Rural Lands Analysis Survey

Kitsap County is launching a Rural Lands Analysis to build on the community engagement and conversations from the 2025 Year of the Rural. This analysis will help the County better understand the opportunities, challenges, and priorities that will shape the future of rural areas.

The project will look at current land use patterns, development pressures, working lands, natural resource protection, salmon recovery, and the elements that define rural character. Community input will play a key role in identifying priorities, evaluating possible future land use scenarios, and guiding recommendations for policies and actions that support a sustainable rural future.

Your feedback will help the County understand community values, landowner needs, and the opportunities and challenges involved in protecting rural and resource lands while supporting growth and vibrant rural communities.

Estimated Time: 10–15 minutes

Confidentiality: Survey responses will be summarized and reported in aggregate. Contact information will not appear in published results. Because individual responses to open‑ended questions will be shared, please refrain from including confidential or identifying information about yourself or others.

Survey Timeframe: July 8, 2026 – July 31, 2026

Section 1 – About You (Participant Type)

Please refer to the zoning map for rural zones Zoning_Map.pdf.

Question Title

* 1. Which best describes you? (Select all that apply)

Rural resident

Urban resident

Landowner

Renter

Agricultural producer, farmer, or rancher

Forest landowner or forestry professional

Commercial fisher

Recreational fisher

Tribal member or tribal representative

Property owner with a stream, wetland, or other waterbody

Property owner of a shoreline parcel

Environmental, habitat restoration, or conservation organization representative

Salmon recovery practitioner or watershed steward

Current business owner

Tourism, recreation, or outdoor recreation business/operator

Veterinarian, farrier, feed supplier, or equine service provider

Student

Educator or researcher

Local government staff or elected official

Planning, development, real estate, or construction professional

Community organization or neighborhood group representative

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. Which Commissioner District do you live in? Not sure? Check the Commissioner Map.

North Kitsap (District 1)

Central Kitsap (District 3)

South Kitsap (District 2)

I do not live in Kitsap County

Question Title

* 3. Which of these communities do you live nearest?

Question Title

* 4. How long have you lived at your current location?

0-3 years

4-10 years

11-20 years

20+ years

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* 5. Do you work in Kitsap County?

Yes

Other (please specify)

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* 6. What is your work status?

Working

Retired

Student

Looking for work

Other (please specify)

Section 2 – Rural Character

In 2025, the Comprehensive Plan was updated to include a new Rural and Resource Lands Chapter, expanding on content that was previously part of the Land Use Chapter. Both state and local planning recognize rural character as an essential element of managing rural and resource lands.

Through community outreach in 2025, Kitsap County developed the following vision and definition of rural character.

Rural Vision
Kitsap County’s vision is to protect rural areas and natural resource lands, including places of natural beauty, working agriculture and timber lands, community identity, and the overall rural character.

Rural Character
The definition below reflects both the Growth Management Act (GMA) and the values shared by community members in Kitsap County.

Rural Character Definition
In Kitsap County, rural character is defined by open spaces, working farms and forests, and views of water and landscapes that remain dominant over the built environment. Traditional rural lifestyles—such as farming, forestry, and outdoor recreation—are supported. Peace, privacy, and the natural rhythms of rural life are safeguarded. Communities maintain historic gathering spaces and social connections. Wildlife habitat, critical areas, and healthy ecosystems are protected to ensure resilience and coexistence with nature. Growth is carefully managed to prevent sprawl and urban encroachment, with development patterns and services aligned to rural needs. Water quality and quantity are protected, and the agricultural economy is supported through responsible stewardship and long‑term preservation of working lands (KCC 17.110.666).

Key elements of rural character include:

Preserving open space, natural landscapes, farmland, and vegetation so they remain dominant over the built environment, while maintaining views of water, forests, and territorial landscapes.

Supporting traditional rural lifestyles and rural‑based economies—including farming, horseback riding, and forestry—while protecting community identity and shared traditions.

Fostering quiet surroundings, low traffic volumes, dark skies, and natural rural sounds, while maintaining privacy and a tranquil environment.

Providing opportunities for community gathering spaces and encouraging social connection, while respecting individual independence.

Protecting and connecting wildlife corridors, fish and wildlife habitat, and other critical areas, while supporting healthy ecosystems and fire resilience.

Reducing the conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low‑density development and managing urban encroachment (including LAMIRDs) so growth remains consistent with rural character and values.

Maintaining rural development patterns that do not rely on urban‑level services, while still addressing safety and resilience needs such as fire protection and emergency access.

