King County hosts Maple Valley public workshop for shoreline management review, Feb. 13

A public workshop has been set for Feb. 13 in Maple Valley to provide interested citizens with an opportunity to learn about King County’s Shoreline Master Program update.

The workshop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Cedar River Middle School, 22615 Sweeney Rd. SE.

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. Counties and cities across the state are beginning their state-mandated program updates, including Snohomish and Pierce counties, and the cities of Bellevue and Auburn.

The Shoreline Program has not been significantly changed since adoption 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.

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. County officials have said that significant changes to existing environmental regulations are not expected as a result of this update.

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

The Web site also includes an online public comment form. Comments can be submitted in writing at the workshop, via e-mail at shorelines@metrokc.gov or through the comment line at 206-205-8090.