Frequently asked questions

  1. Rural King CountyI am interested in learning more about the trees on my property and possible management or harvesting of my forested parcel, where can I go for help? Browse the King County Forestry Program Web site.

  2. I want to get involved in my rural area, what avenues are available to me? Several areas of unincorporated King County have "Unincorporated Area Councils" that provide information to residents about issues affecting their quality of life. For example, the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council is charged with working to preserve the rural nature of Vashon-Maury Island. To find out more about the Unincorporated Area Councils visit the Department of Community and Human Services. The Councils are listed at the bottom of the page in the right hand column.

  3. I want to open a home-based business, where do I turn for help? The United States small business centers provide information on home-based businesses and is a good place to start. You should also check with your local community colleges about their programs. Green River has an extensive small business assistance program with classes, helpful information, and resources. Highline Community College has a program called Business counseling with a Business Development Specialist.

  4. How do I start farming? Your best resource here in the FarmLink Program which matches up farmers with property owners who want to lease or sell land for farming. You can also get more information on farming from the county's Agricultural Program.

  5. Where is the closest farmers market? Where I can pick fruits or vegetables? The best resource in the Puget Sound Region is Puget Sound Fresh. This site will tell you about where the farmers markets are located, their dates and hours of operation and where you can find any crop grown in the region and if the farm has U-pick or a farm stand.

  6. I am interested in making jams, sauces, or other value-added products, but need a larger kitchen with the right equipment. Where can I find out information about where to go? You have two resources for information on agricultural kitchens (often called commercial kitchens, especially for catering purposes). You can contact either the Agriculture Program or the Rural Economic Strategies Program. These two programs are working together with numerous individuals and organizations to explore options for providing agricultural kitchens in the rural areas of King County.

  7. Where can I find information about parks and trails that are in my area? View a list of King County parks or download trail maps.

  8. Where can I find information about garbage drop-off centers and recycling choices? All of the latest news on solid waste facilities and recycling options is available on our Web site.

  9. Where is the best place to find updated information on flooding, including road closures and other emergency information? Visit the King County Flood Warning System's emergency information site.

  10. I'm interested in learning more about King County's Transfer of Development Rights program - where can I get more information? All the details about our award-winning TDR program are available online.

  11. Where's the best source of information for learning more about which plants I should use in my yard? King County's Water and Land Resources Division has created an online Northwest Native Plant Guide, which will help residents throughout the region make the right choices when it comes to landscaping.