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r I <br />L <br />future <br />wise i <br />March 2, 2026 <br />1201 3rd Ave #2200, Seattle, Washington 98101 <br />p. (206) 343-0681 <br />futurewise.org <br />Kittitas County Community Development Services <br />411 N Ruby St, Suite 2 <br />Ellensburg, Washington 98926 <br />Dear Staff: <br />Subject: Comments on the Kittitas County 2026 Comprehensive Plan update. <br />Sent via email: comments@kittitascounty2026.com <br />Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Kittitas County 2026 <br />Comprehensive Plan update. We support the update. We also have <br />recommendations to improve the comprehensive plan and development <br />regulations update. <br />Futurewise works throughout Washington State to support land -use policies that <br />encourage healthy, equitable, and opportunity -rich communities, and that protect <br />our most valuable farmlands, forests, and water resources. Futurewise has <br />members and supporters across Washington State including Kittitas County. <br />Summary of Futurewise Comments and Recommendations <br />The Vision Statement should call more clearly for maintaining and enhancing <br />the County's agricultural industry. This industry is an important part of the <br />county economy. So maintaining and enhancing the industry is an important <br />economic development measure. Please see page 3 of this letter for more <br />information. <br />Recognize that clustering will not protect working farms and farmers. This is <br />because clusters can convert agricultural lands to nonagricultural uses and <br />increase incompatible residential uses. Please see page 3 of this letter for more <br />information. <br />Futurewise supports policies calling for predevelopment review of sites with <br />the potential for cultural resources and consultations with Indian tribes and <br />nations and the State of Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic <br />Preservation on their protection. This will help protect important cultural <br />resources. Please see page 4 of this letter for more information. <br />Please clarify the differences between Natural Resource Lands and Rural Areas. <br />This is necessary to conserve natural resource lands. Please see page 4 of this <br />letter for more information. <br />