County follows up with another round of meetings
EVERETT — Snohomish County has launched its second series of meetings geared toward defining a vision for its rural lands. Four public meetings include one in Arlington, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Pioneer Hall, 20722 67th Ave. NE along with meetings in Monroe, Sept. 17, and at the Snohomish County Campus Sept. 25. The first meeting was held in Maltby Sept. 3.
These meetings are a follow-up to those held in June by the county’s Planning and Development Services Department, when they collected input on how rural lands should be managed or developed in the future.
Residents responded to the question: How should the county’s rural areas look, feel and function? The department collected more than 1,000 comments from the more than 200 Snohomish County residents who attended four meetings, in Arlington, Maltby, Monroe and Everett.
This time around, planners will discuss with participants the common vision for Snohomish County’s rural lands and whether that vision is supported by current policies and regulations.
The officials will also discuss opportunities and process for change if current regulations are not in sync with the vision.
For more information on the Rural Lands Planning Project, go to www.snoco.org and type “Rural Lands Planning Project” in the Search Box or e-mail RuralLandsProject@snoco.org. Accommodations for persons with disabilities or language barriers can be arranged by calling Mary Hurner at 425-388-3258.
There will be also be meetings 6:30 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Evergreen State Fairgrounds Longhouse, Hwy. 2 and 179th Avenue SE, in Monroe and 6:30 – 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 in the Public Meeting Room No. 1, of the Robert Drewel Bldg. on the Snohomish County Campus, 3000 Rockefeller, in Everett.
Learn how to raise meat, dairy livestock
The Washington State University’s extension livestock advisor is offering an extensive training course on farmers interested in learning more about raising livestock, 6 – 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 17 through Dec. 10 at the University Center of Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave. The 10-week series covers feeding, breeding and housing for beef, sheep, goats, poultry and swine. Other topics covered include mud, manure, pasture and predator challenges with a special focus on the latest in livestock best management practices.
Modeled after the popular Master Gardener program, the WSU Extension Livestock Advisor program provides classroom and field experience in a “Livestock 101” training course.
From sessions taught by WSU Extension staff, veterinarians and other experts, participants will learn practical livestock management and troubleshooting skills. They also will learn about water quality and animal nutrient management practices.
Cost for the 10-week course is $125. Graduates also are asked to give back 50 hours of volunteer time during the next two years. When the volunteer requirement is satisfied, participants will receive a $50 rebate.
For information call Joan DeVries at 360-428-4270, ext. 240, or e-mail to her at joanrd@co.skagit.wa.us. Information is also available at 425-338-2400; visiting the WSU Snohomish County Extension office at 600 128th St. SE, Everett; or online at www.snohomish.wsu.edu/livestock/LA2008/LA2008.htm.
Workshops for forestland owners
EVERETT — In light of the encroaching population’s impact on forest landowners facing problems such as trespasser, illegal dumping, meth labs, and timber theft, along with natural hazards such as wildfires, Washington State University Snohomish County Extension in Everett will present two workshops addressing forest security and wildfire protection and prevention.
On Oct. 6 a workshop will focus on security, teaching landowners practical steps to help prevent crime and vandalism. For example, most people aren’t aware that you should have a no-trespass letter on file with the sheriff’s office to help them pursue violators, according to WSU Extension Forester Kevin Zobrist.
On Monday, Oct. 20, the second workshop will help landowners learn how to minimize their exposure to wildfire. Workshop participants will learn about fire ecology and practical steps that can be taken to minimize risk to both their forests and their homes. “When the fire is coming over the ridge is not the time to start questioning whether firefighters have a reasonable chance of saving your home—these are the questions landowners should be asking now,” Zobrist said.
Both workshops are from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Snohomish County Extension Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St. SE in Everett. The cost $30 for one workshop and $50 for both.
For more information or to register, contact Kevin Zobrist at 425-357-6017, email kzobrist@wsu.edu, or visit http://snohomish.wsu.edu/forestry/forestryevents.htm.
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