Best Available Science
The state requirement that the County include best available
science in developing regulations for Critical Areas poses new
challenges and constraints for the Board. The state’s Critical Areas
Assistance Handbook, 11/2003 states:
“While science is not the sole criterion to be used in developing
critical areas regulations, …science plays a central role in
delineating critical areas, identifying their functions and values,
and recommending strategies to protect the functions and values.
Local governments must substantively consider the best available
science when adopting regulations to designate or protect critical
areas.”
The adopted policies and regulations must protect the functions and
values of critical areas.
