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Indicator: Resource Land Best Management Practices

Data and Data Discussion provided by King County DNRP

Upstream Indicators
  •   Consumer Environmental Behavior --- The 2006 Environmental Behavior Index survey of King County residents indicated that purchasing of Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) climbed since the prior survey in 2004, though choosing less toxic cleaning products and considering the environmental impacts of purchasing decisions was steady or declining against the 2004 survey results.  (view data graph)
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Downstream Indicators
  •   Acres of High Quality Soils --- While the amount of land being farmed has been relatively stable in recent years, there are continuing pressures on farmland being used for other purposes.  
  •   Acres of Urban Parks and Open Space --- Following a dip in the late 1990's, there has been an increase in urban parks and open space acreage per King County resident over the last 10 years. In 2006, the urban area of King County had about 15 acres of park or open space for every thousand residents, a slight decrease from 2005.   (view data graph)
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Related Goals

When stakeholders care enough to institute best management practices the land is likely to be cared for and able to fulfill a wide range of services to support biodiversity and responsible resource consumption.

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Sustainability Snapshot:

Responsible stewardship practices that protect our soil and water resources while allowing their appropriate use are described as best management practices. Sustainable forestry and organic farming are two examples. King County budget allocations, regulatory and policy changes also play a role in responsible land use. Implementing policy plans, such as salmon restoration plans or the flood hazard reduction plan, often identify or call for specific land acquisition and protection and outreach and education toward improving stewardship and changing environmental behavior.

Sustainability Trend:

The majority of King County land and resource conservation targets were met or exceeded in 2006 and 2007.

Data Discussion

The Indicator Defined

The percentage of privately owned rural acres with a stewardship plan or that is enrolled in an open space incentive program. This includes farm, forest or rural stewardship plans, or enrollment in the Public Benefit Rating System for timber land, forest and agriculture. The percentage of public and private rural acres in permanent conservation. This includes those with conservation easements or land that is owned by a public agency. For both of these measures, rural acres refer to all rural and agriculture zoned land, including Vashon Island and excluding the Forest Production District.

Data Interpretation/Evaluation

Figure 1, Rural acres with stewardship plan or enrolled in open space incentive program:

  • 2007 Results: 29.82 percent
  • 2007 target: 29 percent

Figure 2, Rural acres in permanent conservation:

  • 2007 Results: 21.99 percent
  • 2007 target: 22 percent

Data Source and Limitations

This indicator addresses participation in King County programs designed to promote land conservation and responsible stewardship practices.   For more information see the King County website on this topic.

Because the incremental change of these measures is so small, targets are being converted from percentages of total rural acreage to actual acreage enrolled or conserved.

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