Shoreline management review launched in King County

The public is encouraged to participate in a state-mandated review of King County's program that manages marine areas, lakes and streams in unincorporated areas.

King County is in the first stages of updating its Shoreline Master Program, a set of policies and regulations that determines how major shorelines are managed. Other counties and cities across the state are beginning their program updates, including Snohomish, Pierce and Spokane counties, and the cities of Bellevue, Everett and Auburn.

Four public workshops have been scheduled in February to give interested citizens opportunities to learn more about the Shoreline Master Program update, state requirements, and existing shoreline conditions.

The Shoreline Program has not been significantly changed since it was adopted in 1978. The update is required by the Shoreline Management Act, and the Washington Department of Ecology must approve any changes to King County's Shoreline Master Program.

"Our first step in this two-year process is to listen to residents, and that's why we're scheduling workshops throughout the county, and providing a number of ways to receive feedback and keep the public informed," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We want to hear from the public -- particularly from shoreline property owners – to evaluate existing conditions and determine our goals and standards for shoreline management."

"King County already has comprehensive environmental regulations that apply to shoreline areas, and we will rely on those existing regulations as much as possible to meet the state's Shoreline Master Program update requirements," said Stephanie Warden, director of King County's Department of Development and Environmental Services. "We don't expect significant changes to environmental regulations as a result of this update."

The program's goals are set by state law and include protecting natural resources, increasing public access to shorelines and encouraging businesses such as marinas along the waterfront. King County's program applies only to unincorporated areas.

King County has launched a new Web site, http://www.metrokc.gov/shorelines/, to provide citizens with a wide range of information about the Shoreline Master Program update. The site includes a recently completed draft inventory and analysis of the existing shoreline conditions, plus interactive maps for viewing results.

"Healthy shorelines have multiple benefits for the people of our region," Sims said. "Clean water, abundant native species and a strong economy all result from protecting our shorelines. This review will also help King County do its part to recover Puget Sound, as Governor Gregoire recently outlined."

King County has established an online form, http://www.metrokc.gov/shorelines/, where the public can comment on the Shoreline Master Program update. Written public comment will also be taken at the February meetings, via e-mail at shorelines@metrokc.gov or through the comment line at 206-205-8090.

The draft King County Shorelines Technical Appendix, a report describing existing shorelines conditions, will also be made available in public libraries.

Public meeting schedule
All meetings are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For driving directions, call the phone number listed with each location.

Feb. 5
Tolt Middle School
3740 Tolt Ave.
Carnation
425-844-4600

Feb. 7
Enumclaw High School
226 Semanski St. S
Enumclaw
360-802-7669

Feb. 13
Cedar River Middle School
22615 Sweeney Rd. SE
Maple Valley
425-413-5400

Feb. 15
McMurray Middle School
9329 SW Cemetery Rd.
Vashon Island
206-463-9168