06:59 PM PDT on Monday, October 25, 2004

By CATHY KIYOMURA / KING 5 News

REDMOND, Wash. – The King County Council is dealing with a political hot potato. Council members are locked in a contentious debate over new proposals to restrict development on rural land to protect the environment.

But critics call it an illegal land grab and many rural property owners say they are ready to rumble.

"It's a sad day in this country when you are taking people's land with no justification," said landowner Doug Lapchis.

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Many rural landowners say no one should be able to tell them what to do with their property.

Rural landowners say they are against tough new restrictions contained in the CAO or the "Critical Areas Ordinances" now being considered by the King County Council.

Republicans on the council are lashing out against the ordinances.

"This is a full employment program for land-use attorneys," said David Irons, King County Council.

Backers say the ordinances are critical for salmon recovery in our region.

"We have proposed regulations that we believe are with the best available science to meet the Growth Management Act," said Stephanie Warden, Development & Environmental Services.

The ordinances say that rural residents with lots larger than 7 acres would have to leave 65 percent of their land in native vegetation when they develop, and buffers around rural streams and wetlands would see a large increase.

Edwina Johnston has 30 acres. It's her retirement nest egg.

"The chutzpa of them to come and just take your property without a good reason," she said.

Rural landowners say the fight won't be over if the ordinances become law as expected.

Democrats support the package of ordinances. They are in the majority on the council and passage is likely.

Critics predict a flurry of lawsuits once the new rules are adopted.