Safeguarding natural surface water flows, groundwater recharge, and discharge areas to ensure clean water and resilient hydrology.

Protecting and sustaining Kitsap’s working lands—essential to rural identity, economic stability, and environmental health—through sustainable practices, responsible management, and long‑term preservation.

Section 3 - Rural Lands Values, Challenges, and Solutions

Question Title

* 7. What changes have you observed in rural Kitsap County over the past 10 years?

	No Change	Slight Increase	Moderate Increase	Major Increase	Unsure
Increased residential development or subdivision of rural lands.	Increased residential development or subdivision of rural lands. No Change	Increased residential development or subdivision of rural lands. Slight Increase	Increased residential development or subdivision of rural lands. Moderate Increase	Increased residential development or subdivision of rural lands. Major Increase	Increased residential development or subdivision of rural lands. Unsure
Loss of open space, forests, or natural landscapes.	Loss of open space, forests, or natural landscapes. No Change	Loss of open space, forests, or natural landscapes. Slight Increase	Loss of open space, forests, or natural landscapes. Moderate Increase	Loss of open space, forests, or natural landscapes. Major Increase	Loss of open space, forests, or natural landscapes. Unsure
Loss of farmland or working forests.	Loss of farmland or working forests. No Change	Loss of farmland or working forests. Slight Increase	Loss of farmland or working forests. Moderate Increase	Loss of farmland or working forests. Major Increase	Loss of farmland or working forests. Unsure
Increased traffic or impacts from transportation demands.	Increased traffic or impacts from transportation demands. No Change	Increased traffic or impacts from transportation demands. Slight Increase	Increased traffic or impacts from transportation demands. Moderate Increase	Increased traffic or impacts from transportation demands. Major Increase	Increased traffic or impacts from transportation demands. Unsure
Changes in water availability or water quality.	Changes in water availability or water quality. No Change	Changes in water availability or water quality. Slight Increase	Changes in water availability or water quality. Moderate Increase	Changes in water availability or water quality. Major Increase	Changes in water availability or water quality. Unsure
Changes in fish, wildlife, or habitat conditions.	Changes in fish, wildlife, or habitat conditions. No Change	Changes in fish, wildlife, or habitat conditions. Slight Increase	Changes in fish, wildlife, or habitat conditions. Moderate Increase	Changes in fish, wildlife, or habitat conditions. Major Increase	Changes in fish, wildlife, or habitat conditions. Unsure
Increased recreation use or public access demands.	Increased recreation use or public access demands. No Change	Increased recreation use or public access demands. Slight Increase	Increased recreation use or public access demands. Moderate Increase	Increased recreation use or public access demands. Major Increase	Increased recreation use or public access demands. Unsure
Increased wildfire, climate, or other environmental risks.	Increased wildfire, climate, or other environmental risks. No Change	Increased wildfire, climate, or other environmental risks. Slight Increase	Increased wildfire, climate, or other environmental risks. Moderate Increase	Increased wildfire, climate, or other environmental risks. Major Increase	Increased wildfire, climate, or other environmental risks. Unsure
Increased habitat restoration and conservation efforts.	Increased habitat restoration and conservation efforts. No Change	Increased habitat restoration and conservation efforts. Slight Increase	Increased habitat restoration and conservation efforts. Moderate Increase	Increased habitat restoration and conservation efforts. Major Increase	Increased habitat restoration and conservation efforts. Unsure
No significant changes observed.	No significant changes observed. No Change	No significant changes observed. Slight Increase	No significant changes observed. Moderate Increase	No significant changes observed. Major Increase	No significant changes observed. Unsure

Question Title

* 8. Are there other significant changes you've observed in rural Kitsap County over the past 10 years? Please describe.

Values

Question Title

* 9. Which elements are most important to maintaining rural character in Kitsap County? (Select all that apply)

Working farms and forests

Large areas of open space and undeveloped land

Low-density residential development patterns

Rural landscapes and scenic views

Natural resource protection, including streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitat

Rural businesses and agricultural activities

Quiet roads and limited traffic

Community connections and rural lifestyles

Opportunities for outdoor recreation

Other (please specify)

Challenges and Opportunities

Question Title

* 10. In your opinion, how much does each of the following land use issues affect the long-term health of Kitsap County's working farms, working forests, and salmon habitat?

