Olympia area builders who wish to build new developments in unincorporated areas will now be able to do so knowing that they are not placing a rare species in any danger.
Thurston County officials have come up with a system that will screen potential construction plans to make sure that they will not harm the pocket gopher and other animal species that may be impacted. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, several subspecies of these small animals are on their threatened list under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, and are not found anywhere else other than Thurston and Pierce Counties. The new regulations will help to ensure their survival.
Part of the application process involves having a team of experts make two or three visits to the proposed site, and these must take place between the months of June and October. In order to meet these deadlines, its recommended that the application be sent in to the appropriate county officials by no later than July 31st. Brochure printers can create pamphlets and other materials that outline the process and how those interested can apply to have the area they wish to develop inspected.
A Federal grant will cover the costs of this screening program, and there will be no cost to the developers that apply to have the on site visits by the team.
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1025 Black Lake Blvd. SW 1-E
Olympia, WA 98502
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