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Re: Support for Agricultural Land Policies <br /> Honorable Commissioners, <br /> I am writing in support of Kittitas County's ongoing efforts to review, refine, and implement <br /> policies regarding the Period Comprehensive Plan Update and specifically Agricultural lands <br /> under the Growth Management Act. These decisions are among the most important land use <br /> responsibilities entrusted to county government, as they directly affect the long-term ag viability, <br /> private property rights, economic opportunity, and orderly growth. <br /> Kittitas County is uniquely positioned as a county with deep ag roots, productive soils, and <br /> working lands that remain central to the local economy and rural character. At the same time, the <br /> County must ensure that agricultural designations are applied accurately, consistently, and based <br /> on current evidence with the understanding that the GMA does not provide how much weight is <br /> applied to each criterion due to the core principle of GMA is local control and the ability to adapt <br /> to local needs. Land that meets the statutory criteria, for agricultural lands of long term <br /> commercial significance should remain protected, while lands that no longer satisfy those criteria <br /> should be evaluated through a fair and defensible de-designation process. <br /> Support for this balanced approach is reflected in the decision issued in Eastern Washington <br /> Growth Management Hearings Board Case No. 18-1-0001. The case underscores that local <br /> governments retain authority to make planning decisions,provide those decisions are grounded <br /> in statutory criteria, reasoned analysis, and substantial evidence. <br /> Sound agricultural policy should not be static; it should respond to real land capability,parcel <br /> conditions, surrounding uses, infrastructure realities, and long-term commercial significance. <br /> I encourage the Board to continue advancing policies that <br /> 1. Protect truly viable agricultural lands of long term commercial significance. L <br /> 2. Use objective data driven and site specific analysis when evaluating de-designation <br /> requests. <br /> 3. Respect private property rights and economic use of the land. <br /> 4. Maintain consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Growth Management Act. and <br /> 5. Create a transparent, predictable process for landowners and the public. <br /> I appreciate your leadership on these important issues. Respectfully submitted, <br /> k r <br /> Bill Hinkle <br />