Crook County launches update on Goal 5 resources, seeks public input

Crook County has provided an update on the county's Goal 5 program.

Below you can find a press release from the county concerning their update.

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. -- Crook County is launching a comprehensive update to all of its Goal 5 resources. Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 5 includes important resources such as historic resources, scenic views, and wildlife habitat. This will be the County's first full Goal 5 resource update since the original adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 1978. As part of this effort, the County will also develop a local program for siting commercial solar facilities under new state administrative rules.

"This update is voluntary and will take a significant amount of work and time to complete, but in my opinion, these Goal 5 resources are much of what makes Crook County special," said John Eisler, Crook County Community Development Director. "As your local government, it's important that we evaluate these resources using the best available data while balancing conservation, private property rights, economic opportunity, and the community's vision for the future."

Crook County is committed to public involvement throughout this process. To help guide the update, the Planning Commission has established three public advisory committees, each focused on a cluster of Goal 5 resources. These committees will work with agencies and host public meetings to develop recommendations for the County. Applications for the advisory committees are now open and will be accepted through July 27th.

"This update is an opportunity for Crook County residents to help shape how the County balances the protection of important resources with agriculture, economic opportunity, renewable energy, and other community priorities," said Crook County Commissioner Susan Hermreck. "The more voices we have at the table, the stronger the final plan will be."

"This discussion is about the future of our community, and it's important that we hear from as many people as possible," said Commissioner Seth Crawford. "We encourage everyone to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our county. Please also help spread the word by inviting your friends and neighbors to participate."

"I'm really excited about these committees," Eisler said. "Anyone from the public can apply. Whether you're interested in wildlife habitat, groundwater, historic resources, aggregate resources, renewable energy, agriculture, or helping determine where solar facilities fit best, we want your input. The hope is that we get a cross section of people who are passionate about these issues and about shaping the County's future. Just go to our website, fill out the application, and you could be sitting at the table for some really meaningful work. And even if you're not selected for a committee, you can attend all of the meetings as an interested member of the public."

The Planning Commission will appoint committee members at its August meeting. Each committee will meet several times before submitting recommendations to the Planning Commission by the end of the year. Following that, both the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners will hold additional public meetings before making final decisions.

Once the Goal 5 update is complete, the County will implement a local program for siting commercial solar facilities under new state administrative rules adopted earlier this year.

"The state created a streamlined process for siting large solar facilities in partnership with counties," Eisler said. "The County originally opted out of those rules, but with state grant funding supporting this effort, we will develop our own program—one that provides greater local direction and predictability for solar development while directing projects to appropriate locations, minimizing impacts, and providing community benefits and agricultural mitigation."

Residents interested in serving on an advisory committee or learning more about the Goal 5 update can visit www.crookcountyor.gov/1703/Goal-5-Update or email Goal5@crookcountyor.gov.