County collects shoreline visions

The marine shorelines, coastal lagoons and large freshwater lakes in Island County are all undergoing an evaluation to ensure that development, uses and activities in these areas comply with the 2003 shoreline management guidelines for the Washington State Shoreline Management Act.

The original Island County Shoreline Management Master Program was established in 1976 and was last amended in 2001. Much has changed since the first shoreline program and it is time to take a fresh look to determine if Island County’s shoreline regulations are still meeting the needs of county residents and visitors, as well as the goals of the SMA.  The three broad goals of the SMA are: protecting the environment, providing opportunities for public access, and supporting water-oriented uses of the shoreline.

Island County invites the public to come and share perspectives and experience at a series of upcoming Shoreline Community Visioning Meetings.  The meetings will be held in three different locations in the county.  Please attend the one location and time that is most convenient for you.

• South Whidbey Shoreline Community Visioning, Clinton Community Hall, 6411 Central Ave., 5 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 15.

• North Whidbey Shoreline Community Visioning, Coupeville Recreation Center, 901 NW Alexander St., 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 21.

• Camano Island Shoreline Community Visioning, 806 Arrowhead Rd., Tuesday, March 29, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The meeting wills include an open house to present shoreline inventory information, as well as a workshop to discuss local shoreline issues and come up with a vision for the future. Contact kstewart@co.island.wa.us.

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.