing resources Task 1 seeks to develop an understanding the current economy of upper Kittitas County. ' - Formatted: Indent: Left: 0"