Learn more about proposed open space charter amendment at upcoming public meetings

King County residents interested in how more than 156,000 acres of publicly owned land with high ecological value will be used can learn more at four upcoming public meetings. The lands could receive additional protection under a proposed amendment to the county’s charter.

The meetings, scheduled for June, will provide information about 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” to the county’s charter.

The King County Council is expected to hold formal public hearings later this summer in advance of any potential action on the proposed charter amendment. The Council is expected to decide by July on whether to put charter amendments on the ballot for a public vote.

Informational public meetings

• June 3: 7 p.m. – Vashon Public Library, 17210 Vashon Hwy. S.W., Vashon;
• June 11: 6 p.m. – Seattle Public Library, University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle;
• June 15: 7 p.m. – Redmond Regional Library, 15990 NE 85^th, Redmond; and
• June 18: 7 p.m. – Maple Valley Library, 21844 SE 248th St., Maple Valley.

No new land would be purchased under the proposed open space amendment, and the rules only apply to land that is currently owned in fee or in easement by King County. No direct costs are associated with the proposed amendment.

More information on the proposed open space amendment is available at http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/charter/issues/openspace.aspx.

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