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The following is a summary of changes for the existing Natural Environment Element and new Climate <br /> Element. <br /> Natural Environment=Summary, <br /> The existing natural environment policies are being revised to integrate with the preliminary draft <br /> climate element policies. Kittitas County has met with several environmental partners in the County, <br /> and we are currently reviewing similar plans for regional consistency. Feedback will be evaluated for <br /> inclusion within the draft comprehensive plan. Very minor changes are being proposed for the existing <br /> comprehensive plan element. <br /> Climate Element-Summa <br /> Amended in 2023 by House Bill 1181,the Growth Management Act(GMA) now requires integrating <br /> climate change policies into comprehensive plan updates.To meet the new requirements,the <br /> Washington State Department of Commerce(Commerce) requires that Kittitas County develop a <br /> Climate Element that includes resilience goals and policies, in line with the state requirements below. <br /> Kittitas County is not required to address greenhouse gas emission reductions. <br /> Resilience Requirements: <br /> 1. Address natural hazards created or aggravated by climate change, including sea level rise, <br /> landslides, flooding, drought, heat,smoke,wildfire,and other effects of changes to <br /> temperature and precipitation patterns; <br /> 2. Identify, protect, and enhance natural areas to foster climate resilience,as well as areas of vital <br /> habitat for safe species migration;and <br /> 3. Identify, protect, and enhance community resilience to climate impacts, including social, <br /> economic, and built-environment factors,which support adaptation to climate impacts <br /> consistent with environmental justice. <br /> The draft policies focus on the following actions: <br /> Protect communities and economies from climate impacts by planning for drought,extreme heat, <br /> flooding, and wildfire risks. <br /> Adapt infrastructure and land use through mapping vulnerabilities, updating development regulations, <br /> and relocating high-risk uses. <br /> Support agriculture and forestry resilience with adaptation strategies, sustainable practices, and native <br /> drought-resistant vegetation. <br /> Enhance emergency preparedness and response with evacuation plans, water system assessments, <br /> and hazard data collection. <br /> Promote green infrastructure and low-impact development to manage stormwater and reduce flood <br /> risks. <br /> Collaborate with stakeholders on tourism,energy reliability, and climate-resilient community assets. <br />