603 - Enhance Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
Situation: Washington possesses abundant natural resources including a vast coastline, numerous rivers and streams, productive forests and rangelands, diverse flora and fauna, and clean air. Our natural resources and the quality of our environment greatly contribute to the economy and quality of life in Washington. Non-sustainable practices, increased population densities, and land conversion, fragmentation, and parcelization threaten our natural resources and environment. A healthy environment and economy require science-based management and informed environmental stewardship.
Sub-Goals:
3.1 Improve the economy and the quality of life in Washington through sustainable natural resource management and environmental stewardship.
3.2 Proactively resolve conflicts related to the use and management of natural resources.
3.3 Improve ecosystem management leading to healthier forests, rangelands, fish and wildlife; and reduce impacts from disturbances such as invasive species, insects, diseases, and fire.
3.4 Solve the complex issues of water availability (both quality and quantity) and fisheries management and recovery through the application of best available research.
3.5 Control and reduce spread of non-native, invasive species.
3.6 Assure that trees and other plant materials are used appropriately and in proper locations in urban green spaces and urban forests to enhance quality of life, increase property values, minimize water and chemical use, and reduce property damage caused by insects, plant diseases, and fire. |
