Shoreline Master Programs

Spokane County has 730 miles of shoreline - and at times, it seems that development, greed, and ecological disregard lurks around every corner threatening to harm those shoreline miles.  That’s why when an opportunity like the following arises, it’s absolutely critical to act on it.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is holding a public comment period in regard to the Shoreline Master Programs in which, YOU, can voice your opinion on how future development is handled,  where habitat improvements will be made, and whether it is a water-dependent use, public access, or habitat protection you value.

Written comments will be accepted through October 2, 2009 at dpin461@ecy.wa.gov or Ecology’s Spokane office: 4601 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99205.  Comments should be addressed to the attention of “Spokane County SMP.”
In addition, you can attend a public workshop and hearing at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Spokane Community College, Building 6, Sasquatch Room, 1810 N. Green St., Spokane.

The Shoreline Master Programs are the vehicles for which shorelines are protected under the Shoreline Management Act defined as, “the comprehensive use plan for a described area, and the use regulations together with maps, diagrams, charts, or other descriptive material and text, a statement of desired goals, and standards.”

According to Ecology, they [Shoreline Master Programs] are written to help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses and reduce interference with the public’s access to water.”

In a letter sent recently from Ecology, they state that Shoreline Master Programs must lead to:
• Improving water quality and habitat protection through regulations that apply to all shorelines in Spokane County.
• Protecting riparian and upland vegetation in shorelines.
• Minimizing the proliferation of docks and piers.
• Using bioengineering techniques to stabilize eroding shorelines.
• Restoration work to coordinate voluntary measures to rehabilitate shorelines to improve their natural character and ecological function.

In many communities, a comprehensive update has not been done in 30 years.

That’s why it’s absolutely imperative that you take this opportunity to weigh in.  Write ecology and tell them you want stronger protections for the Spokane River.  Tell them you want increased access, and make it a point to say that though the Spokane River at times can seem divided because it flows through two states, several urban to rural areas, and is disrupted by several dams, that it should be treated as one, 111-mile stretch and that access decisions should be limited to jurisdictions.