June 3, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting

The Thurston County Planning Commission held a meeting on June 3, 2026, primarily focused on environmental and land use planning topics, including updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and tree protection measures. The meeting featured a detailed presentation from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, riparian ecosystem management, and regulatory priorities such as no net loss of ecosystem functions and climate resilience. Public comments emphasized the importance of tree protections, coordination between urban growth area (UGA) regulations and critical area protections, and concerns about resource limitations for enforcement and implementation. Commissioners discussed challenges related to balancing development with environmental protections, the need for clear and consistent meeting minutes, and the potential for adopting or adapting tree protection policies from other jurisdictions. Staff updates included new personnel announcements and upcoming work sessions on a net gain framework for ecosystem function. No specific procurement, contract awards, or budget allocations were addressed during this meeting.