Shoreline Master Program Update

Mr. Harry Reinert of the King County Department of Development & Environmental Services (DDES), discussed the update to King County’s Shoreline Master Program. King County has ~2,000 miles of shoreline along major lakes and rivers and Vashon Island. These shorelines provide important habitat for fish and wildlife, places for public enjoyment, and space for waterfront land uses. Per statute King County is currently re-evaluating its 30-yr-old Shoreline Master Program, as are all Washington’s 39 counties and over 200 cities.

In 1972, Washington voters approved the Shoreline Management Act by public referendum. The Shoreline Management Act has three goals: (1) Protect shoreline natural resources, (2) Promote public access; and (3)Encourage water-dependent uses. The Shoreline Management Act jurisdiction covers: Vashon Island marine shorelines; rivers with an annual average flow of 20 cubic feet per second (e.g., Cedar and Green Rivers) and associated 100-year floodplains; and lakes greater than 20 acres in size (e.g., Lake Desire) and abutting wetlands.

The first step in the process is a review of current shoreline conditions including ecology, public access, land use, and historic resources. Second, the current Shoreline Master Program goals, policies, and management standards, along with shoreline regulations, will be evaluated. In guiding its update Mr. Reinert emphasized the County is relying on existing regulations.

The County released the first draft of the Shoreline Master Program update on May 21 for public review and comment. To read the update visit any local King County library or go to www.metrokc.gov/shorelines. The draft includes a refinement of existing shoreline designations to better identify individual needs. The biggest proposed change relaxes prohibitions of docks and/or piers on affected shorelines.

First draft public comments, due June 22, can be submitted at www.metrokc.gov/shorelines/public-comment.aspx. Comments can also be e-mailed or mailed to: Attn: Shorelines Team King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks; 201 S. Jackson St.; Ste., 600; Seattle, WA 98117. Following review of public comments, a second draft will be developed and released this Fall. County Executive Sims will release a final proposal in March of 2008 for King County Council review and approval. The Shoreline Master Program Update is expected to be complete by the end of 2008. Mr. Reinert can be emailed or reached by phone at (206) 296-7132.

Rural Permit Coordinator

Ms. Joelyn Higgins, DDES’s new Rural Permit Coordinator, discussed this new service available to rural unincorporated area residents and business owners. This new service provides free non-fee-based assistance for people interested in navigating the King County permitting process. These include all DDES permits and Health Department permits. Ms. Higgins can be emailed or reached by phone at (206) 296-7159.

New Area Council Member

Ms. Beverly Tonda was appointed on an interim basis to fill an open position on the Area Council. Ms. Tonda is a long-time Maple Valley area resident who expressed her thanks to Area Council members for allowing her to serve the community. She will run for a regular position on the Area Council this November during our bi-annual elections.

Next Meeting

The Area Council meets on the first Monday of each month (except on legal holidays) in the conference room of Sheriff’s Precinct # 3 Headquarters (at 231^st St & SR-169 across from Fire Station). The public is invited to attend. Each meeting begins with an Open Comment period to allow the public to voice issues of concern. Our next regular monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 2, at 7:00 PM. Comments on Area Council business may be submitted to GMVAC, P.O. Box 101, Maple Valley, WA 98038, or to gmvac_chair@hotmail.com.