The Open Space Amendment (OSA) provides additional protection for over 100,000 acres of open space land owned by the county. According to County Executive Sims, these lands are among our most treasured natural spaces, and were originally acquired for their high conservation value. Upper and Middle Evans Creek Natural Areas and Middle and Lower Bear Creek Conservation Areas are on the List. (photo is Bear Creek)This amendment to the county Charter strengthens protections against the sale or transfer of protected properties by the county. The conservation-oriented uses of the lands would also be permanently preserved. There would be no change in how residents currently use these spaces.
The specific properties protected by the Amendment were chosen for their high value in safeguarding the county’s drinking water, habitat, recreation opportunities, and rural economy: Clean drinking water – protects the water quality of rivers, lakes, streams, and aquifers that county residents rely upon for their drinking water.
An informational meeting on June 15, 7pm at the Redmond Library will review a draft list of properties that would receive higher conservation protection and information on the potential methods for managing that list under the proposed “open space amendment”.
No new land would be purchased under the proposed open space amendment. No direct costs are associated with the proposed amendment.The Council is expected to decide by July on whether to put charter amendments on the ballot for a public vote.
A few of the over 100 open space properties in the Redmond area that the OSA would protect include: Cougar Mountain Regional Park, Evans Creek Natural Area, Lower Bear Creek Natural Area, Middle Bear Creek Natural Area, Cold Creek Natural Area, and Tiger Mountain Regional Park. Maps of all 100+ of the open space properties are available in PDF.
Open Space Charter Amendment King County web page.
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