Natural resource plan adopted

The newly created Crook County Natural Resource Plan officially became policy last week as the county commission passed a motion to approve it.

The Natural Resource Management Plan, developed by Y2 Consultants, is intended as a tool for a local government to have an impact on federal decisions, plans, policies and programs. The plan includes an assessment of the county’s resources at the current time and outlines what the county wants to achieve on its public lands.

“This has been a long process, started since March, where we’ve been drafting this process for you all,” said Conner Nicklas of Y2 Consultants as the plan was presented for the commission’s approval.

“This is a plan that you all can be very proud of.”

Nicklas stated that he thinks the plan sums up the county’s policies in a way government agencies can understand and will help ensure the commission can be involved in federal decisions in the future.

Bree Burton thanked the steering committee for how hard each member worked to develop the plan, and the amount of time the volunteers dedicated. The steering committee was appointed in April and consisted of Wanda Burget, Spencer Cherry, Andrew Litzel, Jeffery Smith II, Ronald Vore and Skip Waters.

A motion was passed to adopt the policy and Nicklas informed the commission that he will be sending information about the next steps the county can take to ensure it is substantively involved in federal decisions.