31.05.290 Resource lands element for the Straits planning area.
(1) Growth Management Goals.
(a) Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries, including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation of productive forest lands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses.
(b) Encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks. Maximize use of forested lands with user-maintained trail systems for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians; i.e., supporting the presence and completion of the Olympic Discovery Trail as it proceeds to the coast.
(c) Protect the environment and enhance the State’s high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of water.
(2) A Vision for Forest Resource Lands. We envision the retention of forest resource lands and the maintenance of the forest industry as a major industry in the County. The forested foothills of the region remain in resource land use providing for jobs, clean and abundant water and forested vistas. Trail systems provide recreational opportunities for residents and tourists with minimal impact on forest production. New research in commercial forest practices has helped reduce conflicts between timber management and environmental protection. The steep ravines of the streams in the watershed retain their forested cover providing a filter for runoff and cover and movement corridors for wildlife and fish.