Some 800 rural residents have received surveys asking how they think the bucolic land should best be used, the county’s Planning and Community Development Department said last week.

Two hundred surveys were randomly mailed on Sept. 8 to rural addresses on north, central and south Whidbey, as well as on Camano Island. The survey asks questions about rural character, quality of life and rural land uses.

The responses will be used to inform discussions at four public meetings on how to define rural character, to be held in October. The ultimate objective is to better shape the county’s comprehensive plan, which guides how it should grow over the next 20 years.

Comments on the topic may also be submitted to CompPlan@co.island.wa.us.

The Whidbey Island public meetings will be held at the following dates and times:

l 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Coupeville Public Library, 788 N.W. Alexander Street

l 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Oak Harbor Public Library, 1000 S.E. Regatta Drive

l 5-7 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 27, South Whidbey Elementary Community Room, 5380 Maxwelton Road, Langley