Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout138.Koehler, S.-OEC 5-3_SMP (71) Michelle McConnell From:Steve Koehler [skoehler@olympus.net] Sent:Monday, May 03, 2010 9:43 PM To:Stewart, Jeff R. (ECY) Subject:SMP Attachments:SMP letter to DOE.doc; ATT786871.txt Categories:LASMP Public Comment OEC's comments on the Jefferson County SMP are attached. 1 P.O. Box 2664, Sequim WA 98382 April 30, 2010 Mr. Jeffree Stewart, Regional Planner Washington State Department of Ecology P O Box 47775 Olympia WA 98504 RE: The Locally Approved Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program On behalf of the Olympic Environmental Council, we support Jefferson County’s locally approved Shoreline Master Program revision. For the past three and a half years, most of our member organizations and individual members have actively participated in the Department of Community Development out reach initiatives. We appreciate the scope and depth of citizen participation by community minded citizens and stake holders, and the elements approved by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners reflect a balanced approach to protecting private property and the needs to preserve, protect, and restore Puget Sound’s ecosystems. There are a number of elements we support in the SMP update: ? We concur with banning net pen fish farming in Jefferson County waters. ? We agree with the 150 foot buffer set back. The 150 foot setback is a moot issue because it is already in place in Jefferson County’s Critical Area Ordinance. ? The SMP provides multiple ways to facilitate buffer reduction based on the demonstration of no net loss to ecological functions and values. ? The SMP prohibition of all mining related activities on our Natural, Conservation, and Residential shoreline. ? We appreciate the extensive use of peer reviewed best available science in determining policy and regulations. Lastly, we appreciate the care and sensitivity exercised by the Board of County Commissioners in responding to the citizens of Jefferson County’s desire to preserve and protect our shorelines in a manner that demonstrates ecological stewardship for all the citizens of the state. We urge you to approve the locally approved SMP as it stands. Respectfully, Steve Koehler President, Olympic Environmental Council