County Loses Wildlife Ruling

Whitman County officials must identify and protect fish and wildlife areas, a state board has ruled.

The county must take similar steps with so-called “aquifer recharge areas” - places where water seeps down to feed the underground water supply.

The ruling, by the state Growth Management Hearings Board for Eastern Washington, stems from complaints from Pullman-area residents Victor and Roberta Moore.

The Moores felt the county was ignoring its duty under the Growth Managment Act to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

Whitman County can appeal the ruling. County officials and their attorney couldn’t be reached Monday.

Due to its relatively small population, officials argued that the county doesn’t fall under the broad requirements of the Growth Management Act.

But the Moores’ attorney, Dawn Reynolds, said the county still must comply with state laws to designate critical areas, such as wetlands, and protect them.

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