	No Impact	Minor Impact	Moderate Impact	Major Impact	Unsure
Rural residential development and parcel fragmentation	Rural residential development and parcel fragmentation No Impact	Rural residential development and parcel fragmentation Minor Impact	Rural residential development and parcel fragmentation Moderate Impact	Rural residential development and parcel fragmentation Major Impact	Rural residential development and parcel fragmentation Unsure
Conversion of farmland or forestland to other uses	Conversion of farmland or forestland to other uses No Impact	Conversion of farmland or forestland to other uses Minor Impact	Conversion of farmland or forestland to other uses Moderate Impact	Conversion of farmland or forestland to other uses Major Impact	Conversion of farmland or forestland to other uses Unsure
Water availability and water quality	Water availability and water quality No Impact	Water availability and water quality Minor Impact	Water availability and water quality Moderate Impact	Water availability and water quality Major Impact	Water availability and water quality Unsure
Habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors	Habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors No Impact	Habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors Minor Impact	Habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors Moderate Impact	Habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors Major Impact	Habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors Unsure
Shoreline and stream development	Shoreline and stream development No Impact	Shoreline and stream development Minor Impact	Shoreline and stream development Moderate Impact	Shoreline and stream development Major Impact	Shoreline and stream development Unsure
Roads and infrastructure expansion	Roads and infrastructure expansion No Impact	Roads and infrastructure expansion Minor Impact	Roads and infrastructure expansion Moderate Impact	Roads and infrastructure expansion Major Impact	Roads and infrastructure expansion Unsure
Invasive species and environmental degradation	Invasive species and environmental degradation No Impact	Invasive species and environmental degradation Minor Impact	Invasive species and environmental degradation Moderate Impact	Invasive species and environmental degradation Major Impact	Invasive species and environmental degradation Unsure
Economic challenges facing farming and forestry	Economic challenges facing farming and forestry No Impact	Economic challenges facing farming and forestry Minor Impact	Economic challenges facing farming and forestry Moderate Impact	Economic challenges facing farming and forestry Major Impact	Economic challenges facing farming and forestry Unsure
Climate change and natural hazards	Climate change and natural hazards No Impact	Climate change and natural hazards Minor Impact	Climate change and natural hazards Moderate Impact	Climate change and natural hazards Major Impact	Climate change and natural hazards Unsure

Question Title

* 11. Please describe land use issues not listed or add additional information.

Potential Solutions

Question Title

* 12. What programs, incentives, or County actions would best support forestry and agriculture working lands, salmon recovery, and rural land stewardship? (Select all that apply)

Financial incentives or grants for conservation, habitat restoration, and land stewardship

Voluntary land protection programs, such as conservation easements or Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)

Tax incentive programs for qualifying farms and forestlands

Technical assistance and education for landowners on forest, farm, and habitat management

Protect agricultural lands from conversion to non-agricultural uses

Protect forestlands from conversion to other uses

Restore and protect salmon habitat, including stream buffers, fish passage, and watershed connectivity

Support sustainable forestry practices and long-term forest health

Support agricultural businesses, including agritourism, value-added products, and access to local markets

Develop planning tools that support working lands, such as agricultural or forestry overlays

Streamline permitting for compatible rural, agricultural, and forestry uses

Provide greater flexibility for property owners to continue traditional rural land uses

Strengthen partnerships with Tribes, conservation organizations, agricultural organizations, and resource agencies

Other (please specify)

Future Priorities

Question Title

* 13. As Kitsap County grows and rural areas continue to change, which priorities should guide future rural land use decisions? (Select all that apply)

Direct higher-density growth toward Urban Growth Areas

Maintain existing rural densities and land use designations

Protect working farms and forests from conversion

Limit further fragmentation of rural lands

Ensure roads, water, septic systems, and emergency services can support development

Protect salmon habitat, watersheds, and critical areas

Maintain rural character and open space

Support rural economic opportunities, including agriculture and forestry

Balance private property rights with long-term resource conservation

Plan for climate resilience and natural hazards

Other (please specify)

Long-Term Vision

Question Title

* 14. Looking ahead 20 years, how important are the following outcomes for the future of rural Kitsap County?

