Advocacy Alert - Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS): A Smart Opportunity for Clark County’s Future

A Smart Opportunity for Clark County: The Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS)

What if we could make it easier—and more rewarding—for landowners to protect habitat, support pollinators, and care for the landscapes that make Clark County special? That’s exactly what a Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS) is designed to do. We recently heard from a community member working to bring a PBRS to Clark County. It’s a proven, practical policy tool already in place in more than 20 counties across Washington—and it’s something our region should seriously consider.

What is a PBRS?

A Public Benefit Rating System provides property tax incentives to landowners who actively preserve and enhance natural resources on their land. In simple terms: if you manage your property in ways that benefit the broader public—like protecting habitat, restoring native ecosystems, or maintaining open space—you receive a reduction in property taxes. It’s a common-sense, incentive-based approach to conservation that recognizes the important role private landowners play in shaping our landscape.

Why This Matters for Clark County

Clark County is growing quickly. At the same time, we’re seeing increasing pressure on:

Native habitats;

Agricultural lands’

Open space and scenic areas; and

Watersheds and wetlands.

A PBRS helps address these challenges by encouraging voluntary stewardship across both rural and residential properties. Key benefits include:

Protecting and restoring native ecosystems, including priority habitat areas;

Supporting biodiversity, including pollinators and other wildlife;

Enhancing habitat corridors and landscape connectivityImproving the health of watersheds, wetlands, and streams;

Preserving scenic beauty and open space;

Expanding recreation opportunities;

Supporting the long-term viability of agriculture;

Aligning with planning goals under Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA); and

Preserving historic and culturally significant landscapes.

Why Pollinators Should Be Part of This Conversation

Much of the habitat needed by native bees and other pollinators exists on private land—from backyard gardens to larger rural properties. A PBRS creates real incentives for landowners to:

Plant and maintain native flowering plants;

Reduce or eliminate pesticide use;

Preserve nesting habitat like bare ground, stems, and woody debris; and

Maintain diverse, season-long forage.

This is exactly the kind of landscape-scale change needed to support pollinators—not just in isolated parks, but across the entire county.

A Proven, Practical Approach

This isn’t a new or experimental idea. PBRS programs are already working across Washington State, helping counties balance growth with conservation while supporting landowners.It’s flexible, voluntary, and adaptable to local priorities—making it a strong fit for Clark County.

Now is the Time to Speak Up

Clark County is currently considering whether to adopt a PBRS. Councilors have indicated they want to hear from more community members—not just a few voices, but broad support. If you live in Clark County and care about habitat, pollinators, agriculture, or open space, a short email of support can make a difference.

You can contact:

Sue Marshall – Sue.Marshall@clark.wa.gov

Glen Yung – Glen.Yung@clark.wa.gov

Michelle Belkot – Michelle.Belkot@clark.wa.gov

Wil Fuentes – Wil.Fuentes@clark.wa.gov

Matt Little – Matt.Little@clark.wa.gov

Kathleen Otto, County Manager – Kathleen.Otto@clark.wa.gov

Looking Ahead

A Public Benefit Rating System is one of the clearest, most practical ways to support working lands, healthy ecosystems, and thriving communities—all at the same time. If we want to see more pollinator habitat, more resilient landscapes, and more thoughtful land stewardship across Clark County, this is a strong step in the right direction. Sometimes the best solutions are the ones that already exist—we just have to choose to implement them.