OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Ecology today announced its conditional approval of Jefferson County’s recently updated Shoreline Master Program.
Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant called the county’s work a landmark effort that will result in significant improvements in the protection, use, development and restoration of over 500 miles of shorelines and the water quality of many river, lake and stream shores in the county.
“I want to compliment Jefferson County for a job well done,” said Sturdevant. “The updated local shoreline program will help protect the economic and environmental health of our waters, including Puget Sound and Hood Canal. It will keep local beaches and stream banks safe from further erosion, increase flood protection and safeguard critical habitat for fish and wildlife.”
It’s also the first updated shoreline master program in the state that includes new provisions along shorelines in the Pacific coastal region, known as Jefferson County’s West End.
Ecology’s approval will become final once certain changes to the county’s plan are made. The county can accept Ecology’s required changes fully, or the county may suggest its own language changes, but that would require additional review and approval by Ecology.
Jefferson County is one of 37 local governments that have completed their updates. About 230 towns, cities and counties statewide are in the process or soon will be updating their master programs during the next few years, under the state’s voter-approved Shoreline Management Act.
“Jefferson County is pleased to have reached this important milestone after years of collective effort,” said John Austin, chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