	Not important	Somewhat Important	Very Important	Unsure
Working farms remain economically viable	Working farms remain economically viable Not important	Working farms remain economically viable Somewhat Important	Working farms remain economically viable Very Important	Working farms remain economically viable Unsure
Working forests continue to provide environmental and economic benefits	Working forests continue to provide environmental and economic benefits Not important	Working forests continue to provide environmental and economic benefits Somewhat Important	Working forests continue to provide environmental and economic benefits Very Important	Working forests continue to provide environmental and economic benefits Unsure
Salmon habitat and water quality are protected	Salmon habitat and water quality are protected Not important	Salmon habitat and water quality are protected Somewhat Important	Salmon habitat and water quality are protected Very Important	Salmon habitat and water quality are protected Unsure
Rural character and open space are maintained	Rural character and open space are maintained Not important	Rural character and open space are maintained Somewhat Important	Rural character and open space are maintained Very Important	Rural character and open space are maintained Unsure
Most new growth occurs within Urban Growth Areas	Most new growth occurs within Urban Growth Areas Not important	Most new growth occurs within Urban Growth Areas Somewhat Important	Most new growth occurs within Urban Growth Areas Very Important	Most new growth occurs within Urban Growth Areas Unsure
Rural infrastructure supports existing and future communities	Rural infrastructure supports existing and future communities Not important	Rural infrastructure supports existing and future communities Somewhat Important	Rural infrastructure supports existing and future communities Very Important	Rural infrastructure supports existing and future communities Unsure
Property owners have opportunities to use and steward their land	Property owners have opportunities to use and steward their land Not important	Property owners have opportunities to use and steward their land Somewhat Important	Property owners have opportunities to use and steward their land Very Important	Property owners have opportunities to use and steward their land Unsure
Agriculture, forestry, and other rural businesses remain important parts of the economy	Agriculture, forestry, and other rural businesses remain important parts of the economy Not important	Agriculture, forestry, and other rural businesses remain important parts of the economy Somewhat Important	Agriculture, forestry, and other rural businesses remain important parts of the economy Very Important	Agriculture, forestry, and other rural businesses remain important parts of the economy Unsure
Rural communities remain vibrant places to live and work	Rural communities remain vibrant places to live and work Not important	Rural communities remain vibrant places to live and work Somewhat Important	Rural communities remain vibrant places to live and work Very Important	Rural communities remain vibrant places to live and work Unsure

Question Title

* 15. What can we do to protect our rural and resource lands - that make this a wonderful place to work, play, and live - like farms, forest, and fish, while meeting the needs of a growing population?

Section 4 –Demographics

This information is optional, but helps us understand the perspective of the person completing the survey.

Question Title

* 16. Which category best describes you? (Check all that apply)

White (Eg: German, Irish, English, Italian, Polish, French, etc.)

Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin (Eg: Mexican or Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran, Dominican, Colombian, etc.)

Black or African American (Eg: African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Somalian, etc.)

Asian (Eg: Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, etc.)

American Indian or Alaska Native (Eg: Squaxin Island Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Skokomish Tribe, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, etc.)

Middle Eastern or North African (Eg: Lebanese, Iranian, Egyptian, Syrian, Moroccan, Algerian, etc.)

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (Eg: Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian, etc.)

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 17. Educational Attainment (Choose one)

High school or equivalent degree

Some college, no degree

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Graduate or professional degree

Section 5 – Optional

If you’re comfortable, feel free to leave your contact information so we can follow up with you.

Rural Lands Analysis Survey

Question Title

* 1. Which best describes you? (Select all that apply)

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* 2. Which Commissioner District do you live in? Not sure? Check the Commissioner Map.

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* 3. Which of these communities do you live nearest?

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* 4. How long have you lived at your current location?

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* 5. Do you work in Kitsap County?

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* 6. What is your work status?

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* 7. What changes have you observed in rural Kitsap County over the past 10 years?

Question Title

* 8. Are there other significant changes you've observed in rural Kitsap County over the past 10 years? Please describe.

Question Title

* 9. Which elements are most important to maintaining rural character in Kitsap County? (Select all that apply)

Question Title

* 10. In your opinion, how much does each of the following land use issues affect the long-term health of Kitsap County's working farms, working forests, and salmon habitat?

Question Title

* 11. Please describe land use issues not listed or add additional information.

Question Title

* 12. What programs, incentives, or County actions would best support forestry and agriculture working lands, salmon recovery, and rural land stewardship? (Select all that apply)

Question Title

* 13. As Kitsap County grows and rural areas continue to change, which priorities should guide future rural land use decisions? (Select all that apply)

Question Title

* 14. Looking ahead 20 years, how important are the following outcomes for the future of rural Kitsap County?

Question Title

* 15. What can we do to protect our rural and resource lands - that make this a wonderful place to work, play, and live - like farms, forest, and fish, while meeting the needs of a growing population?

Question Title

* 16. Which category best describes you? (Check all that apply)

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* 17. Educational Attainment (Choose one)

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* 18. Name

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* 19. Address

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* 20. Email

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* 21. Phone