(A) Purpose: This natural resource management planning and review process is hereby established to protect the natural resources of Elko County for future generations as well as to protect the economic and cultural stability of Elko County for present and future generations.
The intent of the Elko County board of commissioners, in adopting this chapter, is to promote the stated purposes and philosophy, "to declare a policy which will encourage the productive and agreeable harmony between man and his environment; to promote efforts which will eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man..." (see 42 USC 4321).
The natural resources management advisory commission will promote natural resource management and planning of private and public lands, to maximize social and economic contributions to the nation's well being, in an environmentally sound manner. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to create an Elko County environmental planning process which will:
1. Protect the customs, culture, and economic stability of Elko County.
2. Ensure that Elko County participates with local, state and federal government agencies and organizations to the full extent allowed by existing laws in joint planning for proposals on private and public lands within the county.
3. Ensure full mitigation of adverse effects of environmental decisions to Elko County and its citizens.
(B) Joint Natural Resource Management Research: The Elko County board of commissioners intends to enter into joint research and studies with the local, state and federal agencies. The purpose of joint research and studies will be to develop a coordinated approach to natural resource management through:
1. Promoting understanding of "like values" or the customs and culture of Elko County.
2. Identifying outputs/products requirements for improving natural resource conditions and trends, and for protecting the community and enhancing the economic stability of the county.
3. Coordinating the development of natural resource management approaches for preferred management alternatives in the planning process.
(C) Policy And Objectives: It is the policy of the Elko County board of commissioners that all proposals regarding natural resources of private and public lands which will adversely affect the quality of both the physical and socioeconomic environment in Elko County, should henceforth comply with the requirements of local, state, federal laws and regulations.
The Elko County board of commissioners has identified the following primary objectives for environmental planning and review within Elko County:
1. To disclose to the public and to local, state and federal authorities the significant environmental effects of proposed private and government actions on the physical environment and the customs, culture, property rights, and economic stability of Elko County.
2. To identify means to mitigate or eliminate adverse impacts to the above.
3. To minimize injury to the physical and socioeconomic environment by promoting feasible alternatives or mitigation measures.
4. To encourage intergovernmental coordination and joint participation in the environmental planning and review process in Elko County.
5. To encourage public education and participation in the environmental review process.
6. To plan and manage natural resources consistent with environmental and community standards. (Ord. 01-2009, 6-17-2009, eff. 7-24-2009)