Public Records Request
The Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) values your right to access public records. Washington law requires that, on request, WCD will make identifiable public records available for inspection and copying or provide copies.
How Do I Make a Public Records Request?
You must make your request in writing and submit it to WCD. We request you use WCD’s Public Records Request Form to submit your request. (Download fillable and printable form).
Your request must include a valid telephone number, valid mailing or e-mail address, and a signature for WCD to respond.
You may submit your request by mail, email, facsimile, or in-person
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Email: wcd@whatcomcd.org
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Facsimile: 360-354-4678
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Mail:
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Whatcom Conservation District
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6975 Hannegan Road
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Lynden, WA 98264
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In-person:
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Monday through Friday, excluding observed holidays
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9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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6975 Hannegan Road
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Lynden, WA
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How Long will it Take for you to Respond?
WCD will respond within five business days of receiving your request. Our response will acknowledge receipt of your request and:
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Include the requested records; or
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Give a reasonable estimate of how long it will take to provide the records, and
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Request clarification, if necessary; or
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Deny the request and cite the legal reason for the denial.
What will it Cost?
Inspecting records is free. The records are available for inspection and photocopying by appointment Monday through Friday (excluding observed holidays) from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. and from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. You can make an appointment to inspect records by calling 360-526-2381 X 101.
If you are requesting copies of records, the law allows WCD to charge for the actual costs of producing public records. In some instances, advance payment may be required. Fees for copies of records include:
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Black and white copies – Letter size, 15 cents per page (legal and tabloid size copies count as two copies per side)
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CD or DVD – Actual costs incurred by agency
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All other formats and mailing costs – Actual costs incurred by agency
What Records are Exempt from Disclosure?
Records exempt from disclosure by Washington State statute will be withheld. Common statutory exemptions include the following.
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Archaeological Site Records: Maps or other information identifying location of site or sites. [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.300]
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Preliminary Documents: Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memorandums in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended UNLESS cited publicly or within an official public record. [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.280]
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Personal Information: Information not related to disciplinary action or performance as a district employee (e.g., payroll records, examination questions, medical condition information, Social Security number, residence address, personal phone numbers, and personal e-mail addresses). [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.230, 42.56.250, 42.56.210(1)]
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Farm Plans: Farm plans developed by conservation districts, unless permission to release the farm plan is granted by the landowner or operator who requested the plan, and farm plans developed under chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington and not under the federal clean water act, 33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq. [Revised Code of Washington 42.56.270]
Where Can I Get More Information?
Email: wcd@whatcomcd.org
Telephone: 360-526-2381
Public Records Officer
Attn: Brandy Reed
Email: wcd.@whatcomcd.org
Telephone: 360-526-2381