Thurston County seeks public input on Gorgas Open Space tax reduction request 

Thurston County residents are being asked to weigh in on a  proposed 50% reduction in market value assessment for a 76.96 acre property southeast of Yelm. 

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners will accept oral and written input on the Gorgas Open Space Tax Program application at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 3:30 p.m. 

Roland and Cindy Gorgas, who run a honey business under the business name Forest Dog Farms, filed the Open Space Tax Program application on June 4 for the property at 138th Ave. SE.  

The property borders the Gorgas home at 17825 138th Ave. SE and contains freshwater emergent wetland, a fish-bearing stream and nine documented Wildlife Species of Local Importance. 

Under the application, the landowners seek classification under two high-priority resource categories: Farm and Agricultural Conservation Land for 15 acres and Significant Wildlife Habitat Area for 61.96 acres. Neither category includes public access. 

The property earned six points under the county's Public Benefit Rating System, qualifying the land for a 50% reduction because parcels with three to six total points receive a 50% market value assessment reduction. By comparison, properties scoring seven to 11 points receive a 70% reduction, while scores of 12 to 13 earn a 90% reduction. 

A wetland delineation submitted with the application found approximately 56.82 acres of freshwater depressional wetland and 20.14 acres of upland. 

Running west to east through the central wetland portion, Yelm Creek serves as a tributary to the Nisqually River. Statewide Washington Integrated Fish Distribution data indicates the creek has the potential to support Coho, Chinook, steelhead, cockey and pink salmon if downstream fish passage barriers are replaced over time. 

Protected species

In addition to aquatic habitat, a qualified Washington State Department of Natural Resources biologist identified the following Wildlife Species of Local Importance on the Gorgas property: American bittern, northern harrier, short-eared owl, American kestrel, band-tailed pigeon, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, and bufflehead and wood ducks. 

Other wildlife observed include Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, weasel, muskrat and pollinating insects, according to the application materials. 

During a site visit, county staff also found at least one young Oregon white oak tree in a former clear cut on the southern portion. Remnant prairie plant species, such as common camas, Virginia strawberry, large-leaf lupine and goldenrod appeared in various locations as well. 

Meanwhile, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife maps show priority habitats and waterfowl concentrations on the entire property, including breeding areas with wintering use. 

Apart from wildlife, agricultural use on the Gorgas property dates back approximately 100 years. From 1964 to 2007, Black Angus cattle production occurred under previous ownership. Today, current activity includes haying, honeybee rearing and honey production sold at local markets. 

The southern 20 acres underwent a forest land conversion timber harvest in 2007. Since then, the Gorgas family has planted more than 200 native trees among naturally regenerating trees and shrubs. 

At present, no structures or utilities exist on the parcel. A farmstead once occupied the property, with only orchard trees remaining. 

The land also sits within a Category 3 Critical Aquifer Recharge Area, which Thurston County Code Chapter 24.10 designates as the county's chief potable water source. 

Along with the application, supporting documents included a farm management plan, a habitat management plan completed by a qualified biologist, and a wetland delineation report from a certified wetland scientist. The application fee totaled $1,856. 

How to participate 

For people wishing to attend in person, testimony will be accepted at Room 110, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia. Alternatively, virtual attendance requires advance registration at the county’s web page. 

Written comments may be submitted until noon on Dec. 16 by email to marisa.whisman@co.thurston.wa.us or by mail to Community Planning and Economic Development, c/o Marisa Whisman, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501. 

County staff determined the property meets criteria for both priority resource categories. For more information, additional details are available at the Open Space Tax Program page.