Grays Harbor County Shoreline Master Program Update Our Heritage, Our Future Grays Harbor Master Builders January 9, 2012
Shoreline Management Act Passed in 1971 Purpose was to o Promote preferred uses along shorelines o Protect shoreline natural resources o Promote public access
Shoreline Management Act Applies to ‘shorelines of the state’: o All marine waters o Streams & rivers with mean annual flow of 20 cfs or greater o Lakes 20 acres or larger o Upland areas 200 feet from OHWM and associated wetlands
Shoreline Management Act ‘Preferred uses” are water- oriented: o Single-family residences o Ports, marinas o Shoreline recreational uses o Water dependent commerce & industry
Shoreline Management Act Balance of authority o County responsible for regulating shoreline development & use – Shoreline Master Program (SMP) o WDOE authority to review Shoreline Master Programs and certain types of permits
Shoreline Management Act Shoreline Master Program (SMP) o Implements Shoreline Management Act locally unique to our geography, economic, & environmental needs o Vision for future development & use of shorelines of the state o Goals, policies, regulations
Why Update the SMP? Required under Shoreline Management Act SMPs required to meet new Guidelines GHCo required to start in July 2013 and complete by June 2016 WDOE provides grant funds
Why Update the SMP? New under the guidelines: o Maintain current state of natural environment into the future (“no net loss”) o Plan for preferred uses based on current conditions & long-term needs o ID areas appropriate for public access o Plan for restoration o Balance statewide with local interests
SMP Update Process Three-year process Technical background documents o Shoreline Inventory, Analysis, & Characterization Report o Restoration Report
SMP Update Process Draft SMP Development o Goals, policies, & regulations o Cumulative Impact Analysis o No Net Loss Reports
SMP Update Process Local adoption State adoption
SMP Update Process Public participation required o Shoreline Planning Committee o Community workshops and open house events o Webpage (www. ghcsmp.org) o Public hearings (county & state)
What are your questions and concerns about the SMP update process?