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r � <br /> 1201 3rd Ave#2200,Seattle,Washington 98101 <br /> future p• (206) 343-0681 <br /> wisei futurewise.org <br /> March 2, 2026 <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 /> L <